2 Peter 2:13

KJV

And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

KJV (with Strong's)

And shall receive {G2865} the reward {G3408} of unrighteousness {G93}, as they that count {G2233} it pleasure {G2237} to riot {G5172} in {G1722} the day time {G2250}. Spots {G4696} they are and {G2532} blemishes {G3470}, sporting themselves {G1792} with {G1722} their own {G846} deceivings {G539} while they feast {G4910} with you {G5213};

Complete Jewish Bible

they will be paid back harm as wages for the harm they are doing.

Their idea of pleasure is carousing in broad daylight; they are spots and defects reveling in their deceptions as they share meals with you —

Berean Standard Bible

The harm they will suffer is the wages of their wickedness. They consider it a pleasure to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deception as they feast with you.

American Standard Version

suffering wrong as the hire of wrong-doing; men that count it pleasure to revel in the day-time, spots and blemishes, revelling in their deceivings while they feast with you;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 2:13 delivers a scathing indictment of false teachers, exposing their depraved character and inevitable judgment. It reveals them as individuals who openly revel in their wickedness, finding pleasure in their deceptive practices, and whose very presence contaminates the Christian community they infiltrate. Peter vividly portrays their moral corruption as a defiling stain, emphasizing their hypocrisy as they participate in communal gatherings while actively undermining the faith from within.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 2 Peter 2, a chapter dedicated to warning believers about the insidious threat of false teachers and prophets. Peter meticulously constructs a powerful argument by drawing parallels with historical instances of divine judgment (e.g., the fallen angels, the flood, Sodom and Gomorrah) to assure his readers of God's unwavering commitment to both punish the wicked and preserve the righteous. Verse 13 specifically details the *character* and *conduct* of these deceivers, building upon the previous verses that describe their destructive doctrines and covetous motives, and setting the stage for further descriptions of their ultimate demise. The imagery used here, particularly "spots and blemishes," echoes later warnings about the need for the church to be pure and undefiled, a theme woven throughout apostolic teaching.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church faced significant challenges from within, as various forms of Gnosticism and other syncretistic beliefs began to emerge, often promoting antinomianism—the idea that grace negates the need for moral law. These false teachers would have operated within the broader Greco-Roman world, where communal feasts and banquets were common social and religious practices. The phrase "riot in the day time" suggests a brazen disregard for social norms, as revelry was typically reserved for the night. Their participation in Christian "feasts" (likely agape feasts or even the Lord's Supper) highlights their deceptive integration into the community, exploiting the trust and fellowship of believers. This infiltration was particularly dangerous because it blurred the lines between genuine faith and corrupt practices, making discernment crucial for the nascent Christian movement.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several critical themes. The **certainty of divine judgment** is paramount, as the "reward of unrighteousness" is an assured outcome for those who lead others astray, underscoring God's justice in dealing with wickedness (cf. [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). The theme of **brazen immorality** is evident in their open indulgence and pleasure in sin, contrasting sharply with the call to Christian holiness. Furthermore, the concept of **spiritual contamination** is central; these individuals are not merely flawed but actively defile the purity of the church, acting as "spots and blemishes" that mar the body of Christ. Finally, the theme of **deceptive infiltration and hypocrisy** is starkly portrayed by their presence "while they feast with you," revealing their insidious nature as wolves in sheep's clothing, a danger against which Jesus himself warned his disciples (cf. [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **riot (Greek, _tryphḗ'_):** This term (G5172) denotes effeminacy, luxury, or debauchery. It paints a picture of excessive self-indulgence and wanton living, often associated with a soft, undisciplined lifestyle that stands in stark contrast to the self-control expected of believers. It implies a moral weakness that leads to unrestrained sensual pleasure.
