2 Peter 2:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰ
G1487
if
if, whether, that, etc
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ἀποφυγόντες
G668
after they have escaped
(figuratively) to escape
#4
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
μιάσματα
G3393
the pollutions
(morally) foulness (properly, the effect)
#6
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
κόσμου
G2889
of the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#8
ἐν
G1722
through
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
ἐπιγνώσει
G1922
the knowledge
recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement
#10
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
κυρίου
G2962
of the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#12
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
σωτῆρος
G4990
Saviour
a deliverer, i.e., god or christ
#14
Ἰησοῦ
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#15
Χριστοῦ
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#16
τούτοις
G5125
therein
to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)
#17
δὲ
G1161
and
but, and, etc
#18
πάλιν
G3825
again
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
#19
ἐμπλακέντες
G1707
entangled
to entwine, i.e., (figuratively) involve with
#20
ἡττῶνται
G2274
to make worse, i.e., vanquish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to rate lower
#21
γέγονεν
G1096
overcome
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#22
αὐτοῖς
G846
with them
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
#23
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
ἔσχατα
G2078
the latter end
farthest, final (of place or time)
#25
χείρονα
G5501
is worse
from an obsolete equivalent ????? (of uncertain derivation); more evil or aggravated (physically, mentally or morally)
#26
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
πρώτων
G4413
than the beginning
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

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 divine sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection