New Testament
2 Peter 2:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He didn't spare the ancient world either. He sent a flood to destroy the ungodly, but he protected Noah — a preacher of righteousness — along with seven others.
Compare translations
And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
What 2 Peter 2:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a powerful reminder of how God dealt with the world in ancient times. He did not hold back when it came to punishing the wicked. The flood was a significant event that wiped out the ungodly, showing the seriousness of their actions. However, amidst this destruction, God chose to protect Noah, who was known for his righteousness. Noah was not just a survivor; he actively preached about living rightly. This highlights the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs, even when surrounded by negativity. The story serves as a warning about the consequences of ignoring moral values and the hope that comes from faithfulness. It illustrates that while judgment may come, there is always a path to safety for those who choose to live rightly. Noah's example encourages us to be voices of truth in our own times, reminding us that our actions matter and can influence others positively. God’s protection is available to those who seek to live according to His principles.
How to apply 2 Peter 2:5 to your life
Reflect on your own life and consider how you can stand firm in your beliefs. Be a voice of truth in your community, just like Noah. Remember that your actions can inspire others to choose righteousness. Trust that God protects those who seek to live rightly, even in challenging times. Stay committed to your values and encourage others to do the same.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Peter Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother

Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Peter 2:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Peter 2:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Peter
- Author
- Peter the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 65-68
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians facing false teachers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Peter 2:5 mean?
2 Peter 2:5 illustrates God's judgment on the wicked in ancient times through the flood, emphasizing that He did not spare the ungodly. It also highlights Noah's role as a righteous preacher who was saved, showing that faithfulness can lead to protection even in dire circumstances.
What is the meaning of 'preacher of righteousness' in 2 Peter 2:5?
The phrase 'preacher of righteousness' refers to Noah's role in advocating for moral living and warning others about the consequences of their actions. It signifies his commitment to promoting God's standards amidst widespread corruption.
How does 2 Peter 2:5 relate to judgment?
2 Peter 2:5 relates to judgment by showing that God actively punishes the ungodly, as demonstrated by the flood. It serves as a warning that ignoring moral values can lead to serious consequences.
What can we learn from Noah in 2 Peter 2:5?
From Noah's example in 2 Peter 2:5, we learn the importance of standing firm in our beliefs and being a voice for righteousness. His faithfulness amidst a corrupt world encourages us to inspire others through our actions.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.