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.
Study Note
Study Note
'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' — the specification of those the Lord knows how to reserve for judgment (verse 9) focuses on two interconnected vices: sexual libertinism and contempt for authority, which Jude 8 links identically with 'defiling the flesh, despising dominion, and speaking evil of dignities.' The 'dignities' (doxas — glories/angelic authorities) has been interpreted as either human governing authorities or angelic beings, with the angelological reading supported by the context of fallen angels in verses 4–9. The passage illustrates the interlocking of sexual and political insubordination as a single pattern of anti-creation lawlessness.
Other Translations
but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise dominion. Daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at dignities:
and chiefly those going behind the flesh in desire of uncleanness, and lordship despising; presumptuous, self-complacent, dignities they are not afraid to speak evil of,
But specially those who go after the unclean desires of the flesh, and make sport of authority. Ready to take chances, uncontrolled, they have no fear of saying evil of those in high places:
Cross References
Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the Lord, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one …
And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up:
But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth …
And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil …
And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not …
And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.
And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before …
But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no …
So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion …