2 Peter 2:13

Authorized King James Version

And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
κομιούμενοι
G2865
And shall receive
properly, to provide for, i.e., (by implication) to carry off (as if from harm; genitive case obtain)
#2
μισθὸν
G3408
the reward
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
#3
ἀδικίας
G93
of unrighteousness
(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)
#4
ἡδονὴν
G2237
it pleasure
sensual delight; by implication, desire
#5
ἡγούμενοι
G2233
as they that count
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
#6
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
ἡμέρᾳ
G2250
the day time
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#9
τρυφήν
G5172
to riot
effeminacy, i.e., luxury or debauchery
#10
σπίλοι
G4696
Spots
a stain or blemish, i.e., (figuratively) defect, disgrace
#11
καὶ
G2532
they are and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
μῶμοι
G3470
blemishes
a flaw or blot, i.e., (figuratively) disgraceful person
#13
ἐντρυφῶντες
G1792
sporting themselves
to revel in
#14
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἀπάταις
G539
deceivings
delusion
#17
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
#18
συνευωχούμενοι
G4910
while they feast
to entertain sumptuously in company with, i.e., (middle voice or passive) to revel together
#19
ὑμῖν
G5213
with you
to (with or by) you

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing righteousness contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Peter Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection