And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

2 PETER 2:7KJV
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2 Peter 2:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Peter 2:7 mean?

2 Peter 2:7 says that God rescued Lot, who was a righteous man, even though he was deeply troubled by the immoral behavior of the people around him. The verse highlights that Lot was distressed by the corrupt and lawless actions he witnessed in his city.

Peter is writing to early Christians, reminding them that God knows how to rescue those who try to live rightly, even when they are surrounded by evil. The verse uses Lot’s story from Genesis to show that God notices and cares for people who are upset by wrongdoing, not just those who participate in it.

The Greek behind 2 Peter 2:7

  • The word translated "vexed" is καταπονέω (kataponeō), which means to be worn down, oppressed, or tormented. This word shows that Lot was not just annoyed, but deeply troubled and burdened by what he saw.
  • The phrase "filthy conversation" uses ἀσέλγεια (aselgeia) for "filthy," meaning outrageous or shameless behavior, and ἀναστροφή (anastrophē) for "conversation," which refers to conduct or way of life, not just speech. Together, this points to the overall immoral lifestyle of the people, not just their words.
  • The word for "wicked" is ἄθεσμος (athesmos), meaning lawless or unprincipled. This highlights that the people’s actions went against any sense of moral or divine law.

Why 2 Peter 2:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that being troubled by evil around you is a mark of righteousness, not weakness or failure.
  • It connects Lot’s experience to the situation of Peter’s readers, encouraging them that God sees their struggles and will help them, just as He did for Lot.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s rescue is not just for those who are perfect, but for those who are genuinely distressed by wrongdoing and try to live rightly.

Where else these words appear

“vexed” Greek G2669 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 7:24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:

“wicked” Greek G113 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

“Lot” Greek G3091 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 17:28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
  • Luke 17:29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
  • Luke 17:32 Remember Lot's wife.

“filthy” Greek G766 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
  • 2 Corinthians 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
  • 1 Peter 4:3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: