2 Peter 2:21

2 Peter 2:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them.

King James Version KJV

For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

American Standard Version ASV

For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For it would have been better for them to have had no knowledge of the way of righteousness, than to go back again from the holy law which was given to them, after having knowledge of it.

Free Bible Version FBV

It would have been better not to have known the right way of truth, than to have known it and then turn away from the sacred instructions they'd been given.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For it had bene better for them, not to haue acknowledged the way of righteousnes, then after they haue acknowledged it, to turne from the holy commandement giuen vnto them.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

for it were better to them not to have acknowledged the way of the righteousness, than having acknowledged [it], to turn back from the holy command delivered to them,

World English Bible WEB

For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it , to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For it had been better for them not to have known the way of justice, than after they have known it, to turn back from that holy commandment which was delivered to them.

Translation for Translators T4T

Because God will severely punish them, it would have been better for them if they had never known what it means to live in a righteous way. It is too bad that although they knew how to live in a righteous way, they stopped doing the things that God commanded people to do, the things that were taught to them ◄by us apostles/by Christ► {that ◄we apostles/Christ► taught to them}.

Plain English Version PEV

God will punish everyone that goes the wrong way. He will even punish people that never knew the right way. But these people knew the right way, and then they turned back and went the wrong way, so God will punish them more than those others.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Peter 2:21

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Peter 2:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK κρειττον γαρ ην αυτοις μη επεγνωκεναι την οδον της δικαιοσυνης η επιγνουσιν επιστρεψαι εκ της παραδοθεισης αυτοις αγιας εντολης

κρειττον kreittōn G2909 stronger Adj-NSN-C

γαρ gar G1063 for Conj

ην eimi G1510 to be Verb-IAI-3S

αυτοις autos G846 it/s/he Pron-DPM

μη mē G3361 not Particle-N

επεγνωκεναι epiginōskō G1921 to come to know Verb-RAN

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

οδον hodos G3598 road Noun-ASF

της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF

δικαιοσυνης dikaiosunē G1343 righteousness Noun-GSF

η ē G2228 or Particle

επιγνουσιν epiginōskō G1921 to come to know Verb-2AAP-DPM

επιστρεψαι epistrephō G1994 to turn Verb-AAN

εκ ek G1537 out from Prep

της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF

παραδοθεισης paradidōmi G3860 to deliver Verb-APP-GSF

αυτοις autos G846 it/s/he Pron-DPM

αγιας hagios G40 holy Adj-GSF

εντολης entolē G1785 commandment Noun-GSF

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 2 Peter 2:21

κρειττον kreittōn G2909 "stronger" Adj-NSN-C

This word means stronger or better, describing something that is nobler or more excellent, as in Hebrews 1:4 and 6:9. It is often used to compare things, showing which one is more useful or advantageous, like in 1 Corinthians 7:38. This word is about being better.

Definition: κρείσσων (Epic and old Att..) and κρείττων (later Att..), prop. comparat. of κρατύς, strong, but in sense often (as in cl., see LS, see word) as comparat. of ἀγαθός, [in LXX chiefly for טוֹב ;] better; __(a) as to advantage or usefulness: 1Co.11:17, Heb.11:40 12:24; πολλῷ μᾶλλον κ., Php.1:23; κρεῖσσον ποιεῖν, 1Co.7:38; ἐστιν, before inf., 1Co.7:9, 2Pe.2:21; __(b) as to excellence: Heb.1:4 6:9 7:7, 19 7:22 8:6 9:23 10:34 11:16, 35; κ. ἐστι, before inf., 1Pe.3:17.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: best, better See also: 1 Corinthians 11:17; Hebrews 7:22; 1 Peter 3:17.

γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj

For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.

Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.

ην eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-IAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

αυτοις autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-DPM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

μη mē G3361 "not" Particle-N

Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.

Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.

επεγνωκεναι epiginōskō G1921 "to come to know" Verb-RAN

To know something deeply, like recognizing a person or understanding a truth. In the Bible, it's used in Acts 25:10 and 1 Corinthians 13:12 to describe knowing God or others intimately.

