English Standard Version ESV
New International Version NIV
3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
3
Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.
4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation. ”
4
They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”
5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God,
5
But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water.
6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.
6
By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed.
7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
7
By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.