The Meaning of 2 Peter 2:15 Explained

2 Peter 2:15

KJV: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

YLT: having forsaken a right way, they did go astray, having followed in the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who a reward of unrighteousness did love,

Darby: having left the straight way they have gone astray, having followed in the path of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the reward of unrighteousness;

ASV: forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the'son of Beor, who loved the hire of wrong-doing;

Discover 2 Peter 2:15

CONTEXT: What is the Context of 2 Peter 2:15?

MEANING: What does 2 Peter 2:15 Mean?

WORDS: What do the individual words in 2 Peter 2:15 mean?

RELATIONS: What do the major concepts mean in 2 Peter 2:15?

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Which have forsaken  the right  way,  and are gone astray,  following  the way  of Balaam  [the son] of Bosor,  who  loved  the wages  of unrighteousness; 

What does 2 Peter 2:15 Mean?

Study Notes

Balaam
Balaam. was the typical hireling prophet, anxious only to make a market of his gift. This is the "way" of Balaam. See the "error" of Balaam, See Scofield " Judges 1:11 " and the "doctrine" of Balaam, See Scofield " Revelation 2:14 ".
Balaam is the typical hireling prophet, seeking only to make a market of his gift. This is "the way of Balaam" 2 Peter 2:15 and characterizes false teachers. The "error" of Balaam" Judges 1:11 was that he could see only the natural morality--a holy God, he reasoned, must curse such a people as Israel. Like all false teachers he was ignorant of the higher morality of vicarious atonement, by which God could be just and yet the justifier of believing sinners Romans 3:26 . The "doctrine of Balaam" Revelation 2:14 refers to his teaching Balak to corrupt the people whom he could not curse; Numbers 31:16 ; Numbers 25:1-3 ; James 4:4 . Spiritually, Balaamism in teaching never rises above natural reasonings; in practice, it is easy world- conformity. Scofield " Revelation 2:14 ".

Verse Meaning

The false prophet Balaam counseled Balak, the king of Moab, to invite the Israelites to participate with his people in a feast to honor Moab"s gods ( Numbers 31:16). The best textual evidence suggests that Peter wrote, "Balaam the son of Bosor," Bosor being a play on the Hebrew word basar, "flesh." Thus Peter indicated Balaam"s immoral character by calling him the "son of flesh." [1] The Moabite worship included sacred prostitution (cf. Numbers 25:1-3). Balaam is "the classic example of the false teacher who leads people astray for his own personal gain." [2]
The false teachers Peter referred to were also trying to get the Christians to participate in idolatry and immoral practices. They urged the faithful to wander from the narrow path of righteousness back onto the broad way that leads to destruction (cf. Isaiah 53:6; Revelation 2:14). Balaam"s motive was greed, as was the false teachers". By advocating unrighteousness they gained followers and profited personally.

Context Summary

2 Peter 2:12-22 - The Dark Way Of Animalism
The description of these false teachers is terrific! They are slaves to their brute instincts. They are as abusive as they are ignorant. They destroy and will be destroyed. They feast daintily in the broad daylight, instead of leading abstemious and sober lives. With them, the very church feasts were occasions for self-indulgence. Their eyes never ceased from the sin against which the Lord warns us in Matthew 5:28. Balaam is an awful example of such, torn, as he was, between the celestial vision of his spirit and the sensual appetite of his soul.
The will of man, as in Balaam's case, is always poising itself between its knowledge of good and evil and its strong bias toward evil. Only the help of God can correct this. Let us "who are just escaping," 2 Peter 2:18, r.v., from the meshes of the world, beware lest we be caught in the guiles and nets of false teaching, which would drag us back into the evils of the worldly life. It is in our heart-felt union with the Lord Jesus Christ alone that we can be permanently secure. [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Peter 2

1  Peter warns of false teachers, showing the impiety and punishment both of them and their followers;
7  from which the godly shall be delivered, as Lot was out of Sodom;
10  and more fully describes the manners of those profane and blasphemous seducers