Definition: ἐπι-γινώσκω [in LXX chiefly for נָכַר: hi., also for יָדַע, etc. ;] "directive" of γινώσκω (AR, Eph., 249), as in cl.; __1. to observe, perceive, discern, recognize; __(a) absol.: Act.25:10, 1Co.13:12; before ὅτι, Luk.1:22; τ. πνεύματι, before ὅτι, Mrk.2:8; __(b) with accusative of thing(s): Luk.1:4 5:22, Act.12:14 27:39, Rom.1:32, 2Co.1:13, Col.1:6, 1Ti.4:3; ἐν ἐαυτῷ, Mrk.5:30; before ὅτι, 1Co.14:37; __(with) with accusative of person(s): Mat.11:27 14:36 17:12, Mrk.6:33 (T, αὐτούς, but LTr., WH, R, omit the prop., and LTr., WH, txt., read ἔγνωσαν), Mrk.6:54 Luk.24:16, 31, 1Co.16:18, 2Co.1:14; before ἀπό, with genitive of thing(s), Mat.7:16, 20; before ὅτι, Act.3:10 4:13, 2Co.13:5; pass., 1Co.13:12; opposite to ἀγνοούμενοι, 2Co.6:9. __2. to discover, ascertain, determine: Act.9:30; before ὅτι, Luk.7:37 23:7, Act.19:34 22:29 24:11 28:1; with accusative of thing(s), before quæst., Act.23:28; δι᾽ ἣν αἰτίαν, Act.22:24; παρά, with genitive of person(s), before περ, with genitive of thing(s), Act.24:8; τ. ὁδὸν τῆς δικαιοσύνης, 2Pe.2:21 (cf. Lft., Col., 136; Cremer, 159; M, Pr., 113; AR, Eph., 248 ff.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 38 NT verses. KJV: (ac-, have, take)know(-ledge, well), perceive See also: 1 Corinthians 13:12; Acts 28:1; Romans 1:32.

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

οδον hodos G3598 "road" Noun-ASF

This word for road or path is used in Matthew 2:12 and Mark 10:46 to describe a physical route or way. It can also mean a mode or means of doing something.

Definition: ὁδός, -οῦ, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly (very freq.) for דֶּרֶךְ ;] __1. a way, path, road: Mat.2:12, Mrk.10:46, Luk.3:5 al.; κατὰ τὴν ὁ., Luk.10:4, al.; παρὰ τὴν ὁ., Mat.13:4, al.; with genitive of person(s), (subj.), τὴν ὁ. ἑτοιμάζειν (fig.), Mat.3:3, Mrk.1:3, al.; with genitive term. (obj.), ἐθνῶν, Mat.10:5; τ. ἁγίων (figuratively), Heb.9:8; accusative, ὁδόν, with force of prep. (like Heb. דֶּרֶךְ; Bl., §34, 8; 35, 5), ὁ. θαλάσσης, Mat.4:15 (LXX). __2. A traveller's way, journey: ἐν τ. ὁ., Mat.5:25, Mrk.8:27, al.; ἐξ ὁ., Luk.11:6; εἰς ὁ., Mat.10:10; τ. ὁδὸν πορεύεσθαι, Act.8:39; ὁ. ἡμέρας, Luk.2:44; ὁδὸν ποιεῖν (= cl., ὁ. ποιεῖσθαι; V. Field, Notes, 25), to make one's way, i.e. proceed on one's journey, Mrk.2:23. __3. Metaphorical (cl.; but esp. frequently in Heb.; see Cremer, 442ff.), of a course of conduct, a way of thinking or acting: Act.14:16, 1Co.4:17 12:31, Jas.1:8 5:20; τοῦ Κάϊν, Ju 11; τ. Βαλαάμ, 2Pe.2:15; εἰρήνης, Rom.3:17; ζωῆς, Act.2:28; ἡ ὁ. ἡ ἀπάγουσα εἰς τ. ζωήν (Dalman, Words, 160), Mat.7:14; τ. δικαιοσύνης, Mat.21:32; σωτηρίας, Act.16:17; αἱ ὁ. τ. θεοῦ (κυρίου), Act.13:10, Rom.11:33, Rev.15:3 (cf. Hos.14:9 Psa.94 (95):10, Sir.39:24, al.); ἡ ὁ. τ. θεοῦ (the way approved by God), Mat.22:16, Mrk.12:14, Luk.20:21; id., of the Christian religion, Act.18:26; so, absol., ἡ ὁ., Act.9:2 19:9, 23 24:22; of Christ as the means of approach to God, Jhn.14:6. __4. Ellipsis of ὁ.: ποίας (sc. ὁδοῦ), Luk.5:19; ἐκείνης, ib. 19:4 (see Bl., §36, 13; 44, 1). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 99 NT verses. KJV: journey, (high-)way See also: 1 Corinthians 4:17; Luke 11:6; Hebrews 3:10.

της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

δικαιοσυνης dikaiosunē G1343 "righteousness" Noun-GSF

Righteousness is about living according to God's will, as seen in Matthew 5:6 and Romans 4:3, where it's about being in right relationship with God.

