The Meaning of 2 Peter 2:3 Explained

2 Peter 2:3

KJV: And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

YLT: and in covetousness, with moulded words, of you they shall make merchandise, whose judgment of old is not idle, and their destruction doth not slumber.

Darby: And through covetousness, with well-turned words, will they make merchandise of you: for whom judgment of old is not idle, and their destruction slumbers not.

ASV: And in covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose sentence now from of old lingereth not, and their destruction slumbereth not.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  through  covetousness  shall they with feigned  words  make merchandise  of you:  whose  judgment  now of a long time  lingereth  not,  and  their  damnation  slumbereth  not. 

What does 2 Peter 2:3 Mean?

Verse Meaning

False teachers typically desire to satisfy themselves rather than God. This leads them to take advantage of their audiences.
". . . Peter pointed out that the false teachers used "feigned words." The Greek word is plastos, from which we get our English word plastic. Plastic words! Words that can be twisted to mean anything you want them to mean! The false teachers use our vocabulary, but they do not use our dictionary. They talk about "salvation," "inspiration," and the great words of the Christian faith, but they do not mean what we mean. Immature and untaught believers hear these preachers or read their books and think that these men are sound in the faith, but they are not." [1]
"There are also plastic preachers who can be molded and shaped by the people that they serve." [2]
Peter personified their "judgment" and "destruction." His point was that God is never late or asleep in executing justice, though He is patient (cf. 2 Peter 3:9).
"We can argue that the danger of false teaching is greater in our day than it has ever been. Why? Because we live in an era that is deeply suspicious of absolute truth." [3]

Context Summary

2 Peter 2:1-11 - Doom And Deliverance
Already the early Church was threatened with destructive heresies introduced by men who desired only their self-aggrandizement. All the Apostles give warning against such, and point to character as the one supreme test of doctrine. The real drift of the heresies is to deny the Master, who bought us as slaves in the market of the world. Of all the bidders, there is none who has bidden so high as he.
Many instances are quoted from the past to prove the fearful judgments which must overtake such false teachers. The angels who placed their self-will in antagonism to their Maker were cast down to Tartarus-a Greek word used only here in the New Testament. The people who lived previous to the Flood, and they who afterward at Sodom disregarded the laws of purity and self-restraint, dictated alike by nature and conscience, were overwhelmed in destruction. But even amid such judgments, God discriminates His Noahs and His Lots, preserves and delivers them, and numbers them among His jewels, Malachi 3:17. God has His eye on you and will succor you. [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 2:3

