And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

2 PETER 2:13KJV
Know the Bible

2 Peter 2:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Peter 2:13 mean?

2 Peter 2:13 describes people who will face consequences for their wrong actions, enjoying reckless behavior openly and deceiving others even while sharing meals together. The verse calls them "spots" and "blemishes," highlighting how their presence corrupts what should be good and pure.

Peter is writing to early Christians, warning them about false teachers who act without shame and mislead others. He uses strong language to show how these people not only do wrong but also take pride in it, even in public and during times of fellowship, which should be marked by sincerity and truth.

The Greek behind 2 Peter 2:13

  • The word "riot" comes from the Greek τρύφη (tryphē), which is often understood as living in self-indulgence or reckless pleasure. Peter points out that these people do not even try to hide their behavior; they celebrate it openly.
  • "Spots" (σπίλοι, spíloi) and "blemishes" (μῶμοι, mōmoi) are words for stains or marks that spoil something clean. Peter uses these terms to show how the presence of such people damages the community.
  • "Deceivings" is from ἀπάταις (apatais), meaning acts of trickery or deception. Peter highlights that these people are not just mistaken but are actively misleading others, even while appearing to be part of the group.

Why 2 Peter 2:13 matters

  • This verse clears up that Peter is not just warning about private sins but about people who openly celebrate wrong behavior and bring harm to the community.
  • The strong imagery of "spots" and "blemishes" connects to the Old Testament idea of purity, showing that false teachers pollute the church in a visible way.
  • Understanding the Greek words helps reveal that the problem is not just bad teaching but a lifestyle of open deception and self-indulgence, making the warning more urgent for the community.

Where else these words appear

“riot” Greek G5172 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

“Spots” Greek G4696 · used in 2 verses

  • Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

“feast” Greek G4910 · used in 2 verses

  • Jude 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

“pleasure” Greek G2237 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
  • Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
  • James 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?