2 Peter 2:8

KJV

(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed [his] righteous soul from day to day with [their] unlawful deeds;)

KJV (with Strong's)

(For {G1063} that righteous man {G1342} dwelling {G1460} among {G1722} them {G846}, in seeing {G990} and {G2532} hearing {G189}, vexed {G928} his righteous {G1342} soul {G5590} from day {G2250} to {G1537} day {G2250} with their unlawful {G459} deeds {G2041};)

Complete Jewish Bible

for the wicked deeds which that righteous man saw and heard, as he lived among them, tormented his righteous heart day after day.

Berean Standard Bible

(for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)—

American Standard Version

(for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their lawless deeds):

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 2:8 vividly portrays the profound internal suffering of Lot, a man declared "righteous" by God, as he lived amidst the extreme moral decay of Sodom and Gomorrah. The verse underscores that his daily exposure to the rampant "unlawful deeds" of the populace caused deep, continuous anguish to his conscience, highlighting the spiritual distress experienced by a person of integrity in a profoundly corrupt environment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Peter's broader argument in [2 Peter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter 2 - Warnings Against False Teachers"), where he issues a stern warning against false teachers and their destructive heresies. To bolster his assurance that God will indeed judge the wicked while simultaneously preserving the righteous, Peter draws upon three historical examples. He first references the judgment of the [angels who sinned](/2_peter/2-4 "2 Peter 2:4 - The Judgment of Fallen Angels") and the ancient world in the time of [Noah](/2_peter/2-5 "2 Peter 2:5 - Noah and the Flood"), before focusing extensively on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Verses [2 Peter 2:6-7](/2_peter/2-6-7 "2 Peter 2:6-7 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah") detail the fiery judgment upon these cities and God's miraculous rescue of Lot. Verse 8 then serves as an explanation for _why_ Lot was rescued, elaborating on his personal anguish and reinforcing the principle that God discerns and delivers those who maintain righteousness even in the midst of overwhelming corruption.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, located in the Jordan plain, were infamous in ancient Near Eastern culture for their extreme wickedness, particularly their sexual depravity and lack of hospitality, as detailed in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). Lot, Abraham's nephew, had made the ill-advised choice to settle near, and eventually within, these cities due to their fertile land, despite their notorious reputation ([Genesis 13:10-13](/genesis/13-10-13 "Genesis 13:10-13 - Lot Chooses the Plain of Jordan")). Living in such a society meant constant exposure to practices that violated fundamental moral and divine laws. The culture was characterized by open rebellion against God's standards, making Lot's continued righteousness and resulting distress all the more remarkable and a testament to God's grace in preserving a remnant.

* **Key Themes:** The passage contributes significantly to several key themes within [2 Peter](/2_peter "The Second Epistle of Peter"). Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Preservation**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to judging the unrighteous while simultaneously delivering the righteous. Lot's experience serves as a clear example that God distinguishes between the two, even when they coexist in the same physical space. Another prominent theme is **Righteousness in a Corrupt World**, highlighting that true righteousness is not merely external conformity but an internal disposition that grieves over sin. Lot's "righteous soul" (G5590, _psychḗ_) was genuinely afflicted by the "unlawful deeds" (G459, _ánomos_ and G2041, _érgon_) around him, providing a model for believers to maintain their integrity and sensitivity to sin, even when surrounded by pervasive evil. This echoes the sentiment found in [Psalm 119:136](/psalm/119-136 "Psalm 119:136 - Rivers of Tears for God's Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteous (Greek, _díkaios_):** Derived from _dikē_ (justice), this term (G1342) describes Lot as equitable in character and act, innocent, and holy. It signifies a moral uprightness that is recognized by God, standing in stark contrast to the surrounding depravity. Peter's repeated use of this word for Lot (here and in [2 Peter 2:7](/2_peter/2-7 "2 Peter 2:7 - Lot's Righteousness")) emphasizes God's perspective on his character, despite Lot's compromised living situation.
* **Vexed (Greek, _basanízō_):** Meaning "to torture" or "to torment" (G928), this word conveys the severe, soul-deep distress Lot experienced. It indicates a profound mental and spiritual anguish, far beyond mere discomfort or annoyance, caused by the constant exposure to the wickedness of Sodom. This term is used in the New Testament to describe intense physical pain or mental agony, underscoring the gravity of Lot's internal suffering.
* **Unlawful (Greek, _ánomos_):** Literally "without law" (G459), this adjective describes the deeds of the Sodomites as lawless, wicked, and abominable. It implies a disregard for divine and moral standards, highlighting the extreme nature of the sin that tormented Lot's conscience. When combined with "deeds" (G2041, _érgon_, meaning "toil" or "act"), it paints a picture of active, flagrant transgression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For that righteous man dwelling among them,"**: Peter introduces Lot, emphasizing his divinely recognized righteousness (G1342, _díkaios_) even as he resided (G1460, _enkatoikéō_) in a morally corrupt environment. The conjunction "For" (G1063, _gár_) indicates that Lot's experience serves as an explanatory example for God's ability to preserve the righteous amidst judgment.
* **"in seeing and hearing,"**: This phrase highlights the sensory and continuous nature of Lot's exposure to the wickedness. It wasn't merely intellectual awareness but a constant bombardment of his senses (G990, _blémma_ for seeing, G189, _akoḗ_ for hearing) by the depraved actions and words of the Sodomites.
* **"vexed [his] righteous soul"**: The core of Lot's internal suffering is described. His "righteous soul" (G1342, _díkaios_ and G5590, _psychḗ_), the seat of his emotions, will, and conscience, was actively tormented (G928, _basanízō_) by what he observed. This emphasizes the profound moral anguish of a holy person confronted with pervasive evil.
* **"from day to day"**: This temporal phrase (G2250, _hēméra_ repeated with G1537, _ek_) underscores the persistent, relentless nature of Lot's torment. It was not an isolated incident but a continuous, daily assault on his conscience, indicating the cumulative effect of living in such an environment.
* **"with [their] unlawful deeds;"**: This specifies the direct cause of Lot's distress. The "unlawful deeds" (G459, _ánomos_ and G2041, _érgon_) refer to the lawless, wicked, and abominable actions of the people of Sodom, which violated both divine law and basic moral standards, confirming the severity of the moral environment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs a vivid **Contrast** between Lot's inherent righteousness and the pervasive unrighteousness of the Sodomites. This juxtaposition highlights the moral chasm separating Lot from his environment and underscores the exceptional nature of his character. The phrase "vexed [his] righteous soul" powerfully evokes **Pathos**, drawing the reader's empathy for Lot's profound internal suffering and emphasizing the emotional and spiritual toll of living amidst such depravity. The repetition of "from day to day" serves as an **Emphasis**, underscoring the relentless and continuous nature of the moral assault Lot endured, thereby intensifying the portrayal of his anguish and the depth of the surrounding wickedness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse provides a crucial theological insight into the nature of true righteousness and God's relationship with it. It demonstrates that genuine righteousness is not merely an external label but an internal state that is sensitive to sin and grieves over ungodliness. Lot's "vexed soul" reveals that a righteous heart cannot find peace in the presence of pervasive evil; it is actively distressed by it. This internal anguish validates the experience of believers who feel burdened by the moral decay of the world around them, assuring them that such feelings are consistent with a righteous spirit. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of God's perfect discernment and justice: He sees the suffering of His righteous ones and will act to preserve them, even as He brings judgment upon the wicked.

* [Psalm 34:19](/psalm/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.")
* [Psalm 119:136](/psalm/119-136 "Psalm 119:136 - Rivers of tears run down my eyes, because they keep not thy law.")
* [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18-32 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Against Sinful Humanity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lot's experience in Sodom offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world that often seems increasingly hostile to biblical values and moral integrity. His "vexed soul" validates the spiritual and emotional toll that constant exposure to sin and immorality can take on a sensitive conscience. It is a powerful reminder that while we are called to be "in the world," we are not to be "of the world," and a righteous heart will inevitably feel distress when confronted with pervasive ungodliness. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spiritual sensitivity that grieves over sin, rather than becoming desensitized or complacent. It also strengthens our confidence in God's justice and His commitment to preserving His people. Just as God rescued Lot from the impending judgment, we can trust that He sees our struggles, hears our groans, and will ultimately bring justice upon the unrighteous while securing the eternal salvation of those who belong to Him. This truth provides both a call to holy living and a source of enduring hope in challenging times.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you find your "soul vexed" by the "unlawful deeds" you encounter in the world today?**
* **How can maintaining a sensitive conscience, like Lot's, protect you from becoming desensitized to sin?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live "in the world but not of the world" while still engaging with society?**
* **How does Lot's preservation from judgment strengthen your faith in God's ultimate justice and His care for the righteous?**

### FAQ
**Was Lot truly righteous, given his choices and actions in Sodom?**

Answer: Yes, Peter explicitly calls Lot a "righteous man" (G1342, _díkaios_) twice in this chapter ([2 Peter 2:7](/2_peter/2-7 "2 Peter 2:7 - Lot's Righteousness") and [2 Peter 2:8](/2_peter/2-8 "2 Peter 2:8 - Lot's Vexed Soul")). This designation is from God's perspective, highlighted by the fact that Lot's soul was "vexed" by the "unlawful deeds" of Sodom. While Lot made questionable choices, such as settling in Sodom and offering his daughters to the mob ([Genesis 19:8](/genesis/19-8 "Genesis 19:8 - Lot Offers His Daughters")), his internal anguish over the city's depravity demonstrated a genuine moral compass and a heart that still clung to God's standards. God's assessment of his righteousness is based on his character and his distress over sin, not on his perfect behavior or wise decisions. This serves to illustrate God's grace in preserving those who, though flawed, are truly His.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Lot, a righteous man, was vexed by the unlawful deeds of Sodom, his experience ultimately points to the infinitely greater suffering of Jesus Christ. Christ, the [Lamb of God without blemish or spot](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - The Precious Blood of Christ"), was not merely vexed by sin but bore the full weight of humanity's lawless deeds upon himself. As the perfectly [righteous one who suffered for the unrighteous](/1_peter/3-18 "1 Peter 3:18 - Christ Suffered for Sins"), He endured the ultimate torment of separation from God on the cross, a suffering far beyond Lot's daily anguish. His vexation was not just in witnessing sin, but in becoming sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Thus, Lot's deliverance from Sodom foreshadows the spiritual deliverance and eternal salvation offered to all who trust in the [righteousness of Christ](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - The Righteousness of God Through Faith"), the only perfectly righteous one who could truly rescue humanity from the judgment of its own unlawful deeds.

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

Psalms 119:158

¶ I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.

Ezekiel 9:4

And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

Psalms 119:136

¶ Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

Proverbs 25:26

¶ A righteous man falling down before the wicked [is as] a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

Proverbs 28:12

¶ When righteous [men] do rejoice, [there is] great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

Malachi 3:15

And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, [they that] tempt God are even delivered.

Malachi 3:17

And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.