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. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (2 Peter 2:18-22 KJV)
Deceptions of False Teachers
Here, the apostle talks about how the false teachers deceive. They seduce others with empty promises and appeal to fleshly desires. They target those who have escaped error but are not firmly rooted in truth. Through skill and deceit, they lure people as a fisherman catches fish, baiting them with sensual freedom while enslaving them to sin. Unlike faithful ministers who call for self-denial, these exploit carnal cravings for personal gain.
These false teachers promise liberty but are themselves slaves of corruption (2 Peter 2:19). They obey their lusts and are powerless to resist them. Those conquered by sin become its servants. It is a disgrace to be overcome by those already in bondage themselves.
Worse still, those who once escaped the world’s corruption through the knowledge of Christ, but are later entangled again, end up in a more dangerous condition than before (2 Peter 2:20). Even a basic knowledge of Christ and moral restraint is a blessing—it prevents scandal, discourages sin, and keeps one closer to godliness. But if such a person is deceived and returns to sin, their condition becomes more tragic.
False teachers often begin by raising plausible objections to the truth, shaking the confidence of those not deeply rooted in Scripture. Once entangled, many are overcome. Christians must therefore stay grounded in God’s Word and vigilant against those who twist it.
The apostle concludes by emphasizing that apostasy is worse than ignorance (2 Peter 2:21-22). It amounts to rejecting the truth they once professed, implying that they found fault with God’s way. Such a betrayal brings greater judgment. God is more provoked by those who scorn the gospel after knowing it, and Satan is more determined to hold them in bondage again (cf. Matthew 12:45).
They are like dogs returning to their vomit and pigs returning to the mud (2 Peter 2:22). These vivid images show how detestable their relapse is. Knowing all this, we should embrace the way of righteousness and avoid sin with all our might, holding fast to truth and resisting the lies of those who would lead us astray.