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]
With feigned words [πλαστοις λογοις]
Instrumental case. Πλαστος — Plastos is verbal adjective (from πλασσω — plassō to mould as from clay, for which see Romans 9:20), here only in N.T. “With forged words.” See sample in 2 Peter 3:4.Shall make merchandise of you (υμας εμπορευσονται — humas emporeusontai). Future middle of εμπορευομαι — emporeuomai (from εμπορος — emporos a travelling merchant), old word, to go in for trade, in N.T. only here and James 4:13, which see. Cf. our emporium (John 2:16, market house).Whose sentence “For whom (dative case) the sentence” (verdict, not process κρισις — krisis).Now from of old (εκπαλαι — ekpalai). Late and common compound adverb, in N.T. only here and 2 Peter 3:5.Lingereth not “Is not idle,” old verb, αργεω — argeō (from αργος — argos not working, alpha privative and εργον — ergon), here only in N.T.Slumbereth not (ου νυσταζει — ou nustazei). Old and common verb (from νυω — nuō to nod), in N.T. only here and Matthew 25:5. Note απωλεια — apōleia (destruction) three times in 2 Peter 2:1-3. [source]
Shall make merchandise of you [υμας εμπορευσονται]
Future middle of εμπορευομαι — emporeuomai (from εμπορος — emporos a travelling merchant), old word, to go in for trade, in N.T. only here and James 4:13, which see. Cf. our emporium (John 2:16, market house). [source]
Whose sentence [οις το κριμα]
“For whom (dative case) the sentence” (verdict, not process κρισις — krisis).Now from of old (εκπαλαι — ekpalai). Late and common compound adverb, in N.T. only here and 2 Peter 3:5.Lingereth not “Is not idle,” old verb, αργεω — argeō (from αργος — argos not working, alpha privative and εργον — ergon), here only in N.T.Slumbereth not (ου νυσταζει — ou nustazei). Old and common verb (from νυω — nuō to nod), in N.T. only here and Matthew 25:5. Note απωλεια — apōleia (destruction) three times in 2 Peter 2:1-3. [source]
Now from of old [εκπαλαι]
Late and common compound adverb, in N.T. only here and 2 Peter 3:5. [source]
Lingereth not [ουκ αργει]
“Is not idle,” old verb, αργεω — argeō (from αργος — argos not working, alpha privative and εργον — ergon), here only in N.T.Slumbereth not (ου νυσταζει — ou nustazei). Old and common verb (from νυω — nuō to nod), in N.T. only here and Matthew 25:5. Note απωλεια — apōleia (destruction) three times in 2 Peter 2:1-3. [source]
Slumbereth not [ου νυσταζει]
Old and common verb (from νυω — nuō to nod), in N.T. only here and Matthew 25:5. Note απωλεια — apōleia (destruction) three times in 2 Peter 2:1-3. [source]
Through covetousness [ἐν πλεοεξίᾳ]
Lit., in covetousness; denoting the element or sphere in which the evil is wrought. [source]
Feigned [πλαστοῖς]
Only here in New Testament. From πλάσσω , to mould, as in clay or wax. The idea is, therefore, of words moulded at will to suit their vain imaginations. [source]
Make merchandise [ἐμπορεύσονται]
Only here and James 4:13. Compare Judges 1:16,for the sake of advantage; their glory being in having a multitude of followers. [source]
Judgment [κρίμα]
Rev., sentence. So, commonly, in New Testament; the process or act of judging being expressed by κρίσις. [source]
Of a long time [ἔκπαλαι]
Rev., better,from of old, bringing out thus more sharply the force of ἐκ . Only here and 2 Peter 3:5. Construe with lingereth. [source]
Lingereth [ἀργεῖ]
Only here in New Testament. Compare on the kindred adjective idle, 2 Peter 1:8. There is a graphic picture in the sentence. The judgment is not idle. It is “represented as a living thing, awake and expectant. Long ago that judgment started on its destroying path, and the fate of sinning angels, and the deluge, and the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah were but incidental illustrations of its power; nor has it ever since lingered … .It advances still, strong and vigilant as when first it sprang from the bosom of God, and will not fail to reach the mark to which it was pointed from of old” (Salmond and Lillie). [source]
Damnation [ἀπώλεια]
More literally, Rev., destruction. The word occurs three times in 2 Peter 2:1. [source]
Slumbereth [νυστάζει]
See on Matthew 25:5, the only other passage where it occurs. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Peter 2:3

