But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

2 PETER 2:10KJV
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2 Peter 2:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Peter 2:10 mean?

2 Peter 2:10 describes certain people who follow their own sinful desires, reject authority, and act arrogantly without fear of speaking badly about those in positions of honor. The verse singles out these behaviors as especially serious, showing a disregard for moral boundaries and respect for leadership.

Peter, writing to early Christians, warns about false teachers and corrupt influences within the community. He highlights that these individuals are not only driven by selfish desires but also openly disrespect authority and speak against those who deserve respect, which sets them apart as particularly dangerous and rebellious.

The Greek behind 2 Peter 2:10

  • "Despise government" uses the Greek word κυριότητα (kyriotēta, "government" or "lordship"), which often refers to authority or those who hold positions of rule. The verse points to a deep disrespect for any form of rightful authority, not just secular rulers.
  • "Presumptuous" is from τολμηταί (tolmētai), meaning bold or daring in a negative sense—those who act recklessly or brazenly, ignoring proper limits.
  • "Selfwilled" comes from αὐθάδεις (authadeis), meaning stubborn or self-pleasing—people who insist on their own way, regardless of others or what is right.
  • "Dignities" is from δόξας (doxas), which literally means "glories" but here refers to those in positions of honor or authority, possibly both earthly and spiritual.

Why 2 Peter 2:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the problem is not just immoral behavior, but also a rebellious attitude toward rightful authority and a lack of respect for those who deserve honor.
  • It connects to the wider warning in 2 Peter 2 about false teachers, showing that their character is marked by arrogance and contempt, not just wrong beliefs.
  • The verse helps readers see that spiritual danger often comes from those who are both morally corrupt and openly disrespectful of order and leadership.

Where else these words appear

“selfwilled” Greek G829 · used in 2 verses

  • Titus 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

“government” Greek G2963 · used in 4 verses

  • Ephesians 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
  • Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
  • Jude 1:8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

“afraid” Greek G5141 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 5:33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
  • Luke 8:47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
  • Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

“despise” Greek G2706 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  • Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  • 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.