2 Peter 2:10

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 2:10 sharpens the apostle's condemnation of false teachers, singling out those whose moral depravity and rebellious spirit are most pronounced. These individuals are characterized by their indulgence in fleshly desires, particularly those associated with impurity, and a profound disdain for all forms of authority, both human and divine. Their arrogance manifests as a presumptuous and self-willed attitude, leading them to fearlessly revile even exalted spiritual beings or established powers. This verse highlights the extreme danger these teachers pose, rooted in their defiance of God's order and their embrace of unbridled sensuality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal point in Peter's urgent warning against false teachers, which dominates [2 Peter chapter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter - Warning Against False Teachers"). Having established the certainty of God's judgment against unrighteousness through historical examples (fallen angels, the flood, Sodom and Gomorrah in [2 Peter 2:4-9](/2_peter/2-4-9 "God's Judgment on the Unrighteous")), Peter now transitions to a detailed description of these specific false teachers. Verse 10 builds upon the general characteristics introduced in [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "False Teachers and Their Destructive Heresies"), intensifying the portrayal of their depravity and rebellion. It serves as a bridge, leading into further descriptions of their destructive practices and ultimate doom in the verses that follow ([2 Peter 2:11-22](/2_peter/2-11-22 "Further Description and Judgment of False Teachers")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter wrote to Christians facing internal threats from deceptive teachers who likely blended pagan philosophical ideas or Gnostic tendencies with Christian terminology, leading to antinomian (anti-law) behavior. The emphasis on "lust of uncleanness" and despising "government" and "dignities" reflects a common challenge in the Greco-Roman world where moral laxity often accompanied spiritual claims, and where some philosophical schools encouraged a disregard for societal norms. The concept of "dignities" (Greek: *doxas*) could refer to human authorities (like magistrates or church leaders) or, more likely given the parallel with [Jude 1:8](/jude/1-8 "Jude 1:8 - Despising Dominion and Speaking Evil of Dignities"), to angelic beings, both good and evil, who held positions of spiritual authority or power in the cosmic order. Slandering such beings was considered a grave offense, even by some pagan standards, and certainly within Jewish and early Christian thought.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes within [2 Peter](/2_peter "The Second Epistle of Peter - Warnings and Encouragement"). Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Moral Corruption and Sensuality**, portraying these false teachers as enslaved to their base desires, contrasting sharply with the call for believers to pursue holiness and escape the corruption of the world ([2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "Partakers of the Divine Nature")). Secondly, it highlights **Rebellion Against Authority**, revealing their inherent contempt for any form of established order, whether human or divine. This theme is crucial as it challenges the very fabric of communal and spiritual life. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Arrogance and Self-Will**, describing them as "presumptuous" and "selfwilled," traits that stand in direct opposition to the humility and submission required of true disciples of Christ, as seen throughout Peter's writings and the New Testament generally (e.g., [1 Peter 5:5-6](/1_peter/5-5-6 "Humility and Submission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **chiefly (Greek, _málista'_):** This adverb means "most (in the greatest degree) or particularly." Its inclusion here indicates that while Peter is condemning false teachers generally, this specific group is the most egregious, the worst of the lot. Their characteristics are not merely incidental flaws but defining, extreme aspects of their depravity, making them a primary focus of Peter's warning.
* **presumptuous (Greek, _tolmētḗs'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to dare" or "to be bold," *tolmētḗs* describes a daring or audacious person. In this context, it carries a negative connotation, implying an insolent boldness, an arrogant recklessness that disregards proper boundaries and respect. It speaks to their audacity in challenging established norms and authorities without fear or reverence.
* **dignities (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From the base of *dokeō* (to seem, to think), *dóxa* primarily means "glory" or "honor." In this specific context, it refers to "exalted beings" or "majestic ones," which are often understood to be angelic powers, whether good or evil, or potentially even high human authorities. The false teachers are not afraid to "speak evil" (blaspheme, revile) these glorious or exalted beings, demonstrating their utter lack of reverence and their boundless arrogance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness":** This clause identifies the primary target of Peter's condemnation. "Walk after the flesh" signifies a life governed by sinful human nature and its desires, rather than by the Spirit. The phrase "in the lust of uncleanness" specifies the particular nature of their fleshly indulgence: a strong, insatiable craving for moral defilement and impurity. This highlights their deep-seated moral corruption and sensuality as a defining characteristic.
* **"and despise government.":** This describes their rebellious attitude towards authority. "Government" (Greek: *kyriotēs*) refers to "mastery" or "dominion," indicating any form of established rule or lordship. These individuals show contempt and disdain for such authority, refusing to acknowledge or submit to it, whether it be civil, ecclesiastical, or even divine/angelic.
* **"Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled,":** These two adjectives further define their character. "Presumptuous" (Greek: *tolmētēs*) denotes an arrogant, daring boldness, a reckless insolence. "Selfwilled" (Greek: *authadēs*) means "self-pleasing" or "arrogant," indicating someone who is stubborn, obstinate, and determined to follow their own desires and opinions, regardless of God's will or the welfare of others. These traits underscore their pride and unteachability.
* **"they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.":** This final clause illustrates the extreme extent of their rebellion and arrogance. "To speak evil" (Greek: *blasphēmeō*) means to slander, revile, or blaspheme. "Dignities" (Greek: *doxas*) refers to glorious or exalted beings, likely angelic powers (as in [Jude 1:8](/jude/1-8 "Jude 1:8 - Despising Dominion and Speaking Evil of Dignities")). The phrase "not afraid" emphasizes their utter lack of reverence or fear, even when confronting powers greater than themselves, demonstrating their audacious and unbridled insolence.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several literary devices to powerfully convey his condemnation. The primary device is **Characterization**, where Peter paints a vivid and damning portrait of these false teachers through a series of descriptive adjectives and actions. The use of the adverb "chiefly" acts as an **Intensifier**, singling out this group as the most reprehensible. There is clear **Parallelism** in the enumeration of their vices: moral corruption ("lust of uncleanness") is paired with rebellious actions ("despise government," "speak evil of dignities"), and their internal character ("presumptuous," "selfwilled") directly fuels their external behaviors. The stark contrast between their base conduct and the "dignities" they revile creates a powerful **Juxtaposition**, highlighting their profound irreverence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with broader biblical themes concerning the nature of sin, the importance of authority, and the dangers of pride. The "walk after the flesh" directly opposes the Spirit-led life, a fundamental theological tension explored throughout the New Testament. Their contempt for "government" and "dignities" reveals a rejection of divine order and established hierarchies, reflecting a rebellion against God himself, who is the ultimate source of all authority. The traits of being "presumptuous" and "selfwilled" are manifestations of pride, which Scripture consistently identifies as a root sin that leads to destruction, setting oneself up against God. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the corrupting power of unchecked desires and the destructive nature of insubordination.