* **sporting themselves (Greek, _entrypháō'_):** Derived from the same root as _tryphḗ_ (G1792), this verb literally means "to revel in" or "to take delight in." The present participle "sporting themselves" emphasizes their ongoing, active pleasure derived from their own deceptions. It highlights a perverse enjoyment in their acts of trickery and manipulation, suggesting that their wickedness is not merely incidental but a source of perverse satisfaction.
* **spots (Greek, _spílos'_):** This word (G4696) refers to a stain or blemish, figuratively denoting a defect or disgrace. In this context, it powerfully illustrates the defiling nature of these false teachers. Like an unsightly stain on a clean garment, their presence and actions mar the purity and reputation of the Christian community, indicating a deep moral defilement that affects everything they touch.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the certainty of divine retribution. The "reward" (misthós) here is not a blessing but a just recompense for their wickedness, emphasizing God's unwavering justice. Their unrighteous deeds will inevitably lead to a corresponding judgment.
* **"[as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time."**: This phrase vividly describes the brazen and unashamed nature of their sin. They not only engage in "riot" (luxurious debauchery) but "count it pleasure" (hēgéomai hēdonḗ)—they deliberately choose and delight in such indulgence. The specification "in the day time" underscores their lack of shame or concealment, as such revelry was typically a nocturnal activity, thus highlighting their overt defiance of moral and social norms.
* **"Spots [they are] and blemishes,"**: These powerful metaphors ("spílos" and "mōmos") serve as a direct identification of the false teachers. They are not merely *stained* by sin; they *are* the stains themselves. They are moral defects and disgraces within the community, actively polluting the environment they inhabit and marring the purity of the church.
* **"sporting themselves with their own deceivings"**: This clause reveals the perverse joy these false teachers find in their manipulative practices. They "revel in" or "take delight in" (entrypháō) their own "deceivings" (apátē), meaning their lies, delusions, and fraudulent schemes. Their wickedness is not a burden but a source of amusement and satisfaction for them, indicating a profound moral corruption.
* **"while they feast with you;"**: This critical phrase exposes their insidious infiltration and hypocrisy. They are not external enemies but are present within the very communal gatherings of believers, likely referring to the early church's agape feasts or fellowship meals. Their participation is a deceptive façade, as they inwardly remain corrupt and destructive, feigning fellowship while actively undermining the faith of those with whom they share a meal.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Metaphor** is prominently featured in the description of false teachers as "Spots [they are] and blemishes." This vivid imagery likens them to defiling stains or physical imperfections, powerfully conveying their corrupting influence on the Christian community. The phrase "sporting themselves with their own deceivings" utilizes **Irony** and **Paradox**, as it highlights the perverse pleasure these individuals derive from their own destructive lies, finding amusement in the very actions that lead to their downfall and the harm of others. The entire verse is characterized by **Vivid Imagery**, painting a clear and repulsive picture of moral depravity, from their open revelry to their insidious presence at communal feasts, making their character undeniably clear to the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Peter 2:13 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of divine judgment against unrighteousness and the call for the purity of God's people. It underscores the theological truth that God is just and will not allow wickedness, especially that which corrupts His flock, to go unpunished. The depiction of false teachers as "spots and blemishes" resonates with the New Testament's emphasis on the church as a pure and holy bride, prepared for Christ, highlighting the imperative for believers to maintain spiritual discernment and guard against anything that would defile this sacred body. This passage serves as a timeless warning against antinomianism and the deceptive nature of sin, reminding us that true faith is always accompanied by righteous living and a rejection of the world's corrupting pleasures.

* [Jude 1:12](/jude/1-12 "Jude 1:12 - False Teachers at Love Feasts")
* [Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ Presents the Church Without Spot or Wrinkle")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a crucial call to discernment for every believer and every church community. It reminds us that spiritual danger often comes not from outside but from within, disguised by outward participation in religious activities. The "reward of unrighteousness" is a stark reminder that sin, especially deliberate deception and moral depravity, carries an inevitable and severe consequence from a just God. Therefore, we are challenged to examine our own lives for any "spots or blemishes" of unrighteousness or any pleasure taken in deceit. Furthermore, it compels us to be vigilant in protecting the purity of the church, not tolerating those who would corrupt sound doctrine or promote immoral living under the guise of faith. Our joy should be found in truth and righteousness, not in the fleeting pleasures of sin or the manipulation of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of false teachers "counting it pleasure to riot in the day time" challenge my own understanding of true joy and pleasure?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be susceptible to tolerating "spots and blemishes" that compromise spiritual purity?**
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment to identify deceptive influences, especially those that appear to "feast with us"?**
* **What specific actions can I take to ensure my life reflects the righteousness of Christ, rather than the "reward of unrighteousness"?**

### FAQ

**What does "riot in the day time" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Riot in the day time" refers to open, unashamed, and excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures and debauchery. In ancient cultures, public revelry and drunkenness were typically confined to the night. By engaging in such activities "in the day time," these false teachers demonstrated a brazen disregard for social norms, a lack of shame, and an overt defiance of moral boundaries. It signifies their complete surrender to their base desires, flaunting their wickedness rather than concealing it. This contrasts sharply with the call for believers to live as "children of light" (cf. [Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light")).

**Why are these false teachers called "spots and blemishes"?**

Answer: The terms "spots" (Greek: _spílos_) and "blemishes" (Greek: _mōmos_) are powerful metaphors indicating moral defilement and disgrace. They are not merely flawed individuals; their very presence and actions are like unsightly stains or defects that mar the purity and beauty of the Christian community. Just as a physical blemish detracts from perfection, these false teachers corrupt the spiritual integrity and reputation of the church, making it impure in the eyes of God and a stumbling block to others. This imagery emphasizes their defiling nature, contrasting with the ideal of a church "without spot or wrinkle" (cf. [Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ Presents the Church Without Spot or Wrinkle")).

**How can false teachers "feast with you" while being so corrupt?**

Answer: The phrase "while they feast with you" highlights the insidious nature of their infiltration. It likely refers to their participation in the early church's communal gatherings, such as agape feasts (love feasts) or even the Lord's Supper. These were intimate expressions of Christian fellowship and unity. By participating in these sacred meals, false teachers maintained a façade of belonging and piety, allowing them to operate from within the community. This deepens their hypocrisy, as they shared in the fellowship while inwardly harboring corrupt motives and spreading destructive doctrines, much like Judas Iscariot shared meals with Jesus while plotting betrayal (cf. [John 13:21-30](/john/13-21-30 "John 13:21-30 - Jesus Identifies His Betrayer")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The stark condemnation of false teachers in [2 Peter 2:13](/2_peter/2-13 "2 Peter 2:13 - The Judgment of False Teachers") finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "reward of unrighteousness" that awaits these deceivers underscores Christ's role as the righteous Judge, who will one day separate the wheat from the weeds, ensuring that all wickedness is brought to account (cf. [Matthew 13:36-43](/matthew/13-36-43 "Matthew 13:36-43 - The Parable of the Weeds Explained")). Furthermore, the description of false teachers as "spots and blemishes" highlights the profound need for cleansing and purity, a need perfectly met in Christ. He is the Lamb of God whose blood cleanses us from all sin, presenting His church to Himself "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless" (cf. [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")). While these false teachers revel in their own deceivings, Christ is the embodiment of truth, and His followers are called to walk in light and truth, exposing the darkness rather than participating in it (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life") and [Ephesians 5:11](/ephesians/5-11 "Ephesians 5:11 - Expose the Deeds of Darkness")). He is the true Shepherd who protects His flock from wolves, ensuring that His genuine sheep will never be snatched from His hand (cf. [John 10:27-29](/john/10-27-29 "John 10:27-29 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")).

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

Romans 13:13

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

Romans 2:8

But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

Romans 2:9

Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

Hebrews 2:2

For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

Hebrews 2:3

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him];

Ephesians 5:27

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

1 Peter 4:4

¶ Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]: