# Connecting Statement:

The words "they" and "them" refer to the false teachers Peter speaks of in verses 12-19.

# If they have escaped the corruptions ... and are again entangled in them and overcome

The events in this conditional statement have happened. The false teachers had at one time escaped, but they became entangled and were overcome. Alternate translation: "Since they have escaped ... and are again entangled in them and overcome"

# the corruptions of the world

The word "corruptions" refers to sinful behavior that makes one morally impure. The "world" refers to human society. Alternate translation: "the corrupting practices of sinful human society" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])

# through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

You can translate "knowledge" using a verbal phrase. See how you translated similar phrases in [2 Peter 1:2](../01/02.md). Alternate translation: "by knowing the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-abstractnouns]])

# the last state has become worse for them than the first

"their condition is worse than it was before"

