A.T. Robertson Commentary 2 Peter 2:20

"For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first." — 2 Peter 2:20 (ASV)

After they have escaped (αποφυγοντες). Second aorist active participle here (see verse 18).

The defilements (τα μιασματα). Old word miasma, from μιαινω, here only in N.T. Our "miasma." The body is sacred to God. Cf. μιασμου in verse 10.

They are again entangled (παλιν εμπλακεντες). Second aorist passive participle of εμπλεκω, old verb, to inweave (noosed, fettered), in N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 2:4.

Overcome (ηττωντα). Present passive indicative of ητταοω, for which see verse 19, "are repeatedly worsted." Predicate in the condition of first class with ε. It is not clear whether the subject here is "the deluded victims" (Bigg) or the false teachers themselves (Mayor). See Heb 10:26 for a parallel.

Therein (τουτοις). So locative case (in these "defilements"), but it can be instrumental case ("by these," Strachan).

With them (αυτοις). Dative of disadvantage, "for them."

Than the first (των πρωτων). Ablative case after the comparative χειρονα. See this moral drawn by Jesus (Matthew 12:45; Luke 11:26).