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2 Peter 2:21

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Peter 2:21 say?

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

The verse

For 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.
2 Peter 2:21 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Peter 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.
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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 it had been better for them, etc.] Not that ignorance is good, or to be excused; but it would have been a lesser evil, and not so much aggravated: not to have known the way of righteousness; the same with “the way of truth”, (<610202>2 Peter 2:2), and “the right way”, (<610215>2 Peter 2:15), the Gospel, which points out the way and method of a sinner's justification before God, which is not by the works of the law, but by the righteousness of Christ imputed to them, and received by faith; and which teaches men to live soberly, righteously, and godly; and a large, notional, though not an experimental knowledge, these apostates had of the word and doctrine of righteousness, and indeed of…”
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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
“the way of righteousness--"the way of truth" (Pe2 2:2). Christian doctrine, and "the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour." turn--back again; so the Greek. from the holy commandment--the Gospel which enjoins holiness; in opposition to their corruption. "Holy," not that it makes holy, but because it ought to be kept inviolate [TITTMANN]. delivered--once for all; admitting no turning back.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For it had been better for them ... - Compare the notes at Matthew 26:24. It would have been better for them, for: (1)Then they would not have dishonored the cause of religion as they have now done; (2)They would not have sunk so deep in profligacy as they now have; and, (3)They would not have incurred so aggravated a condemnation in the world of woe. If people are resolved on being wicked, they had better never pretend to be good. If they are to be cast off at last, it had better not be as apostates from the cause of virtue and religion. return to 'Top of Page'”
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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
“The commandment - The whole law of God, once not only delivered to their ears, but written in their hearts. 2 Peter 2:22”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“it had: Mat 11:23, Mat 11:24; Luk 12:47; Joh 9:41, Joh 15:22 the way: Pro 12:28, Pro 16:31; Mat 21:32 to turn: Psa 36:3, Psa 36:4, Psa 125:5; Eze 3:20, Eze 18:24, Eze 23:13; Zep 1:6 holy: Rom 7:12; Th1 4:2 2 Peter 2:22”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification