2 Peter 2:12

Authorized King James Version

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὗτοι
G3778
these
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#2
δέ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#4
ἄλογα
G249
brute
irrational
#5
ζῷα
G2226
beasts
a live thing, i.e., an animal
#6
φυσικὰ
G5446
natural
"physical", i.e., (by implication) instinctive
#7
γεγενημένα
G1080
made
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
#8
εἰς
G1519
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#9
ἅλωσιν
G259
be taken
capture, be taken
#10
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
φθορᾷ
G5356
corruption
decay, i.e., ruin (spontaneous or inflicted, literally or figuratively)
#12
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#13
οἷς
G3739
the things that
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#14
ἀγνοοῦσιν
G50
they understand not
not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)
#15
βλασφημοῦντες
G987
speak evil
to vilify; specially, to speak impiously
#16
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#17
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
φθορᾷ
G5356
corruption
decay, i.e., ruin (spontaneous or inflicted, literally or figuratively)
#19
αὐτῶν
G846
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#20
καταφθαρήσονται,
G2704
and shall utterly perish
to spoil entirely, i.e., (literally) to destroy; or (figuratively) to deprave

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Peter, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Peter.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection