2 Peter 2:6

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πόλεις

G4172

the cities

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

Σοδόμων

G4670

of Sodom

sodoma (i.e., sedom), a place in palestine

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Γομόῤῥας

G1116

Gomorrha

gomorrha (i.e., amorah), a place near the dead sea

τεφρώσας

G5077

into ashes

to incinerate, i.e., consume

καταστροφῇ

G2692

them with an overthrow

an overturn ("catastrophe"), i.e., demolition; figuratively, apostasy

κατέκρινεν

G2632

condemned

to judge against, i.e., sentence

ὑπόδειγμα

G5262

them an ensample

an exhibit for imitation or warning (figuratively, specimen, adumbration)

#10

μελλόντων

G3195

unto those that after should

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

#11

ἀσεβεῖν

G764

live ungodly

to be (by implied act) impious or wicked

#12

τεθεικώς

G5087

making

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?