Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Peter 2:3
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.
3. through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you ] Better, in or with covetousness. The adjective for “ feigned ” is not found elsewhere in the New Testament. This greed of gain, found in strange union with high-flown claims to a higher knowledge and holiness than that of others, seems to have been one of the chief features of the heresies of the Apostolic age. Comp. 1Ti 6:5; Tit 1:11. If they made proselytes it was only that they might get profit out of them.
whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not ] Better, for whom judgment for a long time idleth not.
damnation ] Better, destruction, as keeping up the continuity of thought with the preceding verses. The thought involves a half-personification of the two nouns. “Judgment” does not loiter on its way; “destruction” does not nod drowsily, like the foolish virgins of Mat 25:5. Both are eager, watchful, waiting for the appointed hour.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And through covetousness – This shows what one of the things was by which they were influenced – a thing which, like licentiousness, usually exerts a powerful influence over the teachers of error. The religious principle is the strongest that is implanted in the human bosom: and men who can obtain a livelihood in no other way, or who are too unprincipled or too indolent to labor for an honest living, often turn public teachers of religion, and adopt the kind of doctrines that will be likely to give them the greatest power over the purses of others. True religion, indeed, requires of its friends to devote all that they have to the service of God and to the promotion of his cause; but it is very easy to pervert this requirement, so that the teacher of error shall take advantage of it for his own aggrandizement.
Shall they with feigned words – Greek formed, fashioned; then those which are formed for the occasion – feigned, false, deceitful. The idea is, thug the doctrines which they would defend were not maintained by solid and substantial arguments, but that they would make use of plausible reasoning made up for the occasion.
Make merchandise of you – Treat you not as rational beings but as a bale of goods, or any other article of traffic. That is, they would endeavor to make money out of them, and regard them only as fitted to promote that object.
Whose judgment – Whose condemnation.
Now of a long time lingereth not – Greek, of old; long since. The idea seems to be, that justice had been long attentive to their movements, and was on its way to their destruction. It was not a new thing – that is, there was no new principle involved in their destruction; but it was a principle which had always been in operation, and which would certainly be applicable to them, and of a long time justice had been impatient to do the work which it was accustomed to do. What had occurred to the angels that sinned, 2Pe 2:4 to the old world, 2Pe 2:5 and to Sodom and Gomorrah, 2Pe 2:6 would occur to them; and the same justice which had overthrown them might be regarded as on its way to effect their destruction. Compare the notes at Isa 18:4.
And their damnation slumbereth not – Their condemnation, (Notes, 1Co 11:29) yet here referring to future punishment. Mr. Blackwell observes, that this is a most beautiful figure, representing the vengeance that shall destroy such incorrigible sinners as an angel of judgment pursuing them on the wing, continually approaching nearer and nearer, and in the mean time keeping a watchful eye upon them, that he may at length discharge an unerring blow – Doddridge. It is not uncommon to speak of sleepless justice; and the idea here is, that however justice may have seemed to slumber or to linger, it was not really so, but that it had on them an everwatchful eye, and was on its way to do that which was right in regard to them. A sinner should never forget that there is an eye of unslumbering vigilance always upon him, and that everything that he does is witnessed by one who will yet render exact justice to all men. No person, however careful to conceal his sins, or however bold in transgression, or however unconcerned he may seem to be, can hope that justice will always linger, or destruction always slumber.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 3. And through covetousness] That they might get money to spend upon their lusts, with feigned words, , with counterfeit tales, false narrations, of pretended facts, lying miracles, fabulous legends. “In this single sentence,” says Dr. Macknight, “there is a clear prediction of the iniquitous practices of those great merchants of souls, the Romish clergy, who have rated all crimes, even the most atrocious, at a fixed price; so that if their doctrine be true, whoever pays the price may commit the crime without hazarding his salvation.” How the popish Church has made merchandise of souls, needs no particular explanation here. It was this abominable doctrine that showed to some, then in that Church, the absolute necessity of a reformation.
