2 Peter 2:10-11
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Notice the connection Peter draws between despising divine authority and "bold and willful" actions; this isn't just casual disobedience, but a hardened arrogance that leads them to "blaspheme the glorious ones" without a second thought. This verse reveals how a rejection of God's order spirals into outright defiance and disrespect for what is holy.
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, whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is exposing the dangerous hypocrisy of false teachers who have infiltrated the early church. These individuals, driven by their own selfish desires and arrogance, twist God's grace into an excuse for immoral behavior and openly defy any spiritual authority, even Jesus himself. Their actions and proud words stand in stark contrast to the humble reverence expected of true believers.
Have you ever felt a pull towards something you know isn't right? This verse names it – a 'lust of defiling passion.' What does that really mean for us today?
Peter calls out a specific kind of destructive desire. It's not just any craving, but one that 'defiles' – meaning it corrupts and contaminates. This lust is tied to our passions, our desires that, when unchecked, lead us away from God's design and into sin.
What's Being Defiled?
The verse says these people 'despise authority.' This isn't just about rejecting a boss or a parent; it points to a deeper spiritual rebellion.
When Peter speaks of despising authority, he's not just talking about earthly rules. He's pointing to a profound disrespect for God-ordained structures and truths.
Who is Authority?
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To 'despise' means to reject, scorn, or hold in contempt. Those driven by defiling passions often see any authority as an obstacle to their own will and desires.
Understand the original words
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.
angeloi · Greek Noun
Heavenly beings created by God to serve as messengers and agents of His will, characterized by great strength and authority under His sovereign command.
blasphēmon · Greek Adjective
To speak irreverently, disrespectfully, or profanely against God, His holy things, or the dignity of His servants. It is an act of defiance against divine authority and majesty.
krisin · Greek Noun
The exercise of legal authority to declare a verdict, often implying the passing of sentence or the act of condemnation.
Kyriou · Greek Noun
The supreme Ruler of the universe, Yahweh or Christ, to whom all creation is subject and before whom all must give account.
This passage describes similar individuals who ' और despise authority' and 'blaspheme the glorious ones,' highlighting the recurring theme of rebellion against God-given order.
Proverbs 16:18Pride often goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. This connects to the 'bold and willful' nature of those described in 2 Peter 2:10, who are setting themselves up for a fall by despising authority.
1 Samuel 15:23Rebellion is as the sin of divination, and self-will as iniquity and idolatry. This verse powerfully echoes the disobedience and stubbornness of those who 'despise authority' and act with 'willful' defiance.
Romans 1:29-30This passage lists many 'defiling passions' and behaviors that stem from rejecting God, including arrogance and defiance of authority, mirroring the characteristics of the false teachers in 2 Peter.
Notice the connection Peter draws between despising divine authority and "bold and willful" actions; this isn't just casual disobedience, but a hardened arrogance that leads them to "blaspheme the glorious ones" without a second thought. This verse reveals how a rejection of God's order spirals into outright defiance and disrespect for what is holy.
Peter is exposing the dangerous hypocrisy of false teachers who have infiltrated the early church. These individuals, driven by their own selfish desires and arrogance, twist God's grace into an excuse for immoral behavior and openly defy any spiritual authority, even Jesus himself. Their actions and proud words stand in stark contrast to the humble reverence expected of true believers.
Peter is exposing the dangerous hypocrisy of false teachers who have infiltrated the early church. These individuals, driven by their own selfish desires and arrogance, twist God's grace into an excuse for immoral behavior and openly defy any spiritual authority, even Jesus himself. Their actions and proud words stand in stark contrast to the humble reverence expected of true believers.
"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, whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a bla…" — Notice the connection Peter draws between despising divine authority and "bold and willful" actions; this isn't just casual disobedience, but a hardened arrogance that leads them to "blaspheme the gl…
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Last reviewed October 2026