Romans 5:16 The judgment [κρῖμα]
Judicial sentence. Compare 1 Corinthians 6:7; 1 Corinthians 11:29. See on 2 Peter 2:3. [source]
1 Corinthians 6:7 Ye go to law [κρίματα ἔχετε]
Rev., more correctly, ye have lawsuits. Not the same phrase as in 1 Corinthians 6:6. Κρίμα in the New Testament almost universally means judgment or decree, as Romans 5:16. See on 2 Peter 2:3. In classical Greek it has also the meaning of the matter of judgment, the question in litigation. So Aeschylus: “The matter ( κρίμα ) is not easy to judge. Choose me not as judge” (“Suppliants,” 391). Here the meaning is legal proceedings, lawsuits. So in Septuagint, Job 31:13; Exodus 23:6. [source]
James 4:13 Buy and sell [ἐμπορευσόμεθα]
Rev., more concisely, trade. Only here and 2 Peter 2:3. [source]
2 Peter 1:16 Cunningly devised [σεσοφισμένοις]
Only here and 2 Timothy 3:15, in which latter passage it has a good sense, to make thee wise. Here, in a bad sense, artfully framed by human cleverness ( σοφία )Compare feigned words, 2 Peter 2:3. [source]
2 Peter 1:16 Cunningly devised fables [σεσοπισμενοις μυτοις]
Associative instrumental case of μυτος — muthos (old term for word, narrative, story, fiction, fable, falsehood). In N.T. only here and the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1:4, etc.). Perfect passive participle of σοπιζω — sophizō old word (from σοπος — sophos), only twice in N.T., in causative sense to make wise (2 Timothy 3:15), to play the sophist, to invent cleverly (here) and so also in the old writers and in the papyri. Some of the false teachers apparently taught that the Gospel miracles were only allegories and not facts (Bigg). Cf. 2 Peter 2:3 for “feigned words.”When we made known unto you (εγνωρισαμεν υμιν — egnōrisamen humin). First aorist active indicative of γνωριζω — gnōrizō to make known unto you. Possibly by Peter himself.The power and coming These words can refer (Chase) to the Incarnation, just as is true of επιπανεια — epiphaneia in 2 Timothy 1:10 (second coming in 1 Timothy 6:14), and is true of παρουσια — parousia (2 Corinthians 7:6 of Titus). But elsewhere in the N.T. παρουσια — parousia (technical term in the papyri for the coming of a king or other high dignitary), when used of Christ, refers to his second coming (2 Peter 3:4, 2 Peter 3:12).But we were eye-witnesses (αλλ εποπται γενητεντες — all' epoptai genēthentes). First aorist passive participle of γινομαι — ginomai “but having become eye-witnesses.” Εποπται — Epoptai old word (from εποπτω — epoptō like εποπτευω — epopteuō in 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 3:2), used of those who attained the third or highest degree of initiates in the Eleusinian mysteries (common in the inscriptions). Cf. αυτοπτης — autoptēs in Luke 1:2.Of his majesty Late and rare word (lxx and papyri) from μεγαλειος — megaleios (Acts 2:11), in N.T. only here, Luke 9:43 (of God); Acts 19:27 (of Artemis). Peter clearly felt that he and James and John were lifted to the highest stage of initiation at the Transfiguration of Christ. Emphatic εκεινου — ekeinou as in 2 Timothy 2:26. [source]
2 John 1:7 Is come [ἐρχόμενον]
Wrong. The verb is in the present participle, coming, which describes the manhood of Christ as still being manifested. See on 1 John 3:5. In 1 John 4:2we have the manifestation treated as a past fact by the perfect tense, ἐληλυθο.τα hascome. Rev., that Jesus Christ cometh. So in 1 Thessalonians 1:10, τῆς ὀργῆς τῆς ἐρχομένης is the wrath which is coming; which has already begun its movement and is advancing: not merely, as A.V., the wrath to come, which makes it wholly a future event. See on lingereth, 2 Peter 2:3. [source]
Jude 1:16 Having men's persons in admiration [θαυμάζοντες πρόσωπα]
The Rev., shewing respect of persons, is neater, but the A. V. more literal: admiring the countenances. Compare 2Peter href="/desk/?q=2pe+2:3&sr=1">2 Peter 2:3, 2 Peter 2:14. [source]
Jude 1:4 Set forth [προγεγραμμενοι]
Perfect passive participle of προγραπω — prographō to write of beforehand, for which verb see Galatians 3:1; Romans 15:4.Unto this condemnation (εις τουτο το κριμα — eis touto to krima). See 2 Peter 2:3 for κριμα — krima and εκπαλαι — ekpalai Παλαι — Palai here apparently alludes to Judges 1:14, Judges 1:15 (Enoch).Ungodly men Keynote of the Epistle (Mayor), in Judges 1:15 again as in 2 Peter 2:5; 2 Peter 3:7.Turning (μετατιτεντες — metatithentes). Present active participle of μετατιτημι — metatithēmi to change, for which verb see Galatians 1:6. For the change of “grace” (χαριτα — charita) into “lasciviousness” (εις ασελγειαν — eis aselgeian) see 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 4:3; 2 Peter 2:19; 2 Peter 3:16.Our only Master and Lord For the force of the one article for one person see note on 2 Peter 1:1. For δεσποτην — despotēn of Christ see 2 Peter 2:1.Denying (αρνουμενοι — arnoumenoi). So 2 Peter 2:1. See also Matthew 10:33; 1 Timothy 5:8; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:22. [source]
Jude 1:4 Unto this condemnation [εις τουτο το κριμα]
See 2 Peter 2:3 for κριμα — krima and εκπαλαι — ekpalai Παλαι — Palai here apparently alludes to Judges 1:14, Judges 1:15 (Enoch). [source]
Jude 1:16 For the sake of advantage [ωπελειας χαριν]
To themselves. See also Judges 1:11. The covetousness of these Gnostic leaders is plainly shown in 2 Peter 2:3, 2 Peter 2:14. For χαριν — charin as preposition with genitive see Ephesians 3:1, Ephesians 3:14. [source]
Jude 1:16 Complainers [μεμπσιμοιροι]
Rare word (Isocrates, Aristotle, Plutarch) from μεμπομαι — memphomai to complain and μοιρα — moira lot or fate. Here alone in N.T.Lusts (επιτυμιας — epithumias). As in 2 Peter 3:3.Swelling So in 2 Peter 2:18 (big words).Showing respect of persons (ταυμαζοντες προσωπα — thaumazontes prosōpa). Present active participle of ταυμαζω — thaumazō to admire, to wonder at. Nowhere else in N.T. with προσωπα — prosōpa but a Hebraism (in Leviticus 19:15; Job 13:10) like λαμβανειν προσωπον — lambanein prosōpon (Luke 20:21) and βλεπειν προσωπον — blepein prosōpon (Matthew 22:16) and προσοπωλεμπτεω — prosopōlempteō (James 2:9). Cf. James 2:1.For the sake of advantage To themselves. See also Judges 1:11. The covetousness of these Gnostic leaders is plainly shown in 2 Peter 2:3, 2 Peter 2:14. For χαριν — charin as preposition with genitive see Ephesians 3:1, Ephesians 3:14. [source]
Jude 1:16 Swelling [υπερογκα]
So in 2 Peter 2:18 (big words).Showing respect of persons (ταυμαζοντες προσωπα — thaumazontes prosōpa). Present active participle of ταυμαζω — thaumazō to admire, to wonder at. Nowhere else in N.T. with προσωπα — prosōpa but a Hebraism (in Leviticus 19:15; Job 13:10) like λαμβανειν προσωπον — lambanein prosōpon (Luke 20:21) and βλεπειν προσωπον — blepein prosōpon (Matthew 22:16) and προσοπωλεμπτεω — prosopōlempteō (James 2:9). Cf. James 2:1.For the sake of advantage To themselves. See also Judges 1:11. The covetousness of these Gnostic leaders is plainly shown in 2 Peter 2:3, 2 Peter 2:14. For χαριν — charin as preposition with genitive see Ephesians 3:1, Ephesians 3:14. [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Peter 2:3 mean?

