The Meaning of 2 Peter 2:6 Explained

2 Peter 2:6

KJV: And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

YLT: and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah having turned to ashes, with an overthrow did condemn, an example to those about to be impious having set them;

Darby: and having reduced the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha to ashes, condemned them with an overthrow, setting them as an example to those that should afterwards live an ungodly life;

ASV: and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, having made them an example unto those that should live ungodly;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  turning  the cities  of Sodom  and  Gomorrha  into ashes  condemned  [them] with an overthrow,  making  [them] an ensample  unto those that after should  live ungodly; 

What does 2 Peter 2:6 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Peter"s third example was the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. God already demonstrated that He would judge ungodly sinners with fire when he destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. The ungodly from then on should not expect to escape the same fate. They too will be subject to fiery judgment. God delivered Lot and his family before He brought fiery judgment on his world (cf. the pretribulation rapture; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).
"Undoubtedly the author sees the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah by fire as a pattern for the fiery judgment of the ungodly at the Parousia ( 2 Peter 3:7)." [1]
"It has well been said that if God spares today"s cities from judgment, He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah." [2]
All three of Peter"s examples ( 2 Peter 2:4-6) deal with unbelievers. These were the primary focus of Peter"s warning. If there were some believers among the false teachers, Peter undoubtedly intended that they should take these warnings to heart even though they would not suffer the same eternal judgment as unbelievers.

Context Summary

2 Peter 2:1-11 - Doom And Deliverance
Already the early Church was threatened with destructive heresies introduced by men who desired only their self-aggrandizement. All the Apostles give warning against such, and point to character as the one supreme test of doctrine. The real drift of the heresies is to deny the Master, who bought us as slaves in the market of the world. Of all the bidders, there is none who has bidden so high as he.
Many instances are quoted from the past to prove the fearful judgments which must overtake such false teachers. The angels who placed their self-will in antagonism to their Maker were cast down to Tartarus-a Greek word used only here in the New Testament. The people who lived previous to the Flood, and they who afterward at Sodom disregarded the laws of purity and self-restraint, dictated alike by nature and conscience, were overwhelmed in destruction. But even amid such judgments, God discriminates His Noahs and His Lots, preserves and delivers them, and numbers them among His jewels, Malachi 3:17. God has His eye on you and will succor you. [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Peter 2

1  Peter warns of false teachers, showing the impiety and punishment both of them and their followers;
7  from which the godly shall be delivered, as Lot was out of Sodom;
10  and more fully describes the manners of those profane and blasphemous seducers

Greek Commentary for 2 Peter 2:6

Turning into ashes [τεπρωσας]
First aorist participle of τεπροω — tephroō late word from τεπρα — tephra ashes (in Dio Cassius of an eruption of Vesuvius, Philo), here alone in N.T. [source]
The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah [πολεις Σοδομων και Γομορρας]
Genitive of apposition after πολεις — poleis (cities), though it makes sense as possessive genitive, for Judges 1:7 speaks of the cities around these two. The third example, the cities of the plain. See Genesis 19:24.Condemned them (κατεκρινεν — katekrinen). First aorist active indicative of κατακρινω — katakrinō still part of the protasis with ει — ei an overthrow (καταστροπηι — katastrophēi). Instrumental case or even dative like τανατωι — thanatōi with κατακρινω — katakrinō in Matthew 20:18. But Westcott and Hort reject the word here because not in B C Coptic.Having made them Perfect active participle of τιτημι — tithēmi example For which see James 5:10; John 13:15. Cf. 1 Peter 2:21.Unto those that should live ungodly (μελλοντων ασεβεσιν — mellontōn asebesin). Rather, “unto ungodly men of things about to be” (see Hebrews 11:20 for this use of μελλοντων — mellontōn). But Aleph A C K L read ασεβειν — asebein (present active infinitive) with μελλοντων — mellontōn = ασεβησοντων — asebēsontōn (future active participle of ασεβεω — asebeō), from which we have our translation. [source]
Condemned them [κατεκρινεν]
First aorist active indicative of κατακρινω — katakrinō still part of the protasis with ει — ei an overthrow Instrumental case or even dative like τανατωι — thanatōi with κατακρινω — katakrinō in Matthew 20:18. But Westcott and Hort reject the word here because not in B C Coptic. [source]
Having made them [τετεικως]
Perfect active participle of τιτημι — tithēmi example For which see James 5:10; John 13:15. Cf. 1 Peter 2:21.Unto those that should live ungodly (μελλοντων ασεβεσιν — mellontōn asebesin). Rather, “unto ungodly men of things about to be” (see Hebrews 11:20 for this use of μελλοντων — mellontōn). But Aleph A C K L read ασεβειν — asebein (present active infinitive) with μελλοντων — mellontōn = ασεβησοντων — asebēsontōn (future active participle of ασεβεω — asebeō), from which we have our translation. [source]
Unto those that should live ungodly [μελλοντων ασεβεσιν]
Rather, “unto ungodly men of things about to be” (see Hebrews 11:20 for this use of μελλοντων — mellontōn). But Aleph A C K L read ασεβειν — asebein (present active infinitive) with μελλοντων — mellontōn = ασεβησοντων — asebēsontōn (future active participle of ασεβεω — asebeō), from which we have our translation. [source]
Turning into ashes [τεφρώσας]
Only here in New Testament. [source]
Having made them an example [ὑπόδειγμα τεθεικώς]
Compare 1 Peter 2:21. The word for example is condemned as unclassical by the Attic grammarians, and παράδειγμα is substituted, which means, properly, a sculptor's or a painter's model, or an architect's plan. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Peter 2:6

John 13:15 Example [ὑπόδειγμα]
On the three words used in the New Testament for example, ὑπόδειγμα , τύπος , and δεῖγμα , see on 2 Peter 2:6; see on 1 Peter 5:3; see on Judges 1:7. [source]
John 13:15 An example [υποδειγμα]
For the old παραδειγμα — paradeigma (not in N.T.), from υποδεικνυμι — hupodeiknumi to show under the eyes as an illustration or warning (Matthew 3:7), common in the papyri for illustration, example, warning, here only in John, but in James 5:10; 2 Peter 2:6; Hebrews 4:11; Hebrews 8:5; Hebrews 9:26. Peter uses τυποι — tupoi (1 Peter 5:3) with this incident in mind. In Judges 1:7 δειγμα — deigma (without υπο — hupo) occurs in the sense of example. That ye also should do Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the present active subjunctive of ποιεω — poieō (keep on doing). Doing what? Does Jesus here institute a new church ordinance as some good people today hold? If so, it is curious that there is no record of it in the N.T. Jesus has given the disciples an object lesson in humility to rebuke their jealousy, pride, and strife exhibited at this very meal. The lesson of the “example” applies to all the relations of believers with each other. It is one that is continually needed. [source]
Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things [πάντα ὑπέδειξα ὑμῖν]
The verb means to shew by example. Thus, Luke 6:47, “I will shew you to whom he is like,” is followed by the illustration of the man who built upon the rock. So Acts 9:16. God will shew Paul by practical experience how great things he must suffer. The kindred noun ὑπόδειγμα is always rendered example or pattern. See John 13:15; James 5:10, etc.; and note on 2 Peter 2:6. Rev., correctly, In all things I gave you an example. [source]
1 Timothy 1:16 Might shew forth [ενδειχηται]
First aorist middle subjunctive (purpose with ινα — hina) of ενδεικνυμι — endeiknumi to point out, for which see note on Ephesians 2:7 (same form with ινα — hina). Longsuffering (μακροτυμιαν — makrothumian). Common Pauline word (2 Corinthians 6:6). For an ensample Late and rare word (in Galen, Sext. Emp., Diog. Laert., here only in N.T.) from late verb υποτυποω — hupotupoō (in papyri) to outline. So substantive here is a sketch, rough outline. Paul is a sample of the kind of sinners that Jesus came to save. See υποδειγμα — hupodeigma in 2 Peter 2:6. [source]
1 Timothy 1:16 For an ensample [προς υποτυπωσιν]
Late and rare word (in Galen, Sext. Emp., Diog. Laert., here only in N.T.) from late verb υποτυποω — hupotupoō (in papyri) to outline. So substantive here is a sketch, rough outline. Paul is a sample of the kind of sinners that Jesus came to save. See υποδειγμα — hupodeigma in 2 Peter 2:6. [source]
2 Timothy 2:14 Lit. to nothing useful . Ἑπ ' οὐδὲν , oP. He uses εἰς κενόν to no purpose . See 2 Corinthians 6:1 ; Galatians 2:2 ; Philemon 2:16 ; 1 Thessalonians 3:5 . Χρήσιμος usefulN.T.o To the subverting [ἐπὶ καταστροφῇ]
Ἑπὶ does not mean here to or for (purpose or object). but indicates the ground on which the unprofitableness of the wordy strife rests. Unprofitable because it works subversion of the hearers. Καταστροφή subversiontransliterated into catastrophe, only here and 2 Peter 2:6. In lxx of the destruction or overthrow of men or cities. Καταστρέφειν tooverturn, Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:15; Acts 15:16, cit. Paul uses καθαίρεσις pullingdown, 2 Corinthians 10:4, 2 Corinthians 10:8; 2 Corinthians 13:10 [source]
2 Timothy 2:14 To no profit [ἐπ ' οὐδὲν χρήσιμον]
Lit. to nothing useful. Ἑπ ' οὐδὲν , oP. He uses εἰς κενόν tono purpose. See 2 Corinthians 6:1; Galatians 2:2; Philemon 2:16; 1 Thessalonians 3:5. Χρήσιμος usefulN.T.oTo the subverting ( ἐπὶ καταστροφῇ ) Ἑπὶ does not mean here to or for (purpose or object). but indicates the ground on which the unprofitableness of the wordy strife rests. Unprofitable because it works subversion of the hearers. Καταστροφή subversiontransliterated into catastrophe, only here and 2 Peter 2:6. In lxx of the destruction or overthrow of men or cities. Καταστρέφειν tooverturn, Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:15; Acts 15:16, cit. Paul uses καθαίρεσις pullingdown, 2 Corinthians 10:4, 2 Corinthians 10:8; 2 Corinthians 13:10 [source]
2 Timothy 2:14 Useful [χρησιμον]
Late and rare word from χραομαι — chraomai here only in N.T. To the subverting (επι καταστροπηι — epi katastrophēi). Old word (from καταστρεπω — katastrephō to turn down or over), here only in N.T. (except 2 Peter 2:6 in some MSS., not in Westcott and Hort).” Because of the overthrow” (result επι — epi not aim), useless for this reason. Such war of words merely upsets the hearers. [source]
2 Timothy 2:14 To the subverting [επι καταστροπηι]
Old word (from καταστρεπω — katastrephō to turn down or over), here only in N.T. (except 2 Peter 2:6 in some MSS., not in Westcott and Hort).” Because of the overthrow” (result επι — epi not aim), useless for this reason. Such war of words merely upsets the hearers. [source]
Hebrews 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things [οἵτινες ὑποδείγματι καί σκιᾷ λατρεύουσιν τῶν ἐπουρανίων]
The connection is, “there are those who offer the gifts according to the law, such as ( οἵτινες ) serve,” etc. For λατρεύουσιν servesee on 2 Timothy 1:3. Omit unto. Rend. serve the copy and shadow, etc., or, as Rev., that which is a copy and shadow. For ὑπόδειγμα copysee on 1 Peter 5:3; see on 2 Peter 2:6. Comp. Hebrews 9:23. Τῶν ἐπουρανίων “of heavenly things.” Τὰ ἐπουράνια in N.T. usually “heavenly places.” See Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 6:12: “heavenly things,” John 3:12; Philemon 2:10; Hebrews 9:23. [source]
James 5:10 Example [ὑπόδειγμα]
See on 2 Peter 2:6. [source]
1 Peter 5:3 Examples [τύποι]
Peter uses three different terms for a pattern or model: ὑπογραμμός , a writing-copy (1 Peter 2:21); ὑπόδειγμα , for which classical writers prefer παράδειγμα , an architect's plan or a sculptor's or painter's model (2 Peter 2:6); τύπος (see on 1 Peter 3:21), of which our word type is nearly a transcript. The word primarily means the impression left by a stroke ( τύπτω , to strike)Thus John 20:25, “the print of the nails.” Used of the stamp on coin; the impression of any engraving or hewn work of art; a monument or statue; the figures of the tabernacle of Moloch and of the star Remphan (Acts 7:43). Generally, an image or form, always with a statement of the object; and hence the kindred meaning of a pattern or model. See Acts 23:25; Romans 5:14; Philemon 3:17; Hebrews 8:5. [source]
1 John 1:9 Our sins [τὰς ἁμαρτίας]
Sin is defined by John as ἀνομία, lawlessnessCompare Romans 6:19. A.V., transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). It may be regarded either as condition or as act; either with reference to the normal, divine ideal of manhood, or to an external law imposed upon man by God. Any departure from the normal ideal of man as created in God's image puts man out of true relation and harmony with his true self, and therefore with God and with his fellowman. He thus comes into false, abnormal relation with right, love, truth, and light. He walks in darkness and forfeits fellowship with God. Lawlessness is darkness, lovelessness, selfishness. This false principle takes shape in act. He doeth ( ποιεῖ ) or committeth sin. He doeth lawlessness ( τὴν ἀνομίαν ποιεῖ ; 1 John 3:4, 1 John 3:8). He transgresses the words ( ῥήματα , John 17:8) of God, and His commandments ( ἐντολαί , 1 John 2:3) as included and expressed in His one word or message ( λόγος , 1 John 2:7, 1 John 2:14). Similarly the verb ἁμαρτάνειν , to sin, may signify either to be sinful (1 John 3:6), or to commit sin (1 John 1:10). Sin, regarded both as principle and act, is designated by John by the term ἁμαρτία . The principle expressed in the specific acts is ἡ ἁμαρτία (John 1:29), which occurs in this sense in Paul, but not in the Synoptists, nor in Acts. Many of the terms used for sin by other New Testament writers are wanting in John; as ἀσέβεια ungodliness(see on Judges 1:14); ἀσεβεῖν tobe ungodly (2 Peter 2:6); παραβαίνειν totransgress; παράβασις transgression παραβάτης transgressor(see on Matthew 6:14; see on James 2:11); παρανομεῖν toact contrary to the law; παρανομία breachof law (see on Acts 23:3; see on 2 Peter 2:16); παράπτωμα trespass(see on Matthew 6:14). [source]
Jude 1:7 The cities about them [αι περι αυτας πολεις]
These were also included, Admah and Zeboiim (Deuteronomy 29:23; Hosea 11:8). Zoar, the other city, was spared.In like manner (τον ομοιον τροπον — ton homoion tropon). Adverbial accusative (cf. ως — hōs). Like the fallen angels.Having given themselves over to fornication First aorist active participle feminine plural of εκπορνευω — ekporneuō late and rare compound (perfective use of εκ — ek outside the moral law), only here in N.T., but in lxx (Gen 38:24; Exod 34:15f., etc.). Cf. ασελγειαν — aselgeian in Judges 1:4.Strange flesh (σαρκος ετερας — sarkos heteras). Horrible licentiousness, not simply with women not their wives or in other nations, but even unnatural uses (Romans 1:27) for which the very word “sodomy” is used (Genesis 19:4-11). The pronoun ετερας — heteras (other, strange) is not in 2 Peter 2:10.Are set forth Present middle indicative of προκειμαι — prokeimai old verb, to lie before, as in Hebrews 12:1.As an example (δειγμα — deigma). Predicate nominative of δειγμα — deigma old word (from δεικνυμι — deiknumi to show), here only in N.T., sample, specimen. 2 Peter 2:6 has υποδειγμα — hupodeigma (pattern).Suffering Present active participle of υπεχω — hupechō old compound, to hold under, often with δικην — dikēn (right, justice, sentence 2 Thessalonians 1:9) to suffer sentence (punishment), here only in N.T.Of eternal fire (πυρος αιωνιου — puros aiōniou). Like δεσμοις αιδιοις — desmois aidiois in Judges 1:7. Cf. the hell of fire (Matthew 5:22) and also Matthew 25:46. Jude has no mention of Lot. [source]