Definition: δικαιοσύνη, -ης, ἡ (δίκαιος), [in LXX chiefly for צֶדֶק, and cognates, Gen.15:6, al., rarely for חֶסֶד, Gen.19:19 ;] the character of ὁ δίκαιος (which see) __1. in broad sense, righteousness, conformity to the Divine will in purpose, thought and action: Mat.5:6, Jhn.16:8, Act.13:10, Rom.4:3; λόγος δικαιοσύνης, teaching of r., Heb.5:13; βασιλεὺς δ. (cf. FlJ, BJ, vi, 10, β. δίκαιος), Heb.7:2; ὅπλα δ., Rom.6:13; ὁδὸς δ., Mat.21:32; θώραξ τῆς δ., Eph.6:14; διὰκονοι δ., 2Co.11:15; ὁσιότης καὶ δ., Luk.1:75, cf. Eph.4:24; ἀγαθωσύνῃ καὶ δ., Eph.5:9; δ. κ. εἰρήνη κ. χαρά, Rom.14:17; δ. κ. ἁγιασμός, 1Co.1:30; opposite to ἁμαρτία, Rom.8:10; ἀνομία, 2Co.6:14; άδικία, Rom.3:5; ποιεῖν τὴν δ., 1Jn.2:29 Jn 3:7; id. as an inclusive term for the active duties of the religious life (ICC, in l; Abbott, Essays, 73 ff), Mat.6:1; ἐργάζεσθαι δ., Act.10:35; διώκειν δ., 1Ti.6:11; πληροῦν πᾶσαν δ., Mat.3:15; ζῆν τῇ δ., 1Pe.2:24; δ. θεοῦ, a righteousness divine in its character and origin, Mat.6:33, Jas.1:20, (where it also includes the idea of God's personal r.; see ICC, on Rom.1:17) Rom.1:17 3:5, 21-26 10:3, 2Co.5:21, Php.3:9; ἡ δ. τ. πίσιεως, Rom.4:11; ἡ ἐκ π. δ., Rom.9:30; ἡ κατὰ π. δ., Heb.11:7; opposite to this is ἡ ἐκ νόμου δ., Rom.10:5; ἡ δ. ἐν ν., Php.3:6; ἡ ἰδία δ., Rom.10:3, cf. Php.3:9 __2. In narrower sense (cf. δίκαιος), justice: Act.17:31, 2Pe.1:1, Rev.19:11 (DCG, ii, 529 ff.; Cremer, 190, 690). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 86 NT verses. KJV: righteousness See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; Luke 1:75; 1 Peter 2:24.

η ē G2228 "or" Particle

Or is a word used to show a choice between two things, like in Matthew 5:17 where it's either obey God's law or not. It's also used to compare things, like in Romans 1:21 where it's one thing or another.

Definition: ἤ, disjunctive and comparative particle (Bl., §36, 12; 77, 11); __1. disjunctive, or; __(a) between single words: Mat.5:17 Mrk.6:56, Luk.2:24, Jhn.6:19, Rom.1:21, al.; __(b) before a sentence expressing a variation, denial or refutation of a previous statement, frequently in interrog. form: Mat.7:4, 9 Mrk.12:14, Luk.13:4, Rom.3:29 6:3 9:21, 1Co.6:9, 16 9:6, 2Co.11:7; ἤ . . . ἤ, either . . . or, Mat.6:24, Luk.16:13, 1Co.14:6; __(with) in a disjunctive question (as Lat. an after utrum): Mat.9:5, Mrk.2:9, Luk.7:19, al.; after πότερον, Jhn.7:17; μή, 1Co.9:8; μήτι, 2Co.1:17; ἤ . . . ἤ . . . ἤ, Mrk.13:35. __2. Comparative, than: after comparatives, Mat.10:15, Luk.9:13, Jhn.3:19, Rom.13:11, al.; after ἕτερον, Act.17:21; θέλω (Khüner 3, iv, 303), 1Co.14:19; πρὶν ἤ, before, before accusative and inf., Mat.1:18 Mrk.14:30; after a positive adj. (Gen.49:12; cf. Robertson, Gr., 661), Mat.18:8, 9 Mrk.9:43, 45 47. __3. with other particles: ἀλλ᾽ ἤ, see: ἀλλά; ἤ γάρ, see: γάρ; ἢ καί, or even, or also, Mat.7:10, Luk.11:11, 12 Rom.2:15 4:9, al; ἤτοι . . . ἤ, Rom.6:16 (cf. Wis.11:19). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 281 NT verses. KJV: and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea See also: 1 Corinthians 1:13; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 1:11.

επιγνουσιν epiginōskō G1921 "to come to know" Verb-2AAP-DPM

To know something deeply, like recognizing a person or understanding a truth. In the Bible, it's used in Acts 25:10 and 1 Corinthians 13:12 to describe knowing God or others intimately.

