2 Peter 3:3

KJV

¶ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

KJV (with Strong's)

Knowing {G1097} this {G5124} first {G4412}, that {G3754} there shall come {G2064} in {G1909} the last {G2078} days {G2250} scoffers {G1703}, walking {G4198} after {G2596} their {G846} own {G2398} lusts {G1939},

Complete Jewish Bible

First, understand this: during the Last Days, scoffers will come, following their own desires

Berean Standard Bible

Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.

American Standard Version

knowing this first, that in the last days mockers shall come with mockery, walking after their own lusts,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 3:3 serves as a foundational warning to believers, forecasting the inevitable emergence of "scoffers" in the "last days." These individuals, driven by their own sinful desires, will mock the promise of Christ's return and the accompanying divine judgment, thereby fulfilling prophecy and testing the steadfastness of the faithful.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the beginning of 2 Peter chapter 3, which addresses the skepticism surrounding the Lord's delayed return and the certainty of His coming judgment. Peter has already warned against false teachers in [chapter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter 2 - Warnings Against False Teachers"), describing their destructive heresies and immoral lifestyles. [Chapter 3](/2_peter/3 "2 Peter 3 - The Day of the Lord") directly confronts the specific challenge of those who deny the parousia (Christ's second coming). Verse 3 sets the stage by identifying the source of this skepticism – the "scoffers" – and their motivation, linking their theological error to their moral corruption. This prophecy serves to prepare the readers, assuring them that such opposition is not unexpected but rather a sign of the times.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter is writing to a diverse group of believers, likely in Asia Minor, who were experiencing persecution and internal challenges. The early church faced both external pressure from Roman authorities and Jewish opposition, as well as internal threats from false doctrines and moral laxity. The concept of "the last days" was deeply rooted in Jewish eschatology, referring to the climactic period leading up to the Messiah's arrival and the establishment of God's kingdom. For early Christians, this period had already begun with Christ's first coming, but the delay of His promised return (the "parousia") led to questions and doubts. Some, influenced by Hellenistic philosophical skepticism or simply impatient, began to ridicule the Christian hope. Peter's letter, written around 64-68 AD, addresses a community grappling with these realities, providing theological grounding and practical encouragement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 2 Peter and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **prophetic fulfillment**, asserting that the appearance of scoffers is not a sign of God's failure but a confirmation of His foreknowledge, as also seen in [Jude 1:18](/jude/1-18 "Jude 1:18 - Mockers Foretold"). Secondly, it underscores the **moral dimension of theological error**, revealing that a rejection of divine truth, particularly concerning accountability and judgment, often stems from a desire to indulge in "their own lusts." This connection between doctrine and deed is a recurring motif in Peter's warnings against false teachers (e.g., [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers and Destructive Heresies")). Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **certainty of Christ's return and judgment**, despite the scoffing. By identifying the opposition, Peter implicitly strengthens the resolve of believers to remain steadfast in their expectation of the "day of the Lord," a theme he elaborates on throughout [2 Peter 3](/2_peter/3 "2 Peter 3 - The Day of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knowing (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This word signifies a deep, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual assent. Peter urges believers to have a firm grasp and understanding of this truth as a foundational principle. It implies a certainty that should inform their perspective and actions.
* **scoffers (Greek, _empaíktēs'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to mock" or "to deride," this term specifically denotes those who ridicule or make sport of sacred things. In this context, it refers to individuals who scorn the promise of Christ's return and the associated divine judgment. The Strong's definition further clarifies them as "false teachers," indicating that their mockery is intertwined with doctrinal error.
* **lusts (Greek, _epithymía'_):** While sometimes used neutrally for strong desire, in this context, _epithymía_ carries the negative connotation of "a longing (especially for what is forbidden)." It refers to uncontrolled, often sinful, desires and passions that drive one's behavior. The phrase "their own lusts" emphasizes the self-centered and ungodly nature of these desires, which lead to a rejection of divine authority and future accountability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Knowing this first,"**: This opening phrase emphasizes the primary importance and foundational nature of the truth Peter is about to declare. It's a crucial piece of understanding for believers living in the end times. The KJV's "¶" indicates a new paragraph or thought break, reinforcing its significance.
* **"that there shall come in the last days scoffers,"**: This is a direct prophecy regarding the future. Peter asserts with certainty that mockers will appear during the period leading up to Christ's second coming. "The last days" refers to the entire era between Christ's first and second advents, a time characterized by spiritual conflict and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The "scoffers" are those who will deliberately ridicule the Christian hope, particularly the promise of Christ's return and the associated judgment.
* **"walking after their own lusts,"**: This clause reveals the motivation and character of the scoffers. Their mockery is not based on intellectual inquiry but on moral depravity. To "walk after their own lusts" means their conduct and worldview are governed by their selfish, ungodly desires and sinful inclinations. Their rejection of divine truth is a consequence of their desire to live without accountability, indulging in pleasures that stand in opposition to God's righteous standards.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several **literary devices** in this concise verse to convey his urgent message. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as he foretells the coming of "scoffers" in the "last days." This prophetic declaration serves to prepare and forewarn his audience, framing the future opposition not as a surprise, but as a divinely revealed certainty. He also uses **Characterization** to describe these scoffers, not just by their actions ("scoffers") but by their underlying motivation ("walking after their own lusts"). This paints a vivid picture of their moral and spiritual state, linking their outward behavior to their inward corruption. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between the "knowing" of the believers and the "scoffing" of the ungodly, highlighting the differing foundations upon which each group stands – divine truth versus personal desire. This contrast underscores the spiritual battle between faith and ungodliness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is profoundly significant for understanding the nature of spiritual opposition in the Christian life. It teaches that skepticism and outright mockery of God's promises, especially concerning future judgment and Christ's return, are not new phenomena but a predictable outcome of human sinfulness. The connection between "lusts" and "scoffing" reveals a deep theological truth: a lifestyle driven by self-indulgence inherently resists accountability to a holy God and the prospect of a coming judgment that would disrupt such a life. This passage prepares believers to face such challenges with discernment, recognizing that the very existence of scoffers fulfills prophecy and validates the urgency of living righteously in anticipation of the Lord's return. It calls for steadfastness in faith, even when faced with ridicule.

* [Jude 1:18](/jude/1-18 "Jude 1:18 - Mockers Foretold")
* [1 Timothy 4:1](/1_timothy/4-1 "1 Timothy 4:1 - Apostasy in the Last Days")
* [2 Timothy 3:1-5](/2_timothy/3-1-5 "2 Timothy 3:1-5 - Perilous Times and Ungodly Behavior")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world increasingly characterized by skepticism and a rejection of absolute truth, 2 Peter 3:3 remains remarkably relevant. It serves as a powerful reminder that opposition to Christian truth, particularly concerning the Lord's return and final judgment, is not a sign of weakness in God's plan but a fulfillment of His Word. For believers today, this means we should not be surprised or disheartened when we encounter those who mock our faith or dismiss the biblical narrative of end times. Instead, we are called to a deeper understanding of human nature and the spiritual battle at play. Our response should be rooted in steadfast faith, living lives that reflect the hope we proclaim, and being prepared to offer a reasoned defense of our faith with gentleness and respect, as encouraged in [1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Always Be Prepared to Give a Defense"). This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our desires align with God's will, preventing us from falling into the same trap of self-serving skepticism.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding this prophecy about scoffers prepare you to engage with a skeptical world?**
* **In what ways might "walking after their own lusts" manifest in modern forms of scoffing or rejection of biblical truth?**
* **How can believers maintain steadfastness and hope when faced with ridicule concerning Christ's return or future judgment?**
* **What is the connection between personal desires (lusts) and one's theological beliefs or disbeliefs, as highlighted in this verse?**

### FAQ
**What does "the last days" mean in this context?**

Answer: In the New Testament, "the last days" (Greek: _eschatos hēméra_) refers to the entire period from Christ's first coming, His death, resurrection, and ascension, until His promised second coming. It is the final era of God's redemptive plan before the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This period is marked by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the spread of the Gospel, and also by increased spiritual conflict, false teachings, and moral decay, as foretold by the prophets and apostles. It is not necessarily a short, finite period, but rather the culmination of history leading to Christ's ultimate triumph.

**Are the "scoffers" mentioned here specific individuals or a general attitude?**

Answer: The "scoffers" (Greek: _empaíktēs_) refer to specific individuals who will emerge with a deliberate and open contempt for God's promises, particularly the promise of Christ's return. While their attitude of skepticism and mockery is general, Peter describes them as a distinct group or type of person whose behavior and worldview are characterized by this scoffing. The Strong's definition even suggests they can be "false teachers," indicating that their mockery is often tied to a rejection of sound doctrine and a promotion of their own distorted views. Their existence is a prophetic sign, not just a random occurrence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Peter 3:3 directly prophesies the coming of scoffers, its ultimate fulfillment and significance are deeply rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very "last days" Peter speaks of were inaugurated by Christ's first advent, His atoning death, and His glorious resurrection, which marked the decisive turning point in salvation history (see [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). The scoffers' mockery of Christ's return is a direct challenge to His sovereignty and His promise to come again in glory to judge the living and the dead (as declared in [Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - Jesus Will Return")). Their "walking after their own lusts" stands in stark contrast to Christ, who perfectly fulfilled God's will, living a life utterly devoid of sin and self-indulgence (see [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). The ultimate triumph over these scoffers, and indeed over all sin and rebellion, will be achieved through Christ's glorious return, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (as prophesied in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Thus, the prophecy of scoffers, rather than undermining faith, serves to highlight the absolute certainty of Christ's victorious return and the final establishment of His righteous 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

Jude 1:18

How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

1 Timothy 4:1

¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

1 Timothy 4:2

Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

2 Peter 2:10

¶ But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

Jude 1:16

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

2 Corinthians 4:2

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

2 Peter 1:20

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.