Greek Commentary for 2 Peter 2:15

Forsaking [καταλειποντες]
Present active participle of καταλειπω — kataleipō (continually leaving) or καταλιποντες — katalipontes (second aorist active), having left. [source]
The right way [ευτειαν οδον]
“The straight way” of 1 Samuel 12:23 (cf. Matthew 7:13. for this use of οδος — hodos), “the way of truth” (2 Peter 2:2).They went astray (επλανητησαν — eplanēthēsan). First aorist passive indicative of πλαναω — planaō like Mark 12:24.The way of Balaam Associative instrumental case after εχακολουτησαντες — exakolouthēsantes for which verb see 2 Peter 1:16; 2 Peter 2:2. These false teachers, as shown in 2 Peter 2:13, followed the way of Balaam, “who loved the hire of wrong-doing” (ος μιστον αδικιας ηγαπησεν — hos misthon adikias ēgapēsen). [source]
They went astray [επλανητησαν]
First aorist passive indicative of πλαναω — planaō like Mark 12:24. [source]
The way of Balaam [τηι οδωι του αλααμ]
Associative instrumental case after εχακολουτησαντες — exakolouthēsantes for which verb see 2 Peter 1:16; 2 Peter 2:2. These false teachers, as shown in 2 Peter 2:13, followed the way of Balaam, “who loved the hire of wrong-doing” (ος μιστον αδικιας ηγαπησεν — hos misthon adikias ēgapēsen). [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Peter 2:15