Usage: Occurs in 38 NT verses. KJV: (ac-, have, take)know(-ledge, well), perceive See also: 1 Corinthians 13:12; Acts 28:1; Romans 1:32.

επιστρεψαι epistrephō G1994 "to turn" Verb-AAN

To turn or revert, either physically or morally, as in Luke 1:16-17 where it means to turn back to God. This verb is used to describe a change in direction or behavior. It can also mean to cause someone to return to a virtuous path.

Definition: ἐπι-στρέφω [very frequently in LXX, chiefly for שׁוּב, in its various senses, also for פָּנָה, etc. ;] __1. trans., to turn about, round or towards, hence metaphorically, to turn, cause to return (to God, virtue, etc.): Luk.1:16-17 (cf. Mal.3:24), Jas.5:19-20. __2. Intrans., __(a) to turn, turn oneself around: Act.16:18; with inf., Rev.1:12; before πρός, Act.9:40; so also pass. (cl.), Mrk.5:30 8:33, Jhn.21:20; metaphorically, of turning to God (see Field, Notes, 246 ff.), ἐπὶ τ. κύριον (θεόν), Act.9:35 11:21 14:15 15:19 26:20; πρὸς τ. θεόν, 1Th.1:9, 2Co.3:16; ἀπὸ σκότους εἰς φῶς, Act.26:18; pass., 1Pe.2:25; __(b) to return (as in MGr.): Luk.8:55, Act.15:36; before ὀπίσω, with inf., Mat.24:18; before εἰς, Mat.12:44, Mrk.13:16, Luk.2:39 17:31; ἐπί, 2Pe.2:22; metaphorically, before ἐπί, Gal.4:9; πρός, Luk.17:4; of moral reform, Mat.13:15, Mrk.4:12, Luk.22:32, Act.3:19 28:27; pass., Mat.10:13 (Cremer, 531, 881).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 36 NT verses. KJV: come (go) again, convert, (re-)turn (about, again) See also: 1 Peter 2:25; John 12:40; James 5:19.

εκ ek G1537 "out from" Prep

The preposition 'out from' shows movement or origin, like in John 6:31 and Acts 9:3. It helps us understand where people or things come from or are going.

