2 Peter 2:18 kjv — For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness…

King James Version

"For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error."

— 2 Peter 2:18, King James Version

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2 Peter 2:18 in Other Translations

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2 Peter 2 — Context

15

Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

16

But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

17

These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

18

For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

19

While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

20

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.

21

For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

2 Peter 2:18 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Peter 2:18 say?
2 Peter 2:18 in the King James Version reads: “For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.”
Where is 2 Peter 2:18 in the Bible?
2 Peter 2:18 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 2 Peter, chapter 2, verse 18.
Who wrote 2 Peter?
2 Peter is traditionally attributed to Peter the Apostle. Petrine authorship is widely held by the church but disputed by some critical scholars on stylistic grounds. It was written c. AD 65–68.
What is the book of 2 Peter about?
Peter's farewell letter, written near his death, warns the church against false teachers and scoffers, and grounds believers in the prophetic word and the certainty of the day of the Lord. "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise."
What are the major themes of 2 Peter?
2 Peter explores themes including False Teachers, Day of the Lord, Scripture, Growth in Grace. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Peter 2:18.
What translation should I read 2 Peter 2:18 in?
2 Peter 2:18 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 2 Peter 2:18?
2 Peter 2:18 reads (KJV): “For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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