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

2 PETER 2:17KJV
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2 Peter 2:17 (KJV)

What does 2 Peter 2:17 mean?

2 Peter 2:17 describes certain people as "wells without water" and "clouds that are carried with a tempest," saying that "the mist of darkness is reserved for ever" for them. This means these people appear promising but are empty and unreliable, and they face a lasting judgment.

Peter is writing to early Christians, warning them about false teachers who mislead others. By calling them dry wells and storm-driven clouds, Peter shows that these teachers offer nothing truly helpful or life-giving. The verse uses strong imagery to stress the seriousness of their deception and the certainty of their punishment.

The Greek behind 2 Peter 2:17

  • πηγαί (pēgai, G4077): This word means "wells" or "springs." The image is of a source that should give water but is actually dry, highlighting the emptiness of the false teachers' promises.
  • νεφέλαι (nephelai, G3507): This word means "clouds." In a dry climate, clouds suggest rain, but these are clouds "carried with a tempest," meaning they never deliver what is hoped for.
  • ζόφος (zophos, G2217): This word is "mist" or "gloom," often used for thick darkness. Here, it points to a deep, lasting darkness reserved for these people, emphasizing the seriousness of their fate.

Why 2 Peter 2:17 matters

  • This verse clears up that not everyone who appears spiritual or knowledgeable actually brings truth or help; some only offer empty promises.
  • The strong warnings connect to the larger theme of 2 Peter 2, where Peter urges believers to be alert to deception and not be misled by appearances.
  • The vivid word pictures help readers understand the real danger and ultimate end of those who lead others astray, making the warning memorable and clear.

Where else these words appear

“tempest” Greek G2978 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
  • Luke 8:23 But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.

“water” Greek G504 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Luke 11:24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
  • 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;

“mist” Greek G2217 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
  • Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
  • Jude 1:13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

“carried” Greek G1643 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 6:48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
  • Luke 8:29 (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)
  • John 6:19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.