2 Peter 2:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Peter 2:6 mean?

2 Peter 2:6 says that God turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes as a judgment, making them an example for anyone who might choose to live in an ungodly way afterward. The verse highlights that their destruction serves as a warning to others about the consequences of living without regard for God.

Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles, is writing to early Christians who are facing false teachers and moral confusion. He uses the story of Sodom and Gomorrah to show that God has judged wickedness in the past and will do so again. The verse is part of a larger argument that God both punishes evil and protects those who are faithful.

The Greek behind 2 Peter 2:6

• ὑπόδειγμα (hypodeigma, "ensample"): This Greek word means an example or pattern. Peter uses it to say that the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is not just a past event but a visible warning for future generations.
• καταστροφή (katastrophē, "overthrow"): This word refers to a complete destruction or overturning. It emphasizes the total nature of the judgment that fell on these cities, leaving nothing behind but ashes.
• ἀσεβέω (asebeō, "ungodly"): The Greek term points to living without reverence or respect for God. The warning is specifically directed at those who choose to ignore God’s ways.

Why 2 Peter 2:6 matters

• The verse clarifies that the story of Sodom and Gomorrah is not just history but a deliberate example set by God for future generations.
• It shows that Peter is warning against a specific kind of behavior—living in a way that disregards God—rather than just telling a story of destruction.
• In the wider context, 2 Peter 2:6 supports Peter’s message that God’s judgment is real and that He will hold people accountable, especially in times of moral confusion or false teaching.