Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

2 Peter 3:3

Next

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Peter 3:3 (KJV)

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

Context and Meaning

Peter is writing to believers who are potentially facing questions or doubts about the promised return of Jesus Christ and the coming judgment. In this verse, he gives them a foundational truth ("Knowing this first") that is crucial for understanding the times they live in and the opposition they will face.

The phrase "the last days" in the New Testament often refers to the entire period from Christ's first coming until His second coming. It is a time marked by spiritual conflict and the fulfillment of prophecy.

The core message is a clear prediction: during this final age, specific individuals called "scoffers" will appear. These are people who will deliberately mock, ridicule, or express contempt for the Christian hope, particularly the promise of Christ's return and the associated judgment.

Their motivation is explicitly stated: they are "walking after their own lusts." This means their lives and actions are driven by selfish desires, worldly pleasures, and sinful inclinations. A lifestyle centered on self naturally leads to a rejection of accountability to God and the denial of future events like Christ's return that would disrupt their self-centered way of life. Their scoffing is a manifestation of their inward disposition.

Significance and Application

  • This verse serves as a warning and preparation for believers. The appearance of scoffers is not a sign that God's promises have failed, but rather a fulfillment of prophecy itself.
  • It highlights the connection between a person's moral state ("walking after their own lusts") and their theological stance (scoffing at divine truth). Sinful desires often lead to a rejection of God's reality and future plans.
  • Believers are encouraged not to be surprised or discouraged by such opposition, but to remain steadfast in faith, remembering that these things were foretold.

Cross Reference

A similar warning is found in Jude 1:18, which states, "How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts."

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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 1:18 (16 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

    ¶ 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 (10 votes)

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

  • 2 Peter 2:10 (9 votes)

    ¶ 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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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