2 Peter 2:20
For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
Study Note
Study Note
The warning about those who, having 'escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord,' become again entangled and overcome, draws on the Jewish concept of apostasy after genuine covenant relationship. The comparison — 'the latter end is worse for them than the beginning' — echoes Jesus's parable of the unclean spirit returning with seven others (Matthew 12:43–45), intensifying the danger of relapse. The phrase 'knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ' (epignōsis) points to a deep and experiential knowing that makes subsequent departure more culpable, not less. The verse raises perennial questions in Christian theology about apostasy, perseverance, and whether genuine conversion can be followed by irreversible rejection.
Other Translations
For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first.
for, if having escaped from the pollutions of the world, in the acknowledging of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and by these again being entangled, they have been overcome, become to them hath the last things worse than the first,
For if, after they have got free from the unclean things of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again taken in the net and overcome, their last condition is worse than their first.
Cross References
And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; …
O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell …
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, …
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, …
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine …
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell …
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.