¶ But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
But {G1161} chiefly {G3122} them that walk {G4198} after {G3694} the flesh {G4561} in {G1722} the lust {G1939} of uncleanness {G3394}, and {G2532} despise {G2706} government {G2963}. Presumptuous {G5113} are they, selfwilled {G829}, they are not {G3756} afraid {G5141} to speak evil {G987} of dignities {G1391}.
especially those who follow their old natures in lust for filth and who despise authority.
Presumptuous and self-willed, these false teachers do not tremble at insulting angelic beings;
Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings.
but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise dominion. Daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at dignities:
-
Jude 1:16
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. -
Jude 1:10
But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. -
Exodus 22:28
Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people. -
Jude 1:18
How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. -
Romans 1:24
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: -
Romans 1:27
And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. -
2 Peter 3:3
¶ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
Context
This verse is part of Peter's strong warning against false teachers who infiltrate the Christian community, a central theme of 2 Peter chapter 2. Peter describes their character, methods, and the certain judgment awaiting them. Verse 10 specifically hones in on the most egregious of these individuals, detailing their moral depravity and rebellious spirit, building upon the previous verses that illustrate God's historical judgments against sin and unrighteousness (e.g., the angels who sinned, the antediluvian world, and Sodom and Gomorrah).
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "lust of uncleanness" comes from the Greek epithymia miasmou, indicating a strong desire for defilement or impurity. "Despise government" translates kataphronountas kyriotētos, literally "despising dominion" or "lordship," emphasizing their contempt for any form of authority. The term "dignities" is from doxas, meaning "glories" or "majesties," which in this context likely refers to exalted beings, possibly good angels or even high human officials, whom they irreverently slander. This parallels the description in Jude 1:8, which speaks of those who "despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities."
Related Scriptures
The characteristics of these false teachers are echoed elsewhere in Scripture. Their tendency to "walk after the flesh" is a theme found in Paul's writings, contrasting with living by the Spirit. Their rebellion against authority is not only seen in Jude 1:8, but also stands in stark contrast to the biblical command to submit to governing authorities. The presumptuousness and self-will described here are also seen in other warnings against pride and defiance throughout the Old and New Testaments.
Practical Application
This verse serves as a powerful warning for believers today. It calls for:
Understanding these characteristics helps believers guard against deception and live lives that honor God and His established order.