and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority. Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Here, Peter isn't just talking about people who are disobedient; he's pointing out those who actively scorn any form of authority, whether divine or human. Their "boldness" isn't strength, but a reckless defiance that stems from despising the very things that should inspire awe. It's a stark warning against a heart so hardened it finds no fear even when speaking against heavenly beings.
and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority. Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is sounding a stern warning against false teachers who have infiltrated the early church, promising freedom but leading people into sin. These deceivers are characterized by their immoral desires and their rebellious disrespect for God-given authority, both spiritual and societal. He's building up to showing how their judgment is certain, just as it was for those who rebelled in the past.
Ever felt that pull to just give in to what you want, no matter the cost? This verse warns about a specific kind of desire that leads down a dangerous path.
Peter calls out those who "indulge in the lust of defiling passion." This isn't just a passing temptation; it's a deliberate choice to feed sinful desires that corrupt and stain. These desires are so powerful they lead people to "despise authority." Think about it: when our own desires become the ultimate authority, we naturally rebel against any rules or leaders – whether they are human governments, church leaders, or even God's commands. This unrestrained pursuit of self-satisfaction blinds us to wisdom and respect.
Why would someone actively insult or mock what is sacred? This verse reveals a chilling characteristic of those who reject God's truth.
Peter describes these defiant individuals as "bold and willful." They aren't just making mistakes; they are actively choosing a path of rebellion. Their willfulness leads them to "blaspheme the glorious ones." In the context of Peter's letter, "glorious ones" likely refers to angels, and ultimately to Christ himself – beings of divine glory. Their boldness isn't courage; it's a reckless arrogance that leads them to disrespect and insult those who hold divine authority. They "do not tremble" because their hearts have become hardened by their defiant choices. This lack of awe and reverence is a sign of deep spiritual danger.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
epithymia · Greek Noun
Strong, often forbidden, cravings of the flesh; desires that lead away from God and into sinful patterns of behavior.
blasphēmeō · Greek Verb
To speak evil of or slander; in a biblical sense, it often refers to speaking against God, His nature, or His holy representatives.
This passage describes individuals who, like those in 2 Peter 2:10, reject authority and slander heavenly beings, highlighting a consistent pattern of rebellion against divine order.
1 Samuel 15:23This verse parallels the spirit of rebellion, equating stubbornness and willful resistance with the sin of idolatry, mirroring the defiant nature of those described in 2 Peter.
Proverbs 16:18Here, pride is directly linked to a downfall, echoing the arrogance and contempt for authority seen in 2 Peter 2:10, and warning against overconfidence that leads to destruction.
Philippians 3:19This verse speaks of those whose end is destruction because their minds are set on earthly things and they glory in their shame, connecting to the 'lust of defiling passion' and lack of reverence.
Here, Peter isn't just talking about people who are disobedient; he's pointing out those who actively scorn any form of authority, whether divine or human. Their "boldness" isn't strength, but a reckless defiance that stems from despising the very things that should inspire awe. It's a stark warning against a heart so hardened it finds no fear even when speaking against heavenly beings.
Peter is sounding a stern warning against false teachers who have infiltrated the early church, promising freedom but leading people into sin. These deceivers are characterized by their immoral desires and their rebellious disrespect for God-given authority, both spiritual and societal. He's building up to showing how their judgment is certain, just as it was for those who rebelled in the past.
Peter is sounding a stern warning against false teachers who have infiltrated the early church, promising freedom but leading people into sin. These deceivers are characterized by their immoral desires and their rebellious disrespect for God-given authority, both spiritual and societal. He's building up to showing how their judgment is certain, just as it was for those who rebelled in the past.
"and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.
Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones," — Here, Peter isn't just talking about people who are disobedient; he's pointing out those who actively scorn any form of authority, whether divine or human. Their "boldness" isn't strength, but a…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026