Definition: ἐκ (ἐξ), prep. with genitive, from out of, from (see Addendum, p. 492).This entry is included here, but in the print version the entry is found on p. 492. ἐκ, before a vowel ἐξ, prep. with genitive, of motion outwards, separation from (opposite to εἰς; = Lat. e, ex), from out of, from among, from. __I. Of Place, __1. of motion, out of, forth from, off from: Jhn.6:31, Act.9:3, Gal.1:8, al.; esp. after verbs of motion, Mat.8:28 17:9, Mrk.1:25 7:28, Jhn.1:33 20:1, Act.12:7, 17 27:30, al.; constr. praeg., σώζειν (διας) ἐκ, Ju 5, Act.28:4. Metaphorical, Mat.7:4, 5, 1Pe.2:9; ἐκ τ. χειρός (-ῶν), before genitive of person(s), Luk.1:74, Jhn.10:28, 29, 39, Act.12:4 24:7, Rev.19:2; πίνειν (which see) ἐκ; of the place from which an action proceeds, Luk.5:3 (cf. 12:36, Jhn.13:4, 2Co.2:4). __2. Of change from one place or condition to another: Jhn.8:42, Rom.6:13 13:11, Rev.7:14, al.; with ellips. of verb of motion, 2Ti.2:26, 2Pe.2:21, Rev.2:21, al. __3. Of separation or distinction from a number, before collective or pl. nouns: Mat.13:47, 49, Jhn.12:1, Act.3:15, 1Pe.1:3, al.; after εἷς, Mat.10:29 Luk.17:15, al.; οὐδείς, Jhn.7:19, al.; πολλοί, Jhn.11:19, al.; τις, Luk.11:15, al.; τίς, Mat.6:27, al.; in partitive phrase as subject of sentence, Jhn.16:17; Hebraistically, ἐκ μέσου before genitive, = ἐκ (Heb. מִתּוֹךְ), Mat.13:49, al. __4. Of position or direction (so in cl. = ἔξω): ἐκ δεξιῶν (see: δεξιός); ἐξ ἐναντίας, Mrk.15:39 (metaphorically, Tit.2:8); ἐκ ῥιζῶν (i.e., utterly), Mat.11:20. __II. Of Time, __1. of the point of time from which, from, since: ἐκ γενετῆς, Jhn.9:1, cf. Mrk.10:20, Luk.23:8, Act.24:10, al. __2. Of succession in time: ἐκ δευτέρου, a second time, Mrk.14:72, al., cf. Mat.26:44; ἡμέραν ἐξ ἡμέρας, from day to day, 2Pe.2:8. __III. Of Origin, __1. of nativity, lineage, race: κοίτην (ἐν γαστρί) ἔχειν, Rom.9:10, Mat.1:18; γεννᾶν ἐκ, Mat.1:3ff.; γεννᾶσθαι (γίνεσθαι) ἐκ, Jhn.3:6 8:41, Gal.4:4; ἐκ πνεύματος (θεοῦ), Jhn.1:13 3:5ff., al. ἔρχεσθαι, εἶναι, etc., ἐκ τ. πολέως, Jhn.1:44; φυλῆς, Luk.2:36, al.; τ. ἐξουσίας Ἡρῴδου, Luk.23:7; ὁ ὢν ἐκ τ. γῆς, Jhn.3:31. __2. Of the author, occasion or source: Mat.5:37, Jhn.2:16, Rom.2:29, 1Co.8:6, Gal.5:8, al.; ἐκ (τ. θεοῦ, 1Co.7:7, 2Co.5:1, 1Jn.4:7; ἐκ τ. πατρός, Jhn.6:65, al.; ἐκ τ. γῆς ἐστιν, λαλεῖ, Jhn.3:31; εκ καρδίας, Rom.6:17, cf. Mrk.12:30, 1Ti.1:5; ἐκ ψυχῆς, Eph.6:6, Col.3:23; ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.14:23; κρίνειν ἐκ, Luk.19:22, Rev.20:12. __3. Of the agent, after passive verbs: Mat.15:5, Mrk.7:11, 2Co.2:2, al.; frequently in Re after αδικεῖσθαι (2:11), etc. __4. Of cause, dependence, source of supply: τ. πόνου (των), Rev.16:10, 11; τ. φωνῶν, Rev.8:13; ἐκ τούτου, Jhn.6:66 19:12 (but see Meyer, in ll.); ἐκ θεοῦ λαλεῖν, 2Co.2:17; ἐκ τ. ἀληθείας, Jhn.18:37, 1Jn.3:19; ὁ ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.3:26 4:16; οἱ (ὄντες) ἐκ περιτομῆς, Act.11:2, Rom.4:12, Gal.2:12, Col.4:11; πίνειν ἐκ, Mat.26:29, Mrk.14:25, Jhn.4:13, al.; θερίζειν, Gal.6:8; μετέχειν ἐκ (= partit. genitive), 1Co.10:13; with inf., ἐκ τοῦ ἔχειν, 2Co.8:11. __5. Of material: Mat.27:29, Jhn.2:15 19:2, Rom.9:21, 1Co.11:12, Rev.18:12, al.; allied to which is its use of price (= cl. genitive): Mat.27:7, cf. ib. 20:2, Act.1:18. __IV. By attraction = ἐν (cl.): τὰ ἐκ τ. οἰκιας, Mat.24:17; τ. ἐξ αὐτοῦ δύναμιν, Mrk.5:30 (see Field, in l.); ὁ πατὴρ ὁ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, Luk.11:13. __V. Adverbial phrases: ἐξ ἀνάγκης, 2Co.9:7, Heb.7:12; ἐξ ἰσότητος, 2Co.8:13; ἐκ μέρους, 1Co.12:27 13:9-12; ἐκ μέτρου, Jhn.3:34; ἐκ συμφώνου, 1Co.7:5. __VI. in composition, ἐκ signifies, __1. procession, removal: ἐκβαίνω, ἐκβάλλω. __2. Opening out, unfolding: ἐκτείνω; metaphorically, ἐξαγγάλλω. __3. Origin: ἔκγονος. __4. Completeness: ἐξαπορέω (see M, Pr., 237), ἐκπληρόω, ἐκτελέω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 753 NT verses. KJV: after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; 3 John 1:11; 1 Peter 1:3.

της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

παραδοθεισης paradidōmi G3860 "to deliver" Verb-APP-GSF

To deliver means to surrender or yield up, as when Jesus was handed over to the authorities in Matthew 11:27.