And through covetousness with fabricated words you they will exploit for whom the judgment of long ago not is idle the destruction of them not slumbers
καὶ ἐν πλεονεξίᾳ πλαστοῖς λόγοις ὑμᾶς ἐμπορεύσονται οἷς τὸ κρίμα ἔκπαλαι οὐκ ἀργεῖ ἀπώλεια αὐτῶν οὐ νυστάζει

ἐν  through 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐν 
Sense: in, by, with etc.
πλεονεξίᾳ  covetousness 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: πλεονεξία  
Sense: greedy desire to have more, covetousness, avarice.
πλαστοῖς  with  fabricated 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: πλαστός  
Sense: moulded, formed, as from clay, wax, or stone.
λόγοις  words 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: λόγος  
Sense: of speech.
ἐμπορεύσονται  they  will  exploit 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Middle, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἐμπορεύομαι  
Sense: to go a trading, to travel for business, to traffic, trade.
οἷς  for  whom 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: ὅς 
Sense: who, which, what, that.
κρίμα  judgment 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: κρίμα  
Sense: a decree, judgments.
ἔκπαλαι  of  long  ago 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἔκπαλαι  
Sense: from of old.
ἀργεῖ  is  idle 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἀργέω  
Sense: to be idle, inactive, to linger, delay.
ἀπώλεια  destruction 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀπώλεια  
Sense: destroying, utter destruction.
αὐτῶν  of  them 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
νυστάζει  slumbers 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: νυστάζω  
Sense: to nod in sleep, to sleep.