2 Peter 2:22

KJV

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} it is happened {G4819} unto them {G846} according to {G3588} the true {G227} proverb {G3942}, The dog {G2965} is turned {G1994} to {G1909} his own {G2398} vomit {G1829} again {G1994}; and {G2532} the sow {G5300} that was washed {G3068} to {G1519} her wallowing {G2946} in the mire {G1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

What has happened to them accords with the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit.” Yes, “The pig washed itself, only to wallow in the mud!”

Berean Standard Bible

Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”

American Standard Version

It has happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog turning to his own vomit again, and the sow that had washed to wallowing in the mire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 2:22 serves as a stark, proverbial summation of the spiritual regression experienced by false teachers and their followers, who, having been exposed to the truth of Christ, revert to their former sinful lifestyles. Peter employs two vivid, culturally resonant proverbs—the dog returning to its vomit and the sow to its mire—to illustrate that without genuine, internal transformation, outward cleansing or intellectual assent to Christian doctrine is insufficient to prevent a return to the corrupt nature from which they ostensibly departed. This verse underscores the tragic consequence of superficial conversion and the inherent depravity that remains when the heart is not truly renewed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Peter's extensive and scathing denunciation of false teachers and their destructive doctrines, which forms the core of [2 Peter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter 2 - False Teachers and Their Judgment"). Throughout the chapter, Peter meticulously describes the character of these deceivers, their methods of exploitation, and their certain condemnation. He contrasts their false freedom with the true liberty found in Christ, emphasizing that those who follow them are enslaved to corruption. Verses [2 Peter 2:20-21](/2_peter/2-20-21 "2 Peter 2:20-21 - The Worse State of Those Who Revert") specifically address individuals who have "escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," yet become "again entangled therein, and overcome." For such individuals, Peter asserts, "the latter end is worse with them than the beginning." Verse 22 then provides the powerful, proverbial imagery that explains this dire spiritual state, serving as a climactic and memorable warning against apostasy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The proverbs Peter cites were likely well-known in the ancient world, demonstrating a common understanding of animal behavior that served as a moral lesson. The image of a "dog" ([kýōn](/2_peter/2-22 "2 Peter 2:22 - The Dog")) returning to its vomit was a direct quote from [Proverbs 26:11](/proverbs/26-11 "Proverbs 26:11 - The Fool and His Folly"), indicating its established presence in wisdom literature. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, dogs were generally scavengers, often considered unclean and despised, making their actions a potent symbol of degradation and impurity. Similarly, the "sow" ([hŷs](/2_peter/2-22 "2 Peter 2:22 - The Sow")), or pig, was an animal deemed ritually unclean under Jewish law ([Leviticus 11:7](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7 - Unclean Animals")). Its natural inclination to wallow in mud, even after being washed, provided a universally understood metaphor for an inherent nature triumphing over superficial external cleansing. Peter masterfully employs these graphic, relatable images to convey a profound spiritual truth about human nature and the necessity of true inner transformation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [2 Peter](/2_peter/1 "2 Peter - Growth in Grace and Warning Against False Teachers") and the broader New Testament. The most prominent is **Spiritual Regression and Apostasy**, highlighting the tragic phenomenon of individuals who have been exposed to Christian truth and even undergone some form of external cleansing, yet revert to their former sinful lifestyles. This is often understood not as a true believer losing salvation, but rather as revealing the superficiality of their initial profession, lacking genuine heart transformation (cf. [Matthew 13:20-21](/matthew/13-20-21 "Matthew 13:20-21 - The Parable of the Sower, Stony Ground")). Another crucial theme is **The Nature of Unregenerate Sin**, which the proverbs vividly illustrate: without an inner change of nature, external knowledge or temporary behavioral modification is insufficient. The inherent tendencies of the "dog" and the "sow" remain, drawing them back to what is naturally appealing to their corrupt nature. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Proverbial Wisdom**, as Peter employs well-known, graphic images to convey a profound and sobering spiritual truth, emphasizing the importance of discerning true spiritual transformation from mere outward conformity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **proverb (Greek, _paroimía'_):** From a compound of _pará_ (alongside) and perhaps a derivative of _oíomai_ (to suppose); literally, a state alongside of supposition; concretely, an adage; specifically, an enigmatical or fictitious illustration. Peter uses this term to refer to a popular saying or adage, indicating that the images of the dog and the sow were well-known and easily understood by his audience, serving as vivid illustrations of spiritual truth.
* **dog (Greek, _kýōn'_):** A primary word; a dog ("hound") (literally or figuratively). In ancient cultures, dogs were often seen as scavengers, unclean, and contemptible. The image of a dog returning to its vomit is universally repulsive and signifies utter degradation and a return to a vile state. Peter uses this to underscore the inherent nature of those who revert to sin.
* **sow (Greek, _hŷs'_):** Apparently a primary word; a hog ("swine"). Pigs were considered ritually unclean animals in Jewish law. The sow's natural inclination to wallow in mud, despite being washed, powerfully illustrates the idea of an unregenerate nature that, despite external cleansing, retains its preference for impurity and defilement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb,"**: Peter introduces the two proverbs as a fitting and accurate description of the spiritual state of those who have reverted to their former ways. The "them" refers to the false teachers and their followers described throughout [2 Peter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter 2 - The Description of False Teachers"). The phrase "true proverb" emphasizes the undeniable accuracy and wisdom embedded in these common sayings, applying their worldly insight to a spiritual reality.
* **"The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again;"**: This is a direct quotation from [Proverbs 26:11](/proverbs/26-11 "Proverbs 26:11 - The Fool's Folly"). It vividly portrays the repulsive and self-degrading nature of reverting to sin after having seemingly escaped its clutches. The dog's action signifies a return to that which is inherently disgusting and rejected, symbolizing a spiritual regression to former depravity. It implies an unregenerate nature that, despite temporary relief or cleansing, is drawn back to its natural, corrupted state.
* **"and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire."**: This second proverb complements the first, reinforcing the same truth with a different, yet equally potent, image. The "sow that was washed" suggests an external, superficial cleansing, perhaps even a ceremonial or intellectual embrace of Christian teaching. However, the sow's immediate return to "wallowing in the mire" (mud) highlights that its inner nature remains unchanged. Despite the outward washing, its innate desire for filth persists, illustrating that without a fundamental transformation of nature, external appearances or temporary reforms are ultimately futile.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several powerful literary devices in this verse to convey his sobering message. The primary device is **Proverb/Adage**, as he explicitly states he is quoting a "true proverb" and then presents two well-known sayings. These proverbs function as **Metaphor** and **Analogy**, drawing a direct comparison between the behavior of animals and the spiritual state of apostates. The "dog" and the "sow" serve as **Symbols** of an unregenerate nature, while their actions—returning to vomit and wallowing in mire—are powerful **Imagery** that evokes disgust and highlights the degradation of spiritual regression. The use of two distinct but thematically parallel proverbs also demonstrates **Parallelism**, reinforcing the central idea that superficial cleansing cannot overcome an unchanged, corrupt nature, thereby emphasizing the profound spiritual truth through repetition and varied illustration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement on the nature of genuine conversion versus mere outward conformity. It teaches that true salvation involves a fundamental change of nature, not just a temporary cessation of sinful behaviors or an intellectual acknowledgment of truth. Those who revert to their former ways, as depicted by the dog and sow, demonstrate that their initial "escape" from sin was superficial, lacking the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. This passage serves as a severe warning against false professions of faith and underscores the reality that an unregenerate heart, even if momentarily "washed," will ultimately gravitate back to its inherent sinful inclinations. It challenges believers to examine the authenticity of their faith, ensuring it is rooted in a new creation rather than a fleeting reform.

* [Proverbs 26:11](/proverbs/26-11 "Proverbs 26:11 - The Fool Returns to His Folly")
* [Hebrews 6:4-6](/hebrews/6-4-6 "Hebrews 6:4-6 - The Impossibility of Renewing Apostates")
* [Matthew 12:43-45](/matthew/12-43-45 "Matthew 12:43-45 - The Return of the Unclean Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid imagery of 2 Peter 2:22 offers a sobering mirror for self-examination, challenging us to look beyond outward appearances to the true condition of our hearts. It compels us to ask whether our faith is merely a superficial cleansing, a temporary escape from old habits, or a profound, internal transformation wrought by the Spirit of God. This verse reminds us that genuine discipleship is not about simply avoiding certain sins, but about receiving a new nature that desires righteousness and abhors the very things it once found appealing. It calls us to cultivate a life of ongoing repentance, dependence on Christ, and a continuous pursuit of holiness, lest we, like the dog and the sow, revert to the mire of our former lives. For those who truly belong to Christ, this passage serves as a powerful encouragement to persevere in the new life He has given, recognizing the profound difference between a changed behavior and a changed being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does this verse teach me about the nature of true spiritual transformation versus superficial change?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to revert to old patterns, even after having "escaped" them?**
* **How can I ensure that my faith is not merely an intellectual assent or outward conformity, but a deep, heart-level transformation?**
* **What does this passage imply about the importance of discerning genuine faith in others, particularly those who claim spiritual authority?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: This verse is generally not interpreted as teaching that a truly regenerate believer can lose their salvation. Instead, it is understood to describe individuals who had an intellectual or external association with Christianity but never experienced genuine heart transformation. They "escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" ([2 Peter 2:20](/2_peter/2-20 "2 Peter 2:20 - Escaping Pollutions Through Knowledge")), suggesting a cognitive understanding and perhaps a temporary behavioral change, but their underlying nature remained unregenerate. The proverbs illustrate that without a new nature, the inherent depravity will eventually reassert itself, drawing them back to their former ways, much like a dog or a sow. This passage serves as a warning against superficial faith, emphasizing that true saving faith results in a permanent change of heart and a desire for righteousness.

**Who are "them" in this verse, and why does Peter use such harsh language?**

Answer: The "them" in this verse refers primarily to the false teachers and their followers whom Peter has been describing throughout [2 Peter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter 2 - Warning Against False Teachers"). These are individuals who profess knowledge of Christ but whose lives and teachings demonstrate a fundamental departure from the truth, leading others astray into immorality and destructive doctrines. Peter uses such harsh and graphic language—the dog returning to vomit and the sow to mire—because he wants to convey the utterly repulsive and degrading nature of their spiritual regression. The imagery is designed to shock and warn his readers about the true character and inevitable end of those who, despite exposure to the truth, revert to their inherent corruption. It underscores the severity of apostasy and the profound difference between true spiritual cleansing and a mere outward wash.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Peter 2:22 vividly illustrates the tragic failure of superficial cleansing and the persistence of an unregenerate nature, it implicitly points to the necessity and efficacy of Christ's transformative work. The "dog" and "sow" represent humanity's inherent inability to truly cleanse itself or change its nature apart from divine intervention. The Law, like a washing, could expose sin and command righteousness, but it could not provide the new heart necessary to overcome the "wallowing in the mire" of sin ([Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - The Law's Weakness")). Christ, however, is the one who offers not merely an external wash, but a radical, internal transformation. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose blood truly cleanses the conscience from dead works ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Through faith in Him, believers are not just washed, but are made new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), receiving a new heart and a new spirit that desires righteousness and walks in His statutes ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, the stark warning of [2 Peter 2:22](/2_peter/2-22 "2 Peter 2:22 - The True Proverb") serves to highlight the profound and indispensable nature of Christ's redemptive work, which alone can deliver humanity from its inherent spiritual degradation and enable genuine, lasting transformation.

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

Proverbs 26:11

¶ As a dog returneth to his vomit, [so] a fool returneth to his folly.