Hebrews 12:19 Unto blackness [γνοπωι]
Dative case of γνοπος — gnophos (late form for earlier δνοπος — dnophos and kin to νεπος — nephos cloud), here only in N.T. Quoted here from Exodus 10:22. Darkness Old word, in Homer for the gloom of the world below. In the Symmachus Version of Exodus 10:22, also in Judges 1:6; 2 Peter 2:4, 2 Peter 2:15. Tempest Old word from τυω — thuō (to boil, to rage), a hurricane, here only in N.T. From Exodus 10:22. The sound of a trumpet From Exodus 19:16. Εχος — Echos is an old word (our εχο — echo) as in Luke 21:25; Acts 2:2. The voice of words From Exodus 19:19; Deuteronomy 4:12. Which voice Relative referring to πωνη — phōnē (voice) just before, genitive case with ακουσαντες — akousantes (heard, aorist active participle). Intreated First aorist middle (indirect) indicative of παραιτεομαι — paraiteomai old verb, to ask from alongside (Mark 15:6), then to beg away from oneself, to depreciate as here, to decline (Acts 25:11), to excuse (Luke 14:18), to avoid (1 Timothy 4:7). That no word should be spoken unto them First aorist passive infinitive of προστιτημι — prostithēmi old word to add, here with accusative of general reference (λογον — logon), “that no word be added unto them.” Some MSS. have here a redundant negative μη — mē with the infinitive because of the negative idea in παρηιτησαντο — parēitēsanto as in Galatians 5:7. [source]
2 Peter 1:16 We have not followed [οὐ ἐξακολουθησαντες]
A strong compound, used only here and 2 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 2:15. The ἐξ gives the force of following out; pursuance of; closely. [source]
2 Peter 2:1 False prophets also [και πσευδοπροπηται]
In contrast with the true prophets just pictured in 2 Peter 1:20. Late compound in lxx and Philo, common in N.T. (Matthew 7:15). Allusion to the O.T. times like Balaam and others (Jeremiah 6:13; Jeremiah 28:9; Ezekiel 13:9).False teachers (πσευδοδιδασκαλοι — pseudodidaskaloi). Late and rare compound (πσευδησ διδασκαλος — pseudēsεσονται — didaskalos) here alone in N.T. Peter pictures them as in the future here (εισιν — esontai shall be) and again as already present (επλανητησαν — eisin are, 2 Peter 2:17), or in the past (παρεισαχουσιν — eplanēthēsan they went astray, 2 Peter 2:15).Shall privily bring in Future active of παρεισαγω — pareisagō late double compound εισαγω — pareisagō to bring in Descriptive genitive, “heresies of destruction” (marked by destruction) as in Luke 16:8. αιρεω — Hairesis (from αρνουμενοι — haireō) is simply a choosing, a school, a sect like that of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), of the Pharisees (Acts 15:5), and of Christians as Paul admitted (Acts 24:5). These “tenets” (Galatians 5:20) led to destruction.Denying Present middle participle of και τον δεσποτην — arneomai This the Gnostics did, the very thing that Peter did, alas (Matthew 26:70) even after Christ‘s words (Matthew 10:33).Even the Master (τον αγορασαντα αυτους — kai ton despotēn). Old word for absolute master, here of Christ as in Judges 1:4, and also of God (Acts 4:24). Without the evil sense in our “despot.”That bought them First aorist active articular participle of λυτροω — agorazō same idea with ταχινην απωλειαν — lutroō in 1 Peter 1:18. These were professing Christians, at any rate, these heretics.Swift destruction (ταχινην — tachinēn apōleian). See 2 Peter 1:14 for απωλειαν — tachinēn and note repetition of επαγοντες — apōleian This is always the tragedy of such false prophets, the fate that they bring on (epagontes) themselves. [source]
2 Peter 2:1 False teachers [πσευδοδιδασκαλοι]
Late and rare compound (πσευδησ διδασκαλος — pseudēsεσονται — didaskalos) here alone in N.T. Peter pictures them as in the future here (εισιν — esontai shall be) and again as already present (επλανητησαν — eisin are, 2 Peter 2:17), or in the past (παρεισαχουσιν — eplanēthēsan they went astray, 2 Peter 2:15). [source]
2 Peter 2:2 By reason of whom [δι ους]
“Because of whom” (accusative case of relative, referring to πολλοι — polloi many). Αυτων — Autōn (their) refers to πσευδοδιδασκαλοι — pseudodidaskaloi (false teachers) while πολλοι — polloi to their deluded followers. See Romans 2:23. for a picture of such conduct by Jews (quotation from Isaiah 52:5, with βλασπημεω — blasphēmeō used as here with δι υμας — di' humas because of you).The way of truth (η οδος της αλητειας — hē hodos tēs alētheias). οδος — Hodos (way) occurs often in N.T. for Christianity (Acts 9:2; Acts 16:17; Acts 18:25; Acts 22:4; Acts 24:14). This phrase is in Genesis 24:48 as “the right road,” and that is what Peter means here. So Psalm 119:30. See again 2 Peter 2:15, 2 Peter 2:21. [source]
2 Peter 2:2 The way of truth [η οδος της αλητειας]
οδος — Hodos (way) occurs often in N.T. for Christianity (Acts 9:2; Acts 16:17; Acts 18:25; Acts 22:4; Acts 24:14). This phrase is in Genesis 24:48 as “the right road,” and that is what Peter means here. So Psalm 119:30. See again 2 Peter 2:15, 2 Peter 2:21. [source]
2 Peter 2:3 In covetousness [εν πλεονεχιαι]
As did Balaam (2 Peter 2:15). These licentious Gnostics made money out of their dupes. A merely intellectual Gnosticism had its fruit in immorality and fraud. [source]
2 Peter 2:21 Not to have known [μη επεγνωκεναι]
Perfect active infinitive of επιγινωσκω — epiginōskō (cf. επιγνωσει — epignōsei 2 Peter 2:20) to know fully.The way of righteousness (την οδον της δικαιοσυνης — tēn hodon tēs dikaiosunēs). For the phrase see Matthew 21:33, also the way of truth (2 Peter 2:2), the straight way (2 Peter 2:15).After knowing it Second aorist active participle of επιγινωσκω — epiginōskō (just used) in the dative plural agreeing with αυτοις — autois (for them).To turn back (υποστρεπσαι — hupostrepsai). First aorist active infinitive of υποστρεπω — hupostrephō old and common verb, to turn back, to return.From Out of. So in Acts 12:25 with υποστρεπω — hupostrephō With ablative case. See Romans 7:12 for αγια — hagia applied to η εντολη — hē entolē (cf. 1 Timothy 6:14). 2 Peter strikes a high ethical note (2 Peter 1:5.).Delivered (παραδοτεισης — paradotheisēs). First aorist passive participle feminine ablative singular of παραδιδωμι — paradidōmi f0). [source]
2 Peter 2:21 The way of righteousness [την οδον της δικαιοσυνης]
For the phrase see Matthew 21:33, also the way of truth (2 Peter 2:2), the straight way (2 Peter 2:15). [source]
Jude 1:11 In the error of Balaam [τηι πλανηι του αλααμ]
The fifth example in Jude. In 2 Peter also (2 Peter 2:15). Either locative case (in) or instrumental (by). Πλανη — Planē (in Peter also) is the common word for such wandering (Matthew 24:4., etc.).Perished (απωλοντο — apōlonto). Second aorist middle (intransitive) of απολλυμι — apollumi the gainsaying of Korah (τηι αντιλογιαι του Κορε — tēi antilogiāi tou Kore). Again either locative or instrumental. The word αντιλογια — antilogia is originally answering back (Hebrews 6:16), but it may be by act also (Romans 10:21) as here. This is the sixth example in Jude, not in 2 Peter. [source]
Jude 1:11 Went [επορευτησαν]
First aorist passive (deponent) indicative of πορευομαι — poreuomai the way of Cain Locative case οδωι — hodōi Cain is Jude‘s fourth example. Not in 2 Peter, but in Hebrews 11:4; 1 John 3:11. From Genesis 4:7.Ran riotously (εχεχυτησαν — exechuthēsan). First aorist passive indicative of εκχεω — ekcheō to pour out, “they were poured out,” vigorous metaphor for excessive indulgence. But it is used also of God‘s love for us (Romans 5:5).In the error of Balaam The fifth example in Jude. In 2 Peter also (2 Peter 2:15). Either locative case (in) or instrumental (by). Πλανη — Planē (in Peter also) is the common word for such wandering (Matthew 24:4., etc.).Perished (απωλοντο — apōlonto). Second aorist middle (intransitive) of απολλυμι — apollumi the gainsaying of Korah (τηι αντιλογιαι του Κορε — tēi antilogiāi tou Kore). Again either locative or instrumental. The word αντιλογια — antilogia is originally answering back (Hebrews 6:16), but it may be by act also (Romans 10:21) as here. This is the sixth example in Jude, not in 2 Peter. [source]
Revelation 2:14 Balaam []
See Numbers 25:1-9; Numbers 31:15, Numbers 31:16. Compare 2 Peter 2:15; Judges 1:11. [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Peter 2:15 mean?

Having left [the] straight way they have gone astray having followed in the way - of Balaam [son] of Bosor who [the] wage of unrighteousness loved
Καταλιπόντες εὐθεῖαν ὁδὸν ἐπλανήθησαν ἐξακολουθήσαντες τῇ ὁδῷ τοῦ Βαλαὰμ Βοσὸρ ὃς μισθὸν ἀδικίας ἠγάπησεν

Καταλιπόντες  Having  left 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: καταλείπω  
Sense: to leave behind.
εὐθεῖαν  [the]  straight 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: εὐθύσ1 
Sense: straight, level.
ὁδὸν  way 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ὁδός 
Sense: properly.
ἐπλανήθησαν  they  have  gone  astray 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Plural
Root: πλανάω  
Sense: to cause to stray, to lead astray, lead aside from the right way.
ἐξακολουθήσαντες  having  followed 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ἐξακολουθέω  
Sense: to follow out or up, tread in one’s steps.
τῇ  in  the 
Parse: Article, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ὁ  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ὁδῷ  way 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ὁδός 
Sense: properly.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: ὁ  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Βαλαὰμ  of  Balaam 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Βαλαάμ  
Sense: A native of Pethor a city in Mesopotamia, endued by Jehovah with prophetic power.
Βοσὸρ  [son]  of  Bosor 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Βεώρ 
Sense: the father of Balaam.
μισθὸν  [the]  wage 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: μισθός  
Sense: dues paid for work.
ἀδικίας  of  unrighteousness 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: ἀδικία  
Sense: injustice, of a judge.
ἠγάπησεν  loved 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἀγαπάω  
Sense: of persons.

What are the major concepts related to 2 Peter 2:15?

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