2 Peter 2:21
What does 2 Peter 2:21 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Peter 2:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Peter 2:21 means
It would have been better never to have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered. Knowledge brings responsibility. To abandon the path once embraced is to insult the light received and to harden the heart against truth. Peter’s language is meant to shock, not to breed despair: it is a bright red warning sign to keep walking in the path God has shown. The “holy commandment” signals that the gospel calls to a consecrated life, not a return to the world’s defilements.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For it would have been better for them to have had no knowledge of the way of righteousness, than to go back again from the holy law which was given to them, after having knowledge of it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for it were better to them not to have acknowledged the way of the righteousness, than having acknowledged <FI>it<Fi> , to turn back from the holy command delivered to them,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For it had been better for them not to have known the way of justice than, after they have known it, to turn back from that holy commandment which was delivered to them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known [it] to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.
Context
This verse heightens the seriousness of relapse by contrasting ignorance with willful turning back. It underlines why the false teachers are so dangerous: they catalyze this very reversal in those who had begun on the right path. To drive the point home, Peter will close in verse 22 with two proverbs that picture such a return to corruption in graphic, unforgettable images, sealing the chapter’s warning with a vivid summary.
v.20For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first.
v.21This passage
v.22It has happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog turning to his own vomit again, and the sow that had washed to wallowing in the mire.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 9:41
Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye would have no sin: but now ye say, We see: your sin remaineth.
- Hebrews 6:4
For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,
- Proverbs 12:28
In the way of righteousness is life; And in the pathway thereof there is no death.
- Luke 12:47
And that servant, who knew his lord’s will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes;
- Ezekiel 3:20
Again, when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteous deeds which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thy hand.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:2
For ye know what charge we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
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