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2 Peter 2:20

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Peter 2:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For 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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For 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.
2 Peter 2:20 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Peter 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17These are springs without water, and mists driven by a storm; for whom the blackness of darkness hath been reserved.
18For, uttering great swelling [words] of vanity, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by lasciviousness, those who are just escaping from them that live in error;
19promising them liberty, while they themselves are bondservants of corruption; for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he also brought into bondage.
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.
21For 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.
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.
← 2 Peter 2:192 Peter 2:21 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world, etc.] The sins of it, the governing vices of it, which the men of the world are addicted to, and immersed in; for the whole world lies in wickedness, and which are of a defiling nature: the phrase is Rabbinical; it is said f39, “he that studies not in the law in this world, but is defiled aml[ ypwnjb, “with the pollutions of the world”, what is written of him? and they took him, and cast him without:” these, men may escape, abstain from, and outwardly reform, with respect unto, and yet be destitute of the grace of God; so that this can be no instance of the final and total apostasy of real saints; for the house may be swept and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“after they--the seducers "themselves" have escaped (Pe2 2:19; see on Heb 6:4-6). pollutions--which bring "corruption" (Pe2 2:19). through--Greek, "in." knowledge--Greek, "full and accurate knowledge." the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ--solemnly expressing in full the great and gracious One from whom they fall. latter end is worse . . . than the beginning--Peter remembers Christ's words. "Worse" stands opposed to "better" (Pe2 2:21).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world - This does not necessarily mean that they had been true Christians, and had fallen from grace. People may outwardly reform, and escape from the open corruptions which prevail around them, or which they had themselves practiced, and still have no true grace at heart. Through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesses Christ - Neither does This imply that they were true Christians, or that they had ever had any saving knowledge of the Redeemer. There is a knowledge of the doctrines and duties of religion which may lead sinners to abandon their outward vices, which has no connection with saving grace. They may profess religion, and…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For if after they - Who are thus ensnared. Have escaped the pollutions of the world - The sins which pollute all who know not God. Through the knowledge of Christ - That is, through faith in him, Pe2 1:3. They are again entangled therein, and overcome, their last state is worse than the first - More inexcusable, and causing a greater damnation. 2 Peter 2:21”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“2:20 they are worse off than before: The false teachers or their followers had known the truth, but their deliberate rejection of that truth put them in a far worse situation than when they ignorantly lived in sin.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“after: Mat 12:43-45; Luk 11:24-26; Heb 6:4-8, Heb 10:26, Heb 10:27 escaped: Pe2 2:18, Pe2 1:4 through: Pe2 1:2 the latter: Num 24:20; Deu 32:29; Phi 3:19 2 Peter 2:21”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification