2 Peter 2:6

And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned [them] with an overthrow, making [them] an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

And {G2532} turning {G5077} the cities {G4172} of Sodom {G4670} and {G2532} Gomorrha {G1116} into ashes {G5077} condemned {G2632} them with an overthrow {G2692}, making {G5087} them an ensample {G5262} unto those that after should {G3195} live ungodly {G764};

And he condemned the cities of S’dom and ‘Amora, reducing them to ashes and ruin, as a warning to those in the future who would live ungodly lives;

if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes as an example of what is coming on the ungodly;

and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, having made them an example unto those that should live ungodly;

Commentary

In 2 Peter 2:6, the Apostle Peter continues his argument for the certainty of divine judgment by recalling a powerful historical event: the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. This verse serves as a stark warning, emphasizing God's unwavering justice against profound ungodliness.

Context

This verse is part of a broader passage (2 Peter 2:4-9) where Peter is exposing and condemning false teachers who infiltrated the early Christian communities. To underscore the certainty of judgment awaiting these deceivers, Peter draws upon historical precedents from the Old Testament. He first mentions the angels who sinned (2 Peter 2:4) and then the ungodly world in Noah's time that was destroyed by a flood (2 Peter 2:5). The obliteration of Sodom and Gomorrah is the third and perhaps most vivid example, demonstrating God's past actions as a guarantee of His future righteous judgment on those who live contrary to His will. The account of Sodom and Gomorrah is found in Genesis 19, detailing their egregious wickedness and subsequent fiery destruction.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse powerfully illustrates God's active intervention in human history to punish egregious sin. The "overthrow" and turning into "ashes" signify a complete and irreversible judgment. This highlights God's justice and holiness.
  • Warning and Example (Ensample): The term "ensample" (KJV) is crucial here. It means a pattern, an example, or a warning. The fate of Sodom and Gomorrah is not merely a historical anecdote but a didactic lesson for all generations, particularly for "those that after should live ungodly." It serves as a clear indicator of the consequences of persistent wickedness, a theme also echoed in Jude 1:7.
  • Ungodliness: While the specific sins of Sodom and Gomorrah are often associated with sexual immorality, the Bible also points to pride, abundance, and indifference to the poor (Ezekiel 16:49). Peter's broader term "ungodly" encompasses a lifestyle devoid of reverence for God and characterized by rebellion against His moral standards, which is precisely what the false teachers were promoting.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "ensample" (from Greek hupodeigma) emphasizes that the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a clear, visible pattern or model of what happens to those who pursue a life of ungodliness. It’s a demonstrative lesson, meant to be observed and heeded. The phrase "condemned them with an overthrow" signifies a complete and utter destruction, leaving no doubt about the severity of God's verdict and the comprehensive nature of His judgment on such profound sin.

Practical Application

This verse carries a timeless message for believers and unbelievers alike. It reminds us that God is not indifferent to sin, and His justice is certain. For those tempted by the allure of ungodliness or deceived by false teachings that minimize sin, the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah stands as a potent reminder of divine consequences. It encourages believers to live lives of holiness and discernment, recognizing that God's grace does not negate His righteousness. The judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah underscores the importance of repentance and turning from wickedness, as God's patience has limits, and His ultimate judgment will come (2 Peter 3:7). This historical event serves as a perpetual call to heed God's warnings and pursue a life that honors Him.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jude 1:7 (16 votes)

    Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

  • Luke 17:28 (10 votes)

    Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;

  • Luke 17:30 (10 votes)

    Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

  • Deuteronomy 29:23 (8 votes)

    [And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

  • Numbers 26:10 (6 votes)

    And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.

  • Genesis 19:24 (6 votes)

    ¶ Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

  • Genesis 19:25 (6 votes)

    And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.