2 Peter 2:10 Meaning: What Are the False Teachers Blaspheming?
but chiefly those who walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries,
But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise dominion. Daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at dignities:
and chiefly those going behind the flesh in desire of uncleanness, and lordship despising; presumptuous, self-complacent, dignities they are not afraid to speak evil of,
and specially those who walk after the flesh in [the] lust of uncleanness, and despise lordship. Bold [are they], self-willed; they do not fear speaking injuriously of dignities:
Meaning in one sentence
Who are the 'dignities' or 'glories' these false teachers slander? Learn how their daring self-will contrasts with the angels' restraint in verse 11.
Context
Peter has been warning believers about false teachers who slipped into the church. In chapter 2, he describes these people with sharp honesty, comparing their judgment to the ancient examples of fallen angels, the flood, and Sodom and Gomorrah. After saying that God knows how to rescue the godly and keep the unrighteous for judgment, he focuses in verse 10 on the worst of them, those who live by their corrupt desires and who treat all authority with contempt. The rest of the chapter paints a vivid picture of their arrogance, greed, and empty promises.
Key Words
Three Greek words stand out in this verse. The first is tolmētai (bold, daring), a word used only here in the New Testament. It describes someone who rushes in where even angels tread carefully. The second is authadeis (self-willed), which literally means self-pleasing, a person whose own opinion is the only rule that matters. The third is the verb tremousin (they tremble). Peter uses the negative to say these people do not even tremble when they speak evil of doxas (glories). That last word is striking. In verse 11, angels, beings far greater in power, do not dare to bring a slanderous judgment against these same glories. The false teachers lack even the healthy fear that the angels show. Their daring is not courage; it is blindness to the unseen world.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have read the word doxas (glories) in different ways. Many early and Reformation commentators, including Calvin and the writers of the Cambridge Bible, understand it to refer to angelic beings, spiritual authorities that the false teachers recklessly slandered. Barnes and Clarke, on the other hand, read it as civil magistrates and human authorities, especially since the verse also mentions despising government. The Geneva Bible notes simply repeat the phrase without deciding. Both readings agree on one point: these false teachers had lost all respect for any form of authority, human or heavenly, and their pride led them to speak against powers they did not understand.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers assume that 'dignities' or 'glories' here just means any human ruler, and that the false teachers were political rebels. In fact, the immediate context points especially to angelic beings. Verse 11 draws a direct contrast: angels, though greater in power and might, do not bring a slanderous judgment against them before the Lord. The word doxas (glories) is the same term used elsewhere for celestial beings. So the fault is not merely political insubordination; it is a spiritual presumption that dares to revile beings of whom even angels stand in awe.
Living This Out
This week, notice where your words go when you feel annoyed with someone in authority, a supervisor, a church leader, a parent. It is easy to speak in ways that tear down, especially when that person's decisions frustrate you. Peter calls believers to a different path: the way of those who know their own limits. Even angels, with all their power, hold back from slandering glories. You can ask God for a quiet heart that trusts His justice more than your own sharp tongue. That restraint is not weakness; it is wisdom.
Main takeaway: True spiritual strength shows itself in reverence for authority and restraint in speech, not in arrogant defiance.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Some people think they can say mean things about anyone, even people God put in charge. The Bible says even strong angels respect authority. You can show respect to your parents and teachers too.
For ages 9, 12
Have you ever said something disrespectful about a teacher, a coach, or a parent when you were angry? This verse warns that some people actually brag about ignoring rules and bad-mouthing leaders. Peter says that even powerful angels don't speak that way. They know there is a time to be quiet and trust God. When you feel like complaining, you can choose to hold back your words and ask God to help you respect the people He put in your life.
Questions People Ask
What does 'dignities' mean in 2 Peter 2:10?
The Greek word is doxas, which literally means 'glories.' Most commentators believe it refers to angelic beings, spiritual powers that these false teachers were slandering. Some also see it as including human authorities. The key point is that these teachers had no respect for any authority, heavenly or earthly.
Why does Peter mention angels in verse 11?
Peter draws a contrast between the false teachers and the angels. The angels are greater in power and might, yet they do not bring slanderous accusations against these beings before the Lord. The false teachers, by contrast, are bold and self-willed, and they speak evil without any fear. The angels show restraint; the teachers show arrogance.
What does 'self-willed' mean in this verse?
The Greek word is authadeis, which combines 'self' and 'pleasing.' It describes someone who is stubborn, arrogant, and only follows their own opinions. They refuse to listen to any authority or correction. In the context of the false teachers, this self-will leads them to despise both God's order and the leaders He has placed.
Is 2 Peter 2:10 only about sexual sin?
The verse starts with 'walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement,' which includes sexual impurity, but it quickly moves to a broader pattern: despising authority and speaking evil of dignities. The false teachers' corruption affected their whole character, not just their bodies but also their tongues and their attitude toward any form of leadership.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study