2 Peter 2:17 kjv

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

2 Peter 2:17 nkjv

These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.

2 Peter 2:17 niv

These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.

2 Peter 2:17 esv

These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved.

2 Peter 2:17 nlt

These people are as useless as dried-up springs or as mist blown away by the wind. They are doomed to blackest darkness.

2 Peter 2 verses

2 Peter 2 17 Meaning

2 Peter 2:17 vividly describes false teachers through two potent metaphors: "springs without water" and "mists driven by a storm." Both images convey a deceptive promise of life and refreshment that ultimately delivers nothing but emptiness and futility. Like dry wells or barren clouds, these individuals offer no true spiritual sustenance, being devoid of the Spirit and the truth of God's Word. Their destructive nature and lack of substance lead to a final, inescapable condemnation, where a state of "gloom of utter darkness has been reserved" for them as their eternal destiny.

2 Peter 2 17 Context

This verse is found within 2 Peter chapter 2, which is dedicated to exposing and condemning false teachers and prophets. Peter meticulously describes their character, motives, methods, and certain judgment. The chapter warns against their destructive heresies, greed, deceptive words, and immoral lifestyles. He reminds his audience of God's past judgments on the disobedient (e.g., the fallen angels, the ancient world, Sodom and Gomorrah) to assure believers that these false teachers, despite their apparent freedom and success, will also face certain destruction. Verse 17 uses powerful imagery to encapsulate the utter futility and deceptive nature of these individuals, contrasting their promised "knowledge" and "freedom" with the true spiritual provision found in Christ. Historically, Peter's words were likely directed against early forms of Gnostic influence or similar antinomian movements that emphasized spiritual enlightenment while disregarding moral conduct, a common threat to the purity of the early Christian faith. His polemic implicitly rejects any teaching that divorces faith from righteousness, revealing such teachings as empty and leading only to divine condemnation.

2 Peter 2 17 Word analysis

• These (οὗτοί, houtoi): A demonstrative pronoun, referring directly back to the false teachers previously described throughout the chapter (2 Pet 2:1-16). It emphasizes that all the prior condemnations apply squarely to these specific individuals.
• are (εἰσιν, eisin): The present tense "are" highlights their current nature and continuous state. It's not just what they do, but what they fundamentally are.
• springs (πηγαί, pēgai): Refers to natural, often life-sustaining, sources of water – wells or springs. In the arid climate of the Middle East, a reliable water source was synonymous with life, blessing, and refreshment.
• without (ἄνυδροι, anydroi): This word literally means "waterless." When paired with "springs," it creates an oxymoron: a source that promises life but offers none. This signifies spiritual barrenness and emptiness, deceptive in their appearance of wisdom or knowledge. They cannot refresh because they have no true source within themselves.
• and (καί, kai): A simple conjunction connecting the two parallel metaphors.
• mists (ὁμίχλαι, omichlai): Some manuscripts read nephelai (clouds). Both "mists" and "clouds" convey a fleeting, unsubstantial, and deceptive image. Clouds often promise rain but may pass by without delivering. Mists offer little in terms of real sustenance. This highlights their insubstantiality and inability to provide true spiritual rain or nourishment.
• driven (ἐλαυνόμεναι, elaunomenai): A participle implying being propelled or driven, typically by a strong force like a storm. This suggests instability, a lack of self-control or inner direction, being at the mercy of external, chaotic forces, unlike those led by the Spirit of God (Gal 5:18).
• by a storm (λαίλαπος, lailapos): Refers to a strong wind, a whirlwind, or a tempest. It intensifies the image of the "mists," indicating they are violently buffeted and provide no stable ground or shelter. They are destructive rather than life-giving.
• for whom (οἷς, hois): Connects the nature of these false teachers to their inescapable destiny.
• the gloom (ὁ ζόφος, ho zophos): Signifies a thick, black, oppressive darkness; distinct from mere absence of light. It often refers to a terrible, awe-inspiring, or dreadful darkness associated with the netherworld, primeval chaos, or divine judgment (cf. Gen 1:2; Job 10:21-22).
• of utter darkness (τοῦ σκότους, tou skotous): Further emphasizes the nature of the "gloom." It's not just partial darkness but total, profound, and often metaphorical for spiritual and eternal death, alienation from God.
• has been reserved (τετήρηται, tetērētai): A perfect passive indicative verb, implying a completed action with continuing results. This judgment is not a chance outcome but a settled, divinely ordained destiny that awaits them. It underscores the certainty and inevitability of their doom. It is an act already determined by God.

2 Peter 2 17 Bonus section

The imagery used by Peter directly mirrors that employed by Jude (Jude 1:12-13), underscoring a common threat perceived by early apostolic writers. The "gloom of utter darkness" specifically implies a place or state associated with the punishment of fallen angels (2 Pet 2:4; Jude 1:6), elevating the severity of the judgment for false teachers, suggesting their condemnation is akin to the most rebellious spiritual beings. Peter's consistent use of judgment examples throughout Chapter 2, culminating in verse 17, demonstrates a biblical pattern of divine intervention against spiritual corruption. This verse strongly contrasts the "water" that false teachers lack with the "living water" and the "wellspring of life" that Christ provides, reinforcing that true spiritual life and refreshment come only through Him. The very essence of these false teachers is deceptive appearance over true substance.

2 Peter 2 17 Commentary

2 Peter 2:17 serves as a powerful concluding summary of Peter’s denunciation of false teachers. By labeling them "springs without water," Peter highlights their utter spiritual barrenness. In the Near East, a water source was vital, a symbol of life and provision. These teachers appear promising, perhaps offering "knowledge" or "freedom" (2 Pet 2:19) as a deep well might, but they yield no genuine spiritual refreshment or truth. They are deceptive, drawing in the thirsty with false hope.

Similarly, "mists driven by a storm" (or "clouds without water") illustrate their insubstantiality and lack of enduring power. Just as clouds that promise rain but are swept away by gales leave the land parched, these teachers offer no lasting nourishment. They are volatile, unanchored, and lack the stabilizing power of the Holy Spirit and divine truth. Their teachings are fleeting, unproductive, and dangerous, contributing to spiritual drought rather than growth. Their own lack of foundation leads them to be "driven" by external forces, perhaps their own passions, external pressures, or evil influences, rather than by the steadfast Spirit of God.

The terrifying conclusion to their emptiness is that "the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved" for them. This is not mere light deprivation but a deep, active, and oppressive spiritual blackness—a state of eternal condemnation and separation from God's glorious presence. The word "reserved" denotes a fixed, predetermined outcome, a righteous judgment already appointed for their deception and ungodliness. This echoes the concept of divine retribution for those who lead others astray and embody such spiritual emptiness. Their final destination is diametrically opposed to the light of Christ they deny and distort.

The verse is a solemn warning to recognize such deceptive spiritual barrenness, urging believers to seek the true spring of living water found in Jesus Christ, not the dry wells of false doctrine.

• Practical example: Someone promising a shortcut to spiritual growth or an "easier" Christianity that neglects repentance or sanctification; it seems appealing, like a nearby spring, but delivers no real transformation.
• Practical example: Teachings that are trendy but lack biblical depth, moving with the whims of culture rather than the unchanging truth, like a cloud blown about aimlessly.