What does 2 Peter 2:6 mean?

And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 2 Peter 2:6

Explanation

2 Peter 2:6 refers to an event from the Old Testament found in Genesis 19, where the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God as a punishment for their wickedness. Peter uses this narrative to illustrate the consequences of living an ungodly life. The phrase “turning into ashes” signifies total destruction, while “condemned them with an overthrow” suggests a definitive, decisive judgment. By describing these cities as an “ensample” (example), Peter is warning his readers that similar judgment will befall those who engage in immoral behaviors and defy divine laws.

Historical Context

2 Peter is a book of the New Testament, traditionally believed to have been written by the Apostle Peter in the first century AD. The epistle was written against the backdrop of the early Christian church, which was facing false teachings and moral laxity. Peter warns his audience about the dangers of following false prophets and teachers who lead people away from the truth of the Gospel.

Theological Insights

Theologically, 2 Peter 2:6 conveys the idea of divine retribution and justice. It reflects the Jewish and early Christian belief that God punishes the wicked and spares the righteous. From an evangelical perspective, this verse serves as both a warning of potential punishment in the afterlife and an encouragement to live in accordance with godly principles. In contrast, some liberal theological interpretations might view the passage more as an allegorical lesson on the consequences of moral corruption, without necessarily a prescriptive prediction of divine punishment.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse serves as a moral admonition for individuals to lead lives marked by decency and integrity. It can encourage believers to reflect on their actions and to turn away from behaviors that are considered sinful or harmful to self and others. It also serves as a call for communities to uphold standards of righteousness and to support one another in pursuit of a good life.

Cross-References

• Genesis 19:24-25: “Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.”
• Jude 1:7: “Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek language of this verse include:

• “τροπὴν” (tropēn) translates as “overthrow,” indicating a sudden or violent change or destruction.
• “τέφρα” (tephra) meaning “ashes.” In this context, it symbolizes the complete destruction of the cities.
• “ὑπόδειγμα” (hypodeigma) is translated as “ensample,” meaning a pattern, example, or warning for others to consider.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah has parallels in other ancient Near Eastern texts where divine beings punish cities for their wrongdoings. For example, in the Epic of Gilgamesh, the gods send a flood to wipe out humanity for its misdeeds, similar to the biblical flood narrative. In both cases, the destruction serves as a warning about the consequences of moral failure.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern geological and archaeological studies have tried to understand the historical basis for the story of Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction. Some theories suggest that a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or a lightning storm causing a massive fire, may underlie the biblical account. While these hypotheses attempt to provide a natural explanation, the scientific community generally regards the story as a religious narrative rather than a historical event.

Commentaries

Commentators throughout history have offered various interpretations of 2 Peter 2:6. Early Church Fathers, like Augustine, saw the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as a literal event that served as a cautionary tale. Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformer, emphasized the sovereignty of God in executing judgment upon the ungodly. Contemporary Biblical scholars like N. T. Wright explore the eschatological dimension of the verse, suggesting that it speaks to God’s ultimate judgment and the importance of living a life in anticipation of the coming kingdom.