Definition: παρα-δίδωμι, [in LXX chiefly for נתן ;] correl. to παρδέχομαι, __1. to give or hand over to another: with accusative and dative, Mat.11:27 25:14, Luk.4:6, al.; of being delivered up to a course of teaching, pass. before εἰς, Rom.6:17. __2. to commit, commend: Act.14:26 15:40, 1Pe.2:23. __3. to give or deliver up to prison or judgment: with accusative of person(s), Mat.4:12, Mrk.1:14, Rom.4:25, 2Pe.2:4; id. before ὑπέρ, Rom.8:32; with dative, Mat.5:25, Mrk.15:1, Luk.12:58, Jhn.19:11, al.; id. before ἵνα, Jhn.19:16; with inf., Act.12:4; before εἰς, Mat.10:17 17:22 24:9, Luk.21:12, Act.8:3, 2Co.4:11, al.; τ. Σατανᾷ, 1Ti.1:20; id. before εἰς, 1Co.5:5; with the collat. idea of treachery (= προδίδωμι), with accusative of person(s), Mat.26:25, Mrk.14:11, Jhn.6:64, al.; id. with dative, Mat.26:15, al.; present ptcp., ὁ παραδιδοὺς, Mat.26:25, Mrk.14:42, Jhn.13:11. __4. to hand down, hand on or deliver verbally (traditions, commands, etc.): Mrk.7:13, Luk.1:2, Act.6:14, 1Co.11:2 15:2; pass., 2Pe.2:21, Ju 3. __5. to permit (for exx. in cl., see LS, see word): Mrk.4:29. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 118 NT verses. KJV: betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend See also: 1 Corinthians 5:5; Luke 23:25; 1 Peter 2:23.

αυτοις autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-DPM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

αγιας hagios G40 "holy" Adj-GSF

In the Bible, this word means holy or set apart, describing God and things dedicated to Him. It appears in Luke 1:49 and John 17:11, highlighting God's purity and majesty.

Definition: ἅγιος, -α, ον (τό ἅγός, religious awe; ἅζω, to venerate), [in LXX chiefly for קֹ֫דֶשׁ ;] primarily, dedicated to the gods, sacred (Hdt.; rare in Att., never in Hom., Hes. and Trag., who use ἁγνός), hence, holy, characteristic of God, separated to God, worthy of veneration. __1. Its highest application is to God himself, in his purity, majesty, and glory: Luk.1:49, Jhn.17:11, Rev.4:8. Hence __(a) of things and places which have a claim to reverence as sacred to God, e.g. the Temple: Mat.24:15, Heb.9:1; __(b) of persons employed by him, as angels: 1Th.3:13; prophets, Luk.1:70; apostles, Eph.3:5. __2. Applied to persons as separated to God's service: __(a) of Christ, Mrk.1:24, Jhn.6:69, Act.4:30; __(b) of Christians, Act.9:13, Rom.1:7, Heb.6:10, Rev.5:8. __3. In the moral sense of sharing God's purity: Mrk.6:20, Jhn.17:11, Act.3:14, Rev.3:7. __4. Of pure, clean sacrifices and offerings: 1Co.7:14, Eph.1:4. SYN.: ἁγνός, pure, both in ceremonial and spiritual sense; ἱερός (sacer), sacred, that which is inviolable because of its (external) relation to God; ὅσιος (sanctus as opposite to nefas), that which is based on everlasting ordinances of right. (Cf. Tr., Syn., §lxxxviii; DB, ii, 399 f.; Cremer, 34, 594-601; MM, VGT, see word) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 228 NT verses. KJV: (most) holy (one, thing), saint See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Colossians 1:26; 1 Peter 1:12.

εντολης entolē G1785 "commandment" Noun-GSF

This word means 'commandment', referring to a divine instruction or order, as seen in Luke 15:29 and John 10:18. It is about following God's rules. Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love God and love others.

Definition: ἐντολή, -ῆς, ἡ (ἐντέλλω, which see), [in LXX chiefly for מִצְוָה; in pl. frequently in Pss for פִּקּוּד ;] __1. generally, a charge, injunction, order, command: Luk.15:29, Jhn.10:18 11:57 12:49-50 14:31, Act.17:15, Col.4:10; ἐ. σαρκίνη, Heb.7:16, 18 __2. Esp. of religious precepts and commandments; __(a) of God's commandments: in OT, Mat.15:3 22:36, 38 22:40 Mk 7:8-9; Mrk.10:5, 19 12:28, 31 Eph.2:15, Heb.9:19; esp. of the decalogue, Mat.5:19 19:17, Mrk.10:19, Luk.18:20 23:56, Rom.7:8-13 13:9, Eph.6:2; of God's commandments in general, Luk.1:6, 1Co.7:19, 1Jn.2:3-8 Jn 3:22-24 Jn 4:21 Jn 5:2-3, Rev.12:17 14:12; collectively, ἡ ἐ. (cf. τ. ἔργον τ. θεοῦ, Jhn.6:29), 1Ti.6:14, 2Pe.2:21 3:2; __(b) of things commanded Christ by the Father: Jhn.12:49-50 14:31 15:10; __(with) of the precepts of Christ: Jhn.13:34 14:15, 21 15:10, 12, 1Co.14:37. __3. Phrases: before ἵνα, Jhn.13:34 15:12, 1Jn.3:23 Jn 4:21, 2Jn.6; ἐντολὴν (ὰς) παραβαίνειν, Mat.15:3; ἀκυροῦν, Mat.15:6 Rec.; τηρεῖν, Mat.19:17 Jhn.15:10, al.; ποιεῖν, 1Jn.5:2; διδόναι, Jhn.11:57; λαμβάνειν, Jhn.10:18, 2Jn.4; ἔχειν, Jhn.14:21, Heb.7:5; ἐ. καὶ δικαιώματα, Luk.1:6; ἐντολαὶ ἀνθρώπων (of Jewish tradition), Tit.1:14; i. καινή, Jhn.13:34, 1Jn.2:7, 2Jn.5.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 65 NT verses. KJV: commandment, precept See also: 1 Corinthians 7:19; John 14:21; Hebrews 7:5.

Study Notes — 2 Peter 2:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Peter 2:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Peter 2:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Peter 2:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Peter 2:21
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Peter 2:21
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Peter 2:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Peter 2:21
Cambridge Bible on 2 Peter 2:21
Barnes' Notes on 2 Peter 2:21
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Peter 2:21
Sermons on 2 Peter 2:21

Context — Deliverance from False Prophets

19They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. 20If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first.

21It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them.

22Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 18:24	But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die.
2	Hebrews 6:4–6	It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age— and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame.
3	James 4:17	Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.
4	Ezekiel 3:20	Now if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die in his sin, and the righteous acts he did will not be remembered. And I will hold you responsible for his blood.
5	Luke 12:47	That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows.
6	John 15:22	If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin.
7	1 Thessalonians 4:2	For you know the instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
8	John 9:41	“If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”
9	Zephaniah 1:6	and those who turn back from following the LORD, neither seeking the LORD nor inquiring of Him.”
10	Matthew 21:32	For John came to you in a righteous way and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

2 Peter 2:21 Summary

[This verse is saying that it's worse to know what's right and then choose to do wrong, than to not know what's right in the first place. It's like knowing the rules of a game and then deliberately breaking them, as also warned in Romans 2:12-16. When we know God's commands and choose to disobey them, it shows that we're not really committed to following Him, as Jesus taught in Matthew 7:21-23 and Luke 6:46. We need to make sure we're not just pretending to be Christians, but are truly living out our faith in obedience to God's word, as encouraged in James 1:22-25 and 1 John 2:3-6.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'know the way of righteousness' in 2 Peter 2:21?

To know the way of righteousness means to have a clear understanding of God's will and commands, as revealed in the Bible, such as in Proverbs 12:28 and Matthew 7:13-14, and to have experienced the transformative power of Jesus Christ in one's life.

Can a person who has turned away from the holy commandment ever come back to faith?

While 2 Peter 2:21 presents a dire warning, other scriptures like Luke 15:11-32 and 1 John 1:9 suggest that it is possible for someone to repent and return to faith, but it requires a deep recognition of sin and a sincere turning back to God.

How does this verse relate to the concept of 'once saved, always saved'?

This verse, in conjunction with others like Hebrews 6:4-6 and 10:26-31, suggests that true salvation is demonstrated by a persevering faith, and that those who turn away from the holy commandment may not have been truly saved in the first place, highlighting the importance of ongoing obedience and faithfulness as seen in John 15:1-11 and Revelation 2:10.

What is the 'holy commandment' being referred to in this verse?

The holy commandment passed on to them refers to the teachings and instructions of Jesus Christ and the apostles, as recorded in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 28:20 and 1 Corinthians 11:2, which are meant to guide believers in living a righteous and holy life, as further explained in Ephesians 4:1-3 and 2 Timothy 1:13-14.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I may be turning away from the holy commandment in my own life, and what steps can I take to repent and return to faith?
How can I ensure that my knowledge of the way of righteousness is not just intellectual, but also translates into practical obedience to God's commands?
In what ways can I be a positive influence on others, helping them to stay on the path of righteousness, as encouraged in Proverbs 27:17 and Matthew 5:13-16?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of perseverance in my faith, and how can I cultivate a deeper commitment to following Jesus Christ, as seen in Luke 9:23-25 and Revelation 2:10?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Peter 2:21

For it had been better for them,.... Not that ignorance is good, or to be excused; but it would have been a lesser evil, and not so much aggravated: not to have known the way of righteousness; the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Peter 2:21

For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Peter 2:21

It had been better for them not to have known; their sin had been less if they had not known the truth, but now they sin against knowledge, and therein their apostacy is much worse than their ignorance would have been. The way of righteousness; the way of obtaining righteousness by Christ, and of living godly in Christ, , prescribed in the gospel; the same which is called the right way, , and the way of truth, . The holy commandment; the same in other words. It is called holy, not only as proceeding from God, who is holy, but as teaching nothing but what is holy, and being the means God useth in making men holy, and as being opposed to the pollutions of the world before mentioned.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Peter 2:21

