2 Peter 2:17-22

¹⁷ “These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. ¹⁸ For, while speaking out arrogant words of no value they entice by fleshly desires, by indecent behavior, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, ¹⁹ promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what anyone is overcome, by this he is enslaved.²⁰ For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. ²¹ For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. ²² It has happened to them according to the true proverb, ‘A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.’”

Verse 17: Peter describes the false teachers as springs without water and mists driven by a storm. This imagery emphasizes their emptiness and lack of substance. The blackest darkness being reserved for them signifies the judgment that awaits those who deceive others and distort the truth.

Verse 18: Peter highlights the deceptive tactics of the false teachers, who use empty and boastful words to entice people. They appeal to the lustful desires of the flesh, targeting those who have recently escaped from the grip of worldly influences. This serves as a warning against being swayed by the enticing words of those who distort the truth.

Verse 19: Peter exposes the hypocrisy of the false teachers, who promise freedom to others while being slaves to their own depravity. This emphasizes the bondage that comes from being mastered by sinful desires. It is a reminder to be cautious of those who claim to offer freedom but are themselves enslaved to sin. Only in Christ are we set free from evil desires and given brand new desires.

Verse 20: Peter warns that if individuals who have known the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and have escaped the corruption of the world become entangled in it again and are overcome by it, they are in a worse state than they were before. This highlights the danger of turning away from the truth and returning to a life of sin. It serves as a reminder to hold fast to our faith in Christ and not be enticed back into the ways of the world.

Verse 21: Peter emphasizes that it would have been better for these false teachers to have never known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then turned their backs on it. This underscores the seriousness of their actions and the consequences they will face for rejecting the truth. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to the teachings of Christ.

Verse 22: Peter quotes proverbs that illustrate the foolishness of those who, like a dog returning to its vomit or a washed sow returning to wallow in the mud, go back to their sinful ways after experiencing a temporary cleansing. This imagery emphasizes the futility and self-destructive nature of returning to a life of sin after having tasted the goodness of God.