2 Peter 2:12 These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed.

◄ 2 Peter 2:12 ►

New International Version
But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.

New Living Translation
These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed. They scoff at things they do not understand, and like animals, they will be destroyed.

English Standard Version
But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction,

Berean Standard Bible
These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed.

Berean Literal Bible
But these, like irrational animals, having been born as creatures of instinct for capture and destruction, blaspheming in what they are ignorant of, in their destruction also will be destroyed,

King James Bible
But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

New King James Version
But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption,

New American Standard Bible
But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, using abusive speech where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed,

NASB 1995
But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed,

NASB 1977
But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed,

Legacy Standard Bible
But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, blaspheming where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed,

Amplified Bible
But these [false teachers], like unreasoning animals, [mere] creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed, reviling things they do not understand, will also perish in their own corruption [in their destroying they will be destroyed],

Christian Standard Bible
But these people, like irrational animals—creatures of instinct born to be caught and destroyed—slander what they do not understand, and in their destruction they too will be destroyed.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But these people, like irrational animals—creatures of instinct born to be caught and destroyed—speak blasphemies about things they don’t understand, and in their destruction they too will be destroyed,

American Standard Version
But these, as creatures without reason, born mere animals to be taken and destroyed, railing in matters whereof they are ignorant, shall in their destroying surely be destroyed,

Contemporary English Version
These people are no better than senseless animals that live by their feelings and are born to be caught and killed. They speak evil of things they don't know anything about. But their own corrupt deeds will destroy them.

English Revised Version
But these, as creatures without reason, born mere animals to be taken and destroyed, railing in matters whereof they are ignorant, shall in their destroying surely be destroyed,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
These false teachers insult what they don't understand. They are like animals, which are creatures of instinct that are born to be caught and killed. So they will be destroyed like animals

Good News Translation
But these people act by instinct, like wild animals born to be captured and killed; they attack with insults anything they do not understand. They will be destroyed like wild animals,

International Standard Version
These people, like irrational animals, are mere creatures of instinct that are born to be caught and killed. They insult what they don't understand, and like animals they, too, will be destroyed,

Majority Standard Bible
These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed.

NET Bible
But these men, like irrational animals--creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed--do not understand whom they are insulting, and consequently in their destruction they will be destroyed,

New Heart English Bible
But these, as unreasoning creatures, born natural animals to be taken and destroyed, speaking evil in matters about which they are ignorant, will in their destroying surely be destroyed,

Webster's Bible Translation
But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption:

Weymouth New Testament
But these men, like brute beasts, created (with their natural instincts)

World English Bible
But these, as unreasoning creatures, born natural animals to be taken and destroyed, speaking evil in matters about which they are ignorant, will in their destroying surely be destroyed,

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and these, as irrational natural beasts, made to be caught and destroyed—in what things they are ignorant of, slandering—in their destruction will be destroyed;

Berean Literal Bible
But these, like irrational animals, having been born as creatures of instinct for capture and destruction, blaspheming in what they are ignorant of, in their destruction also will be destroyed,

Young's Literal Translation
and these, as irrational natural beasts, made to be caught and destroyed -- in what things they are ignorant of, speaking evil -- in their destruction shall be destroyed,

Smith's Literal Translation
But these, as natural irrational living creatures, having been for catching and destroying, defaming in what things they are ignorant of; and shall be destroyed in their corruption;

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But these men, as irrational beasts, naturally tending to the snare and to destruction, blaspheming those things which they know not, shall perish in their corruption,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet truly, these others, like irrational beasts, naturally fall into traps and into ruin by blaspheming whatever they do not understand, and so they shall perish in their corruption,

New American Bible
But these people, like irrational animals born by nature for capture and destruction, revile things that they do not understand, and in their destruction they will also be destroyed,

New Revised Standard Version
These people, however, are like irrational animals, mere creatures of instinct, born to be caught and killed. They slander what they do not understand, and when those creatures are destroyed, they also will be destroyed,

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But these men, as natural brute beasts, made for slaughter and destruction, speak evil of the things which they do not understand; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But these, like dumb animals, are by nature for the knife and destruction, as they slander those things which they do not understand and by their corruption they will be destroyed.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
But these men, like beasts with out reason, which follow the instinct of nature, and are made to be taken and destroyed, speaking evil of things that they understand not, shall utterly perish in their own corruption,

Godbey New Testament
But these, like irrational animals having been born naturally for capture and destruction, blaspheming those things in which they are ignorant; in their own corruption they will indeed corrupt themselves;

Haweis New Testament
But these men, as the naturally irrational brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speaking evil of the things of which they are ignorant, will perish by their own corruption;

Mace New Testament
But as for these, they have no more reason than brute beasts that are naturally made for hunting, and slaughter: so these who calumniate what they do not understand, shall receive the reward of their iniquity by perishing in their own corruption.

