2 Peter 2:7

KJV

¶ And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} delivered {G4506} just {G1342} Lot {G3091}, vexed {G2669} with {G5259} the filthy {G766} conversation {G391} of {G1722} the wicked {G113}:

Complete Jewish Bible

but he rescued Lot, a righteous man who was distressed by the debauchery of those unprincipled people;

Berean Standard Bible

and if He rescued Lot, a righteous man distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless

American Standard Version

and delivered righteous Lot, sore distressed by the lascivious life of the wicked

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 2:7 highlights God's righteous judgment and faithful deliverance by recalling the rescue of "just Lot" from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. This verse underscores the Lord's ability to discern between the righteous and the wicked, preserving those who are inwardly distressed by the pervasive moral depravity of their surroundings, even as He brings swift and decisive judgment upon the ungodly.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Peter's robust argument in [2 Peter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter - Warnings Against False Teachers") against false teachers who infiltrate the church. Peter employs a series of historical examples to demonstrate God's unwavering commitment to both judgment and deliverance. Beginning with the angels who sinned ([2 Peter 2:4](/2_peter/2-4 "2 Peter 2:4 - Judgment of Fallen Angels")), moving to the ungodly world in Noah's time ([2 Peter 2:5](/2_peter/2-5 "2 Peter 2:5 - The Flood and Noah's Deliverance")), and then to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah ([2 Peter 2:6](/2_peter/2-6 "2 Peter 2:6 - Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")), Peter builds a cumulative case for God's certainty in punishing the wicked. The deliverance of Lot in [2 Peter 2:7](/2_peter/2-7 "2 Peter 2:7 - Lot's Deliverance") serves as the counterpoint, illustrating that just as God judges the unrighteous, He also consistently delivers the righteous, a truth explicitly stated in [2 Peter 2:9](/2_peter/2-9 "2 Peter 2:9 - The Lord Delivers the Godly"). This dual emphasis provides comfort to believers while serving as a stern warning to those who would lead others astray.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative of Lot's deliverance is drawn from [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - Sodom and Gomorrah's Destruction and Lot's Escape"), where the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are depicted as epitomes of moral depravity, specifically noted for their egregious sexual immorality and lack of hospitality. Lot, Abraham's nephew, had chosen to dwell in the fertile plains near Sodom, eventually settling within the city itself ([Genesis 13:10-13](/genesis/13-10-13 "Genesis 13:10-13 - Lot Chooses the Plain of Jordan")). This decision placed him in direct proximity to a culture that openly defied God's moral standards. The "filthy conversation" (way of life) of the Sodomites was characterized by public, unashamed wickedness, which would have been deeply offensive to anyone with a semblance of righteousness or adherence to Abrahamic ethical principles. Lot's "vexation" reflects the internal struggle of a righteous person living in a morally corrupt environment, a common experience for believers in various historical and cultural settings.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [2 Peter](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter - Warnings Against False Teachers") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's perfect discernment**, demonstrating His ability to distinguish between the truly righteous and the utterly wicked, even when the righteous are seemingly compromised by their environment. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine preservation and deliverance**; God's justice is not indiscriminate, but precise, ensuring that His elect are rescued from impending judgment. Thirdly, the portrayal of Lot as "vexed" emphasizes the **burden of unrighteousness** on a righteous soul. It shows that living amidst pervasive sin is not merely inconvenient but can cause profound spiritual and emotional distress, serving as a pastoral reminder of the toll of moral compromise and the importance of seeking environments that foster spiritual health. This theme directly contrasts with the false teachers who revel in their depravity, showing the stark difference between genuine godliness and deceptive wickedness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **just (Greek, _díkaios'_):** From the provided Strong's data, this term means "equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)." Peter's use of "just" (díkaios) to describe Lot is a profound theological statement. Despite Lot's questionable choices (e.g., settling in Sodom, offering his daughters to the mob in [Genesis 19:8](/genesis/19-8 "Genesis 19:8 - Lot's Offer to the Mob")), God viewed him as righteous. This righteousness was not based on Lot's perfect actions but on his internal disposition and his distinction from the pervasive wickedness of Sodom. It speaks to a divine assessment of his character, perhaps in contrast to the utter depravity of his neighbors, and God's recognition of his faith.
* **vexed (Greek, _kataponéō'_):** This word is defined as "to labor down, i.e. wear with toil (figuratively, harass)." It vividly describes Lot's inner turmoil. He was not merely annoyed or inconvenienced by the Sodomites' behavior; he was deeply distressed, worn down, and oppressed by their "filthy conversation." This indicates a profound spiritual anguish and moral revulsion, confirming his "just" character, as a truly unrighteous person would not be vexed by such depravity.
* **wicked (Greek, _áthesmos'_):** Derived from a negative particle and a word implying "enacting," this term means "lawless, i.e. (by implication) criminal." It describes those who live without regard for moral or divine law, acting contrary to established principles of decency and righteousness. This term perfectly characterizes the inhabitants of Sodom, whose actions were not merely sinful but flagrantly defiant of any moral order, making their "conversation" truly "filthy."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And delivered just Lot,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes God's active intervention and His selective grace. The term "delivered" (rhýomai) implies a rescue from danger or destruction, highlighting God's sovereign power to save. The designation "just Lot" (díkaios Lṓt) is crucial, as it provides the divine rationale for his deliverance, distinguishing him from the condemned inhabitants of Sodom and emphasizing God's discernment of true righteousness.
* **"vexed with the filthy conversation"**: This clause describes Lot's internal state and the source of his distress. "Vexed" (kataponoumenon) conveys a deep, persistent spiritual anguish, not just annoyance. The cause is the "filthy conversation" (aselgeia anastrophḗ), which refers not to mere talk but to the entire way of life, the shameless and unrestrained licentiousness and moral depravity of the Sodomites. This phrase paints a picture of Lot's daily torment as he witnessed and was subjected to their flagrant lawlessness.
* **"of the wicked:"**: This final phrase identifies the perpetrators of the "filthy conversation" and the subjects of God's judgment. The "wicked" (áthesmos) are those who are lawless, without moral principle, living in open rebellion against God's established order. This clearly distinguishes them from "just Lot" and sets the stage for the divine retribution that follows, reinforcing the theme of God's righteous judgment upon those who reject His standards.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, setting "just Lot" and his vexation against the "filthy conversation of the wicked." This stark juxtaposition highlights God's ability to discern righteousness amidst pervasive sin and His commitment to preserving the godly. The phrase "filthy conversation" utilizes **Synecdoche**, where "conversation" (anastrophḗ, meaning "behavior" or "way of life") stands for the entire corrupt lifestyle and moral depravity of the Sodomites, not just their verbal communication. This broadens the scope of their wickedness. Furthermore, the description of Lot as "vexed" evokes **Pathos**, appealing to the reader's emotions by portraying the deep spiritual and psychological suffering of a righteous soul living in a morally bankrupt society. This emotional resonance helps readers empathize with Lot and understand the profound impact of sin on the godly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's unwavering character as both a righteous judge and a merciful deliverer. It reveals that God's justice is not blind or indiscriminate; He meticulously distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked. Lot, despite his flaws and compromised living situation, was recognized by God as "just," indicating an internal spiritual disposition that grieved over sin, unlike the unrepentant wickedness of Sodom. This divine discernment assures believers that their struggles with sin and their desire for righteousness in a fallen world are seen and valued by God. It reinforces the truth that God is faithful to preserve His own from ultimate condemnation, even when they are surrounded by overwhelming evil, providing a powerful precedent for the Lord's consistent pattern of delivering the godly from trials and temptations while reserving the unrighteous for judgment.

* [2 Peter 2:9](/2_peter/2-9 "2 Peter 2:9 - The Lord Delivers the Godly")
* [Genesis 18:23-32](/genesis/18-23-32 "Genesis 18:23-32 - Abraham's Intercession for Sodom")
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1-3 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers navigating a world often characterized by moral decline and open defiance of God's standards, 2 Peter 2:7 offers both profound comfort and a challenging call to integrity. Like Lot, we may find ourselves "vexed" by the pervasive "filthy conversation" and lawlessness that surrounds us, experiencing genuine grief over the sinfulness of society. This verse assures us that such distress is a sign of a righteous heart, a testament to our alignment with God's holiness. It reminds us that God sees our struggle and is perfectly capable of delivering us, not necessarily from physical hardship, but from ultimate spiritual ruin. While Lot's example also serves as a cautionary tale against compromising our witness by settling too close to ungodliness, the primary message is one of divine faithfulness. We are called to maintain our moral distinctiveness, to grieve over sin rather than participate in it, and to trust in God's sovereign power to preserve us, just as He did for Lot, from the judgment destined for the ungodly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you find yourself "vexed" by the "filthy conversation" or moral climate of the world around you?**
* **How does the assurance of God's discernment and deliverance, as seen in Lot's story, encourage you in your own walk of faith?**
* **What practical steps can you take to maintain your "just" character and avoid compromising your witness in a morally challenging environment?**
* **How does your grief over sin reflect a righteous heart, and how can you channel that grief into prayer or action?**

### FAQ
**Was Lot truly "just" given his questionable actions, such as offering his daughters to the mob in Genesis 19?**

Answer: The designation of Lot as "just" (díkaios) by Peter in [2 Peter 2:7](/2_peter/2-7 "2 Peter 2:7 - Lot's Deliverance") and [2 Peter 2:8](/2_peter/2-8 "2 Peter 2:8 - Lot's Righteous Soul") is a divine assessment, not necessarily an endorsement of all his actions. While Lot certainly made poor choices, such as settling in Sodom and his desperate offer to the mob ([Genesis 19:8](/genesis/19-8 "Genesis 19:8 - Lot's Offer to the Mob")), Peter's emphasis is on Lot's internal state and his moral distinction from the utterly depraved inhabitants of Sodom. Lot was "vexed" by their wickedness, indicating a righteous soul that grieved over sin, unlike the Sodomites who reveled in it. This suggests that God's assessment of "just" or "righteous" often refers to a person's overall orientation toward Him and their internal struggle against sin, rather than a perfect, sinless record. It highlights God's grace in recognizing and preserving the genuine, albeit imperfect, faith of His people, even amidst their failings and compromises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The deliverance of "just Lot" from the judgment of Sodom serves as a powerful Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate deliverance accomplished through Jesus Christ. Lot's righteousness was a relative righteousness, a divine assessment based on his internal grief over sin, but still imperfect and compromised. In contrast, Christ is the perfectly "just" One, the [Righteous Servant](/isaiah/53-11 "Isaiah 53:11 - My Righteous Servant") whose life was entirely without sin. Our deliverance from the judgment due to our own "filthy conversation" (our sinful way of life) is not based on our own vexation or relative righteousness, but entirely on the imputed righteousness of Christ. Just as God delivered Lot, He delivers all who are "in Christ" from the wrath to come, not by removing them from the world, but by securing their eternal salvation through Christ's atoning sacrifice. The "vexation" Lot experienced foreshadows the spiritual burden of sin, a burden fully borne by Christ on the cross, where He became sin for us so that we might become the [righteousness of God in Him](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). Ultimately, the story of Lot is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to preserve His people, a commitment fully realized in the [glorious salvation offered through Jesus Christ](/romans/5-9-10 "Romans 5:9-10 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ"), who delivers us from the dominion of sin and the certainty of judgment, ushering us into His eternal kingdom.

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

Genesis 19:16

And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.

Genesis 19:29

And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.

Jeremiah 23:9

¶ Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness.

2 Peter 3:17

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know [these things] before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

1 Corinthians 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

Jeremiah 9:1

¶ Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

Jeremiah 9:6

Thine habitation [is] in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.