2 Peter 2:20

KJV

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} if {G1487} after they have escaped {G668} the pollutions {G3393} of the world {G2889} through {G1722} the knowledge {G1922} of the Lord {G2962} and {G2532} Saviour {G4990} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, they are {G1707} again {G3825} entangled {G1707} therein {G5125}, and {G1161} overcome {G1096}{G2274}, the latter end {G2078} is worse {G5501} with them {G846} than the beginning {G4413}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Indeed, if they have once escaped the pollutions of the world through knowing our Lord and Deliverer, Yeshua the Messiah, and then have again become entangled and defeated by them, their latter condition has become worse than their former.

Berean Standard Bible

If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first.

American Standard Version

For 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 2:20 delivers a solemn warning to those who, having once been delivered from the world's moral corruption through a genuine knowledge of Jesus Christ, subsequently become re-ensnared and overcome by these same pollutions. The verse starkly declares that for such individuals, their final spiritual state is far more perilous and lamentable than their initial condition before their encounter with the Lord and Savior.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within 2 Peter chapter 2, which is primarily dedicated to Peter's scathing denunciation of false teachers and their destructive heresies. Peter meticulously describes their character, their deceptive practices, and the certain judgment awaiting them. Verses 18-19 immediately precede verse 20, detailing how these false teachers, with their "swelling words of vanity," entice those who are "just escaping" from error, promising them liberty while themselves being "slaves of corruption." Verse 20 then serves as a grave illustration of the tragic outcome for those who succumb to such deceptions or spiritual complacency, having truly experienced deliverance but falling back into the very "pollutions" they had escaped. It highlights the severe consequences of spiritual regression, not just for those who follow false teachers, but for anyone who turns away from the truth they have known.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's epistle is addressed to Christians facing internal threats from false teachers who were introducing "destructive heresies" and "sensuality" (cf. [2 Peter 2:1-2](/2_peter/2-1-2 "2 Peter 2:1-2 - False Teachers and Their Destructive Heresies")). These teachers likely promoted a form of antinomianism, suggesting that Christian liberty meant freedom from moral restraint, thereby encouraging a return to worldly practices. The "pollutions of the world" would have encompassed the prevalent pagan idolatry, sexual immorality, and greed characteristic of the Roman Empire's culture. For new converts, particularly those from a pagan background, the temptation to revert to former lifestyles or to compromise with societal norms was significant. Peter's warning resonates with the early church's struggle to maintain purity and steadfastness amidst pervasive ungodliness and internal doctrinal corruption.
* **Key Themes:** The passage contributes to several major themes within 2 Peter and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **genuine knowledge leading to liberation**. The "knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" is presented not as mere intellectual assent but as a transformative, experiential understanding that empowers believers to escape the world's defilements. Secondly, it powerfully articulates the **peril of spiritual relapse or apostasy**. The imagery of being "again entangled therein, and overcome" vividly portrays a return to the very sins and worldly ways from which one was once freed, emphasizing the ongoing need for perseverance in faith (cf. [Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12 - Working Out Your Salvation")). Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **aggravated judgment for those who fall away**. The declaration that "the latter end is worse with them than the beginning" conveys a severe spiritual condition, implying a greater degree of guilt due to a rejection of known truth and a harder heart, echoing warnings found in [Hebrews 6:4-6](/hebrews/6-4-6 "Hebrews 6:4-4-6 - The Danger of Falling Away") and the parable of the unclean spirit returning to a swept but empty house in [Luke 11:24-26](/luke/11-24-26 "Luke 11:24-26 - The Return of the Unclean Spirit")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pollutions (Greek, _míasma'_):** This term (G3393) refers to moral defilements, impurities, or corruptions. It signifies the sinful practices, ethical decay, and spiritual contamination characteristic of a world alienated from God. The use of this word emphasizes the moral filth and spiritual contamination that true knowledge of Christ helps one escape.
* **Entangled (Greek, _emplékō'_):** Derived from _en_ (in) and _plékō_ (to weave, braid), this word (G1707) means to entwine, ensnare, or involve with. It vividly portrays being caught or enmeshed, much like an animal caught in a trap or net. The imagery suggests a helpless drawing back into the grip of sin, indicating a loss of freedom previously gained.
* **Knowledge (Greek, _epígnōsis'_):** This term (G1922) denotes a full, precise, or experiential knowledge, not merely a superficial acquaintance. It implies a deep, transformative understanding and acknowledgment of Christ. Peter consistently uses this word to describe the profound and saving relationship with Christ that enables believers to escape the world's corruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,"**: This opening clause establishes the initial state of deliverance. It describes individuals who have genuinely come to a saving and transformative understanding of Jesus Christ, leading them to break free from the moral and spiritual defilements prevalent in the world. The "knowledge" here is not merely intellectual, but an experiential and relational apprehension of Christ's power to cleanse and liberate.
* **"they are again entangled therein, and overcome,"**: This phrase describes the tragic regression. It speaks of a deliberate or complacent return to the very sinful practices and worldly influences from which they were once freed. "Entangled" suggests being caught in a snare, while "overcome" (G2274, _hēttáō_) indicates being defeated, conquered, or subdued by these pollutions, signifying a surrender to sin's power rather than continued resistance.
* **"the latter end is worse with them than the beginning."**: This concluding statement pronounces the severe consequence of such spiritual backsliding. It means that the spiritual condition of those who revert is more dire, more culpable, and potentially more hopeless than their original state of ignorance and sin before they ever knew Christ. Their rejection of known truth and experienced deliverance leads to a greater condemnation and a deeper spiritual darkness.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs powerful **imagery** and **contrast** to convey his urgent warning. The phrase "escaped the pollutions" evokes the imagery of fleeing from something dangerous and defiling, like escaping a swamp or a trap. This is starkly contrasted with being "again entangled therein, and overcome," which paints a vivid picture of being caught, ensnared, and ultimately subdued by the very things one had escaped. This **metaphor** of entanglement emphasizes the insidious and binding nature of sin once it regains its hold. The most striking device is the **contrast** between "the beginning" and "the latter end," highlighting a devastating reversal of spiritual fortune. The declaration that the "latter end is worse" serves as a severe **admonition**, emphasizing the heightened culpability and more profound spiritual darkness that accompanies a rejection of known truth and experienced grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse addresses the profound theological issue of apostasy and the seriousness of spiritual regression. It underscores that while salvation is by grace through faith, there is a genuine responsibility to persevere in that faith and to continue walking in the light of the knowledge received. The "worse" state implies a greater accountability for those who have tasted the goodness of God and the power of the age to come, yet turn back. It is a sobering reminder that spiritual growth is not automatic, and the Christian life is a continuous battle against the forces of sin and the world. The verse highlights the danger of a superficial or unrooted faith that does not lead to lasting transformation.

* [Hebrews 6:4-6](/hebrews/6-4-6 "Hebrews 6:4-6 - The Impossibility of Renewal for Those Who Fall Away")
* [Matthew 12:43-45](/matthew/12-43-45 "Matthew 12:43-45 - The Return of the Unclean Spirit")
* [John 15:6](/john/15-6 "John 15:6 - Remaining in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Peter 2:20 serves as a profound and challenging mirror for every believer, urging a sober self-examination of one's spiritual journey. It shatters any notion of a passive faith, emphasizing that genuine deliverance from the world's pollutions through Christ requires ongoing vigilance, intentional growth in knowledge, and active resistance to temptation. The warning of a "worse" latter end is not meant to instill fear in those who stumble and repent, but to awaken those who might be drifting into spiritual complacency or actively returning to former patterns of sin. It calls us to cherish the freedom we have in Christ, to deepen our understanding of Him daily through His Word and prayer, and to actively pursue sanctification. Our escape from the world's defilements is not a one-time event but a continuous walk empowered by the Holy Spirit, requiring us to guard our hearts diligently against the subtle snares of sin and worldly allurements.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be susceptible to becoming "entangled" again by the "pollutions of the world" from which I have been freed?**
* **How am I actively deepening my "knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" to ensure continued spiritual growth and perseverance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to guard against spiritual complacency and maintain vigilance in my walk with Christ?**
* **How does the severity of this warning motivate me to press on in faith and help others to do the same?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse teach that a true believer can lose their salvation?**

Answer: This verse is often cited in discussions about the security of salvation. While it describes a dire spiritual state for those who "escape" the world's pollutions through knowledge of Christ but then revert, different theological traditions interpret "escaped" and "knowledge" in varying ways. Some understand it to refer to a genuine, saving knowledge that is subsequently forfeited, indicating that salvation can be lost. Others argue that "knowledge" here refers to an intellectual or experiential acquaintance with Christian truth and a temporary moral reformation, but not necessarily a true, regenerating faith that perseveres. In this view, those described never possessed genuine saving faith, or if they did, God's preserving power would ensure their ultimate perseverance (cf. [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Faithfulness to Complete His Work")). Regardless of the specific theological framework, the verse serves as a powerful warning against spiritual regression and the severe consequences of turning away from the light of truth once it has been revealed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Peter 2:20, while a stern warning, ultimately points to the indispensable role of Jesus Christ as the sole source of true and lasting deliverance. It is "through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" that anyone escapes the world's pollutions, highlighting His unique power to cleanse and transform (cf. [Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ's Purpose to Redeem")). The tragic "worse" state of those who revert underscores the profound value and irreplaceable nature of the salvation He offers; to turn back is to spurn the very One who paid the ultimate price for freedom (cf. [Hebrews 10:29](/hebrews/10-29 "Hebrews 10:29 - Trampling the Son of God Underfoot")). Christ is not merely the one who initiates escape, but also the one who empowers perseverance, for He is the author and perfecter of our faith (cf. [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")) and capable of keeping us from stumbling (cf. [Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - God's Power to Keep Us from Stumbling")). Thus, the verse implicitly calls believers to cling ever more tightly to Christ, recognizing that only in Him is there the power to overcome the world and avoid the perilous path of spiritual regression.

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

Hebrews 10:26

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Hebrews 10:27

But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Hebrews 6:4

For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

Hebrews 6:8

But that which beareth thorns and briers [is] rejected, and [is] nigh unto cursing; whose end [is] to be burned.

Philippians 3:19

Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

Luke 11:24

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.

Luke 11:26

Then goeth he, and taketh [to him] seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first.