* [Jude 1:8](/jude/1-8 "Jude 1:8 - Despising Dominion and Speaking Evil of Dignities")
* [Romans 8:5-8](/romans/8-5-8 "Romans 8:5-8 - Living by the Spirit vs. the Flesh")
* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's strong words in 2 Peter 2:10 offer timeless warnings and calls to spiritual vigilance for believers today. We are challenged to cultivate discernment, recognizing that spiritual dangers often arise from within the community, cloaked in deceptive teachings that appeal to fleshly desires and foster a spirit of rebellion. This verse calls us to a radical commitment to personal holiness, resisting the pervasive "lust of uncleanness" that seeks to defile our minds and bodies, and instead pursuing purity in thought, word, and deed. Furthermore, it reminds us of the divine institution of authority, whether in civil government, the church, or even the spiritual realm, urging us to cultivate a spirit of respect and submission where appropriate, rather than arrogant disdain. Ultimately, this passage is a summons to humility, recognizing our dependence on God and His established order, and guarding against the self-willed pride that characterized these destructive false teachers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "walking after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness" manifest in contemporary society or even within Christian circles?**
* **How can believers cultivate a healthy respect for legitimate authority (civil, church, family) while also maintaining a prophetic voice against injustice?**
* **What are the subtle signs of "presumptuousness" and "self-will" in our own lives, and how can we counter them with humility and submission to Christ?**
* **How does our reverence for God impact our attitude towards those He has placed in positions of authority, even imperfect ones?**

### FAQ
**What does "despise government" mean in this context?**

Answer: In 2 Peter 2:10, "despise government" (Greek: *kataphronountas kyriotētos*) means to show contempt for or disdain for "dominion" or "lordship." This refers to any form of established authority or rule. While it can include civil governments, in the broader context of Peter's and Jude's warnings, it often extends to spiritual authorities, including angelic beings or even the divine order itself. The false teachers' arrogance leads them to reject any form of oversight or submission, viewing themselves as above all rule. This contrasts sharply with the New Testament's general call for believers to submit to governing authorities as ordained by God ([Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")) and to respect spiritual leadership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The rebellious and self-willed nature of the false teachers described in 2 Peter 2:10 stands in stark contrast to the perfect obedience and humble submission of Jesus Christ. While these individuals "walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness," Christ was entirely pure and undefiled, the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who knew no sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Unlike those who "despise government" and "speak evil of dignities," Jesus perfectly submitted to His Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")), thereby establishing the ultimate divine authority. He is the one who, far from speaking evil of "dignities," is himself exalted above all rule and authority, power and dominion ([Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20-21 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ's Exaltation")). The presumptuousness and self-will of the false teachers are diametrically opposed to Christ's humility, who came not to be served but to serve ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). In Christ, we find the true pattern of submission, purity, and reverence for God's established order, offering a complete and redemptive antithesis to the destructive path of these condemned individuals.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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,