Jude 1:7 Having given themselves over to fornication [εκπορνευσασαι]
First aorist active participle feminine plural of εκπορνευω — ekporneuō late and rare compound (perfective use of εκ — ek outside the moral law), only here in N.T., but in lxx (Gen 38:24; Exod 34:15f., etc.). Cf. ασελγειαν — aselgeian in Judges 1:4.Strange flesh (σαρκος ετερας — sarkos heteras). Horrible licentiousness, not simply with women not their wives or in other nations, but even unnatural uses (Romans 1:27) for which the very word “sodomy” is used (Genesis 19:4-11). The pronoun ετερας — heteras (other, strange) is not in 2 Peter 2:10.Are set forth Present middle indicative of προκειμαι — prokeimai old verb, to lie before, as in Hebrews 12:1.As an example (δειγμα — deigma). Predicate nominative of δειγμα — deigma old word (from δεικνυμι — deiknumi to show), here only in N.T., sample, specimen. 2 Peter 2:6 has υποδειγμα — hupodeigma (pattern).Suffering Present active participle of υπεχω — hupechō old compound, to hold under, often with δικην — dikēn (right, justice, sentence 2 Thessalonians 1:9) to suffer sentence (punishment), here only in N.T.Of eternal fire (πυρος αιωνιου — puros aiōniou). Like δεσμοις αιδιοις — desmois aidiois in Judges 1:7. Cf. the hell of fire (Matthew 5:22) and also Matthew 25:46. Jude has no mention of Lot. [source]
Jude 1:7 As an example [δειγμα]
Predicate nominative of δειγμα — deigma old word (from δεικνυμι — deiknumi to show), here only in N.T., sample, specimen. 2 Peter 2:6 has υποδειγμα — hupodeigma (pattern). [source]
Jude 1:15 Of ungodliness [ασεβειας]
Old word as in Romans 1:18, plural in Judges 1:18 as in Romans 11:26.Which (ων — hōn). Genitive by attraction from α — ha (cognate accusative with ησεβησαν — ēsebēsan old verb, to act impiously, here alone in N.T. save some MSS. in 2 Peter 2:6) to agree with the antecedent εργων — ergōn (deeds).Hard things Harsh, rough things as in John 6:60.Which (ων — hōn). Genitive by attraction from α — ha (object of ελαλησαν — elalēsan first aorist active indicative of λαλεω — laleō) to the case of the antecedent σκληρων — sklērōn Four times in this verse as a sort of refrain ασεβεις — asebeis (twice), ασεβειασ ησεβησαν — asebeiasēsebēsan f0). [source]
Jude 1:15 Which [ων]
Genitive by attraction from α — ha (cognate accusative with ησεβησαν — ēsebēsan old verb, to act impiously, here alone in N.T. save some MSS. in 2 Peter 2:6) to agree with the antecedent εργων — ergōn (deeds). [source]
Jude 1:7 Are set forth [προκεινται]
Present middle indicative of προκειμαι — prokeimai old verb, to lie before, as in Hebrews 12:1.As an example (δειγμα — deigma). Predicate nominative of δειγμα — deigma old word (from δεικνυμι — deiknumi to show), here only in N.T., sample, specimen. 2 Peter 2:6 has υποδειγμα — hupodeigma (pattern).Suffering Present active participle of υπεχω — hupechō old compound, to hold under, often with δικην — dikēn (right, justice, sentence 2 Thessalonians 1:9) to suffer sentence (punishment), here only in N.T.Of eternal fire (πυρος αιωνιου — puros aiōniou). Like δεσμοις αιδιοις — desmois aidiois in Judges 1:7. Cf. the hell of fire (Matthew 5:22) and also Matthew 25:46. Jude has no mention of Lot. [source]
Jude 1:15 To convict [ελεγχαι]
First aorist (effective) active infinitive like ποιησαι — poiēsai before it.Ungodly (ασεβεις — asebeis). See Judges 1:4 and end of this verse.Of ungodliness Old word as in Romans 1:18, plural in Judges 1:18 as in Romans 11:26.Which (ων — hōn). Genitive by attraction from α — ha (cognate accusative with ησεβησαν — ēsebēsan old verb, to act impiously, here alone in N.T. save some MSS. in 2 Peter 2:6) to agree with the antecedent εργων — ergōn (deeds).Hard things Harsh, rough things as in John 6:60.Which (ων — hōn). Genitive by attraction from α — ha (object of ελαλησαν — elalēsan first aorist active indicative of λαλεω — laleō) to the case of the antecedent σκληρων — sklērōn Four times in this verse as a sort of refrain ασεβεις — asebeis (twice), ασεβειασ ησεβησαν — asebeiasēsebēsan f0). [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Peter 2:6 mean?

and [the] cities of Sodom Gomorrah having reduced to ashes to destruction He condemned [them] an example of what is coming on the ungodly having set
καὶ πόλεις Σοδόμων Γομόρρας τεφρώσας καταστροφῇ κατέκρινεν ὑπόδειγμα μελλόντων ‹ἀσεβέσιν› τεθεικώς

πόλεις  [the]  cities 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: πόλις  
Sense: a city.
Σοδόμων  of  Sodom 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: Σόδομα  
Sense: a city destroyed by the Lord raining fire and brimstone on it.
Γομόρρας  Gomorrah 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: Γόμορρα  
Sense: a city in eastern part of Judah that was destroyed when the Lord rained fire and brimstone on it; now covered by the Dead Sea.
τεφρώσας  having  reduced  to  ashes 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: τεφρόω  
Sense: reduce to ashes.
καταστροφῇ  to  destruction 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: καταστροφή  
Sense: overthrow, destruction.
κατέκρινεν  He  condemned  [them] 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: κατακρίνω  
Sense: to give judgment against, to judge worthy of punishment.
ὑπόδειγμα  an  example 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: ὑπόδειγμα  
Sense: a sign suggestive of anything, delineation of a thing, representation, figure, copy.
μελλόντων  of  what  is  coming  on 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: μέλλω  
Sense: to be about.
‹ἀσεβέσιν›  the  ungodly 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀσεβής  
Sense: destitute of reverential awe towards God, condemning God, impious.
τεθεικώς  having  set 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: τίθημι  
Sense: to set, put, place.