21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. Ver. 21. It had been better] Nocuit sane Iudae fuisse apostolum, et Iuliano Christianum. To begin well and not to proceed is but to aspire to a higher pitch, that the fall may be the more desperate. Non quaeruntur in Christianis initia, sed finis, The begining of a Christian is not to be sought but the end, saith Jerome. Bp Bonner seemed at first to be a good man, and a favourer of Luther’ s doctrines. Harding was once a powerful preacher against Popery, afterwards a cruel persecutor of the truth. Dr Shaxton, bishop of Salisbury, said to William Wolsey, martyr, and to others brought before him, Good brethren, remember yourselves and become new men. For I myself was in this fond opinion that you are now in, but I am now become a new man. Ah, said Wolsey, are you become a new man? woe be to thee, thou wicked new man! for God shall justly judge thee for an apostate. Islebius Agricola, that first Antinomian, condemned his error, publicly recanted it, and printed his revocation. Yet, when Luther was dead, he relapsed into that error. Queen Ann Boleyn procured Latimer and Shaxton to be made bishops, for the good opinion she had of them both. Acts and Mon. 1558.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Peter 2:21

(21) It had been better for them not to have known.—There are many things of which the well-known lines. “’Tis better to have loved and lost, Than never to have loved at all,” do not hold good. To have loved a great truth, to have loved a high principle, and after all to lose them, is what often causes the shipwreck of a life. To have loved Jesus Christ and lost Him is to make shipwreck of eternal life. The way of righteousness.—The life of the Christian. That which from a doctrinal point of view is “the way of truth” (2 Peter 2:2), from a moral point of view is “the way of righteousness.” So also “the faith delivered to the saints” of Jude 1:3, is the doctrinal equivalent of “the holy commandment delivered unto them” of this verse.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Peter 2:21

Verse 21. For it had been better for them not to have known] For the reasons assigned above; because they have sinned against more mercy, are capable of more sin, and are liable to greater punishment. The holy commandment] The whole religion of Christ is contained in this one commandment, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind, and with all thy strength; and thy neighbour as thyself." He who obeys this great commandment, and this by the grace of Christ is possible to every man, is saved from sinning either against his God or against his neighbour. Nothing less than this does the religion of Christ require.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Peter 2:21

21. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness] The verb for “known” is, like the noun in the preceding verse, that which implies the fullest form of knowledge, as in 1 Corinthians 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 4:3. The “way of righteousness” is like the “way of truth” in 2 Peter 2:2, a comprehensive description of the religion of Christ as a whole, regarded here in its bearing on life, as there in its relation to belief.to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them] The word “delivered” implies, as in Luke 1:2; 1 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Corinthians 11:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Jude, 2 Peter 2:3, the oral teaching of the elements of Christian faith and life which was imparted to all converts prior to their baptism. Stress is laid on the “commandment” because the Apostle is contemplating chiefly the sins of impurity of which the heresiarchs had been guilty rather than their dogmatic heresies as such.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Peter 2:21

For it had been better for them ... - Compare the notes at Matthew 26:24.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Peter 2:21

21. Way of righteousness—The way of justification from sin through faith in Christ, and of holy living.

Sermons on 2 Peter 2:21

	Sermon	Description
	(Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 1. in the Crucible of Suffering by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the fourth test that Job faced, which was the counsel of his three friends. These friends, who were oriental philosophers, constantly implied
	Many Going Back to Hell - Part 2 by Milton Green	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from the nature of Satan. He highlights the need to receive Jesus Christ as our new master and
	Backsliding by Richard Owen Roberts	Richard Owen Roberts preaches about the story of Jeremiah, a prophet called by God to speak to a nation in decline due to backsliding. Despite Jeremiah's initial hesitation and fee
	Amos 3:2 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes that God chose Israel not for their merit but out of love, establishing a unique relationship with them to reveal His plan of redemption. He explains that tr
	Rev. 14:4. the Model of a Holy Life by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar emphasizes the call to live a holy life by following Christ, the ultimate model of holiness. He explains that believers are redeemed to be holy and are to imitate Ch
	(The Lord and His Church) 10. the Proud Church by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen preaches about the church in Laodicea, highlighting the dangers of being lukewarm in faith, neither fully committed nor completely worldly. He emphasizes the importance
	The Danger of Doubting by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the doubts and fears that can arise in times of trouble. He encourages the audience to trust in God's purposes and not to doubt His faithfulne