Weymouth New Testament
But these men, like brute beasts, created (with their natural instincts)

Worrell New Testament
But these, as irrational creatures, born naturally for capture and destruction, railing in matters of which they are ignorant, shall in their destruction be also destroyed,

Worsley New Testament
But these men, like brute beasts naturally produced to be taken and destroyed, speaking evil of things which they do not understand, shall perish by their own corruption; receiving the reward of their unrighteousness:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Deliverance from False Prophets
…11Yet not even angels, though greater in strength and power, dare to bring such slanderous charges against them before the Lord. 12 These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed. 13The harm they will suffer is the wages of their wickedness. They consider it a pleasure to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deception as they feast with you.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Jude 1:10
These men, however, slander what they do not understand, and like irrational animals, they will be destroyed by the things they do instinctively.

Romans 1:21-22
For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,

Philippians 3:19
Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.

1 Corinthians 2:14
The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 15:32
If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”

James 3:15
Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

1 Timothy 6:9
Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.

Titus 1:12
As one of their own prophets has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”

Matthew 7:6
Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

1 Peter 1:14
As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance.

Isaiah 56:11
Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:

Psalm 49:12-13
But a man, despite his wealth, cannot endure; he is like the beasts that perish. / This is the fate of the foolish and their followers who endorse their sayings. Selah

Psalm 73:22
I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.

Proverbs 7:22
He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap,

Proverbs 30:2
Surely I am the most ignorant of men, and I lack the understanding of a man.

Treasury of Scripture

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

as natural.

Psalm 49:10
For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.

Psalm 92:6
A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.

Psalm 94:8
Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?

perish.

2 Peter 2:19
While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

2 Peter 1:4
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Proverbs 14:32
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

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2 Peter 2

1. Peter warns of false teachers, showing the impiety and punishment both of them and their followers;
7. from which the godly shall be delivered, as Lot was out of Sodom;
10. and more fully describes the manners of those profane and blasphemous seducers.

Berean Study Bible

These men
This phrase refers to false teachers and prophets infiltrating the early Christian communities. Historically, the early church faced numerous challenges from individuals who distorted the gospel for personal gain or out of ignorance. The Greek word for "men" here is "anthrōpoi," which can refer to both men and women, emphasizing that false teaching is not limited by gender.

are like irrational animals
The comparison to "irrational animals" underscores the lack of spiritual discernment and moral reasoning in these false teachers. The Greek word "alogos" means without reason or logic, highlighting their impulsive and instinct-driven behavior. This imagery draws from the natural world, where animals act on instinct rather than rational thought, suggesting that these individuals are driven by base desires rather than divine wisdom.

creatures of instinct
This phrase further emphasizes the natural, unthinking behavior of the false teachers. The Greek term "phusikos" suggests something inherent or natural, indicating that these individuals operate on a purely instinctual level, devoid of spiritual insight. In a biblical context, this contrasts with the call for believers to be led by the Spirit, not by fleshly desires.

born to be captured and destroyed
The imagery here is stark and sobering. The phrase suggests a predetermined outcome for those who persist in falsehood and rebellion against God. The Greek word "gennaō" (born) implies a natural state or condition, while "katalambanō" (captured) and "phthora" (destroyed) indicate the inevitable consequence of living contrary to God's truth. This serves as a warning of divine judgment.

They blaspheme in matters they do not understand
Blasphemy, or speaking irreverently about God, is a serious charge. The Greek word "blasphēmeō" indicates a willful disrespect or slander. These false teachers speak arrogantly about spiritual truths they cannot comprehend, showing their ignorance and arrogance. This highlights the danger of presumption and the importance of humility and reverence in approaching divine matters.

and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed
The repetition of the theme of destruction underscores the certainty of judgment for those who persist in falsehood. The Greek word "phthora" (destroyed) is used again, emphasizing the finality and seriousness of their fate. This serves as both a warning and a call to repentance, urging believers to remain steadfast in truth and avoid the path of destruction.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(12) But these, as natural brute beasts.--Omit "natural." This verse appears to tell strongly in favour of the priority of our Epistle. The literary form of Jude 1:10, is so very superior; the antithesis (quite wanting here) between abusing what they cannot know and misusing what they cannot help knowing is so telling, and would be so easily remembered, that it is improbable that a writer who was willing to adopt so much would not have adopted in this respect also; and whichever writer is second, it is evident that he was willing to adopt his predecessor's material almost to any extent. On the other hand, there is nothing improbable in a writer who knew this verse improving upon it by writing Jude 1:10. The verses, similar as they are in much of their wording, are very different in their general drift. Jude 1:10, is simply an epigrammatic description of these ungodly men; this verse is a denunciation of final ruin against them.

Made to be taken and destroyed.--Literally, born naturally for capture and destruction. "Natural" comes in better here as a kind of adverb than as an additional epithet to beasts. The force of it is that these animals cannot help themselves--it is their nature to rush after what will prove their ruin; but the false teachers voluntarily seek their own destruction against nature. This verse contains one of the repetitions noticed above (see on 2Peter 2:7) as characteristic of this Epistle. The word for "destruction" and "corruption" is one and the same in the Greek, the destroying being literal in the first case, moral in the second. Moreover, the word for "perish" is from the same root. "Like brutes born for capture and destruction, these men shall be destroyed in their destruction." But such a translation would be misleading in English.

Shall utterly perish.--A reading of higher authority gives us, shall even perish.

In their own corruption.--"Own" may be omitted. Their present evil life anticipates and contains within itself the elements of their final destruction. Thus they "bring it upon themselves" (2Peter 2:1). The right division of the sentences here cannot be decided with certainty; the Apostle hurries on, in the full flood of his denunciation, without paying much attention to the precise form of his language. On the whole, it seems best to place only a comma at the end of 2Peter 2:12, with a full stop or colon at "unrighteousness," and to make what follows part of the long sentence, of which the main verb is "are gone astray" in 2Peter 2:15. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 12. - But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed. The order of the words in the best manuscripts favours the translation of the Revised Version, But these, as creatures without reason, born mere animals to be taken and destroyed. The word rendered "mere animals" is literally "natural" (φυσικά); comp. Jude 1:10, "what they know naturally (φυσικῶς) as brute beasts." Speak evil of the things that they understand not; literally, as in the Revised Version, railing in matters whereof they are ignorant. (For the construction, see Wirier, 3:66. 5, at the end.) The context and the parallel passage in St. Jude show that the δόξαι, the glories, are the things which the false teachers understand not and at which they rail. Good angels do not pronounce a railing judgment against angels that sinned. These men, knowing nothing of the angelic sphere of existence, rail at the elect and the fallen angels alike, lien should speak with awe of the sin of the angels; jesting on such subjects is unbecoming and dangerous. And shall utterly perish in their own corruption. The best manuscripts read here καί φθαρήσονται "shall also be destroyed in their own corruption." It seems better to take φθορά in the sense of "corruption" here, as in 2 Peter 1:4, and to suppose that St. Peter is intentionally playing on the double sense of the noun and its cognate verb than, with Huther, to refer the pronoun αὐτῶν, "their own," to the ἄλογα ζῶα, and to understand St. Peter as meaning that the false teachers, who act like irrational animals, shall be destroyed with the destruction of irrational animals.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

These [men]
Οὗτοι (Houtoi)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

[are] like
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

irrational
ἄλογα (aloga)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 249: Without reason, irrational; contrary to reason, absurd. Irrational.

animals,
ζῷα (zōa)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2226: An animal, living creature. Neuter of a derivative of zao; a live thing, i.e. An animal.

creatures of instinct,
φυσικὰ (physika)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5446: Natural, (a) according to nature, (b) merely animal. From phusis; 'physical', i.e. instinctive.

born
γεγεννημένα (gegennēmena)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1080: From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.

to be captured
ἅλωσιν (halōsin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 259: Capture, capturing. From a collateral form of haireomai; capture, be taken.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

destroyed.
φθοράν (phthoran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5356: Corruption, destruction, decay, rottenness, decomposition. From phtheiro; decay, i.e. Ruin.

They blaspheme
βλασφημοῦντες (blasphēmountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 987: From blasphemos; to vilify; specially, to speak impiously.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[matters]
οἷς (hois)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

they do not understand,
ἀγνοοῦσιν (agnoousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 50: To do not know, be ignorant of, sometimes with the idea of willful ignorance.

[and like]
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[such creatures],
φθορᾷ (phthora)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5356: Corruption, destruction, decay, rottenness, decomposition. From phtheiro; decay, i.e. Ruin.

they too will be destroyed.
φθαρήσονται (phtharēsontai)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5351: To corrupt, spoil, destroy, ruin. Probably strengthened from phthio; properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e. To spoil or to ruin.

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NT Letters: 2 Peter 2:12 But these as unreasoning creatures born natural (2 Pet. 2P iiP ii Pet)