Whose judgment now of a long time] From the beginning God has condemned sin, and inflicted suitable punishments on transgressors; and has promised in his word, from the earliest ages, to pour out his indignation on the wicked. The punishment, therefore, so long ago predicted, shall fall on these impure and incorrigible sinners; and the condemnation which is denounced against them slumbers not-it is alert, it is on its way, it is hurrying on, and must soon overtake them.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
With feigned words; deceitful speeches, which have a show of truth to hide their errors.
Make merchandise of you; as of slaves or beasts: it seems to be a metaphor taken from merchants that speak great things of bad wares, the better to vend them; the sense is, with specious words, and pious pretences, they shall deceive you to make a gain of you.
Whose judgment; or, condemnation.
Now of a long time; being of old determined by God, and foretold in the Scripture, and so nearer than they themselves imagine.
Lingereth not; i.e. goes on apace, and hastens on them.
And their damnation; or, destruction.
Slumbereth not: i.e. watcheth, as ready to overtake them in its time: it may be a metaphor taken from a traveller, as Pro 6:11; or the apostle alludes to Deu 32:35, where the like expression is found: see 2Pe 2:1.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
3. through, c.Greek,“IN covetousness”as their element (2Pe 2:14,end). Contrast 2Co 11:20 2Co 12:17.
of a long timein God’seternal purpose. “Before of old ordained to condemnation”(Jude 4).
lingereth notthoughsinners think it lingers; “is not idle.”
damnationGreek,“destruction” (see on 2Pe2:1). Personified.
slumbereth notthoughsinners slumber.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And through covetousness;…. Which is generally a prevailing vice among false teachers, they having no other end in view than themselves; either to gain popular applause and vain glory, which they are always covetous of; or to amass riches to themselves, after which they have an insatiable desire:
shall they with feigned words; made words, words of their own devising, and not which the Holy Ghost teacheth; whereby they cover themselves, and privily introduce their pernicious principles; and therefore new words and phrases are always to be suspected and guarded against, especially in articles of moment and importance: or with flattering words and fair speeches, great swelling words of vanity, having men’s persons in admiration, because of worldly advantage; and in this way they gain their point:
make merchandise of you; deal with the souls of men, as merchants do with their goods, carry them to market and sell them; so false teachers deal with the souls of their followers, draw them, and sell them to Satan, and they themselves pay for it; see Zec 11:5 but in the issue, and that in a short time, they will be no gainers by such practices:
whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not: that is, their condemnation, which God in righteousness has determined, “from the creation of the world”, as the Ethiopic version reads, or from all eternity, see Jude 1:4, to bring them into, for their vile principles and practices, is not retarded and delayed; it does not linger and stay behind, or slacken its pace; it will not tarry, it will come upon them at the appointed time:
and their damnation slumbereth not; an avenging God, who has appointed them to damnation for their sins, slumbers not; the justice of God is not asleep, nor careless and negligent, but is awake, and watches over them, to bring the evil upon them they have deserved, and is in reserve for them, and will hasten to perform it; the determined destruction does not lie dormant, but in a little time will be stirred up, and fall with dreadful weight on such sinners, as may be concluded from the following awful instances.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
In covetousness ( ). As did Balaam (verse 15). These licentious Gnostics made money out of their dupes. A merely intellectual Gnosticism had its fruit in immorality and fraud.
With feigned words ( ). Instrumental case. is verbal adjective (from , to mould as from clay, for which see Ro 9:20), here only in N.T. “With forged words.” See sample in 3:4.
Shall make merchandise of you ( ). Future middle of (from , a travelling merchant), old word, to go in for trade, in N.T. only here and Jas 4:13, which see. Cf. our emporium (Joh 2:16, market house).
Whose sentence ( ). “For whom (dative case) the sentence” (verdict, not process ).
Now from of old (). Late and common compound adverb, in N.T. only here and 3:5.
Lingereth not ( ). “Is not idle,” old verb, (from not working, alpha privative and ), here only in N.T.
Slumbereth not ( ). Old and common verb (from to nod), in N.T. only here and Mt 25:5. Note (destruction) three times in verses 1-3.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Through covetousness [ ] . Lit., in covetousness; denoting the element or sphere in which the evil is wrought.
Feigned [] . Only here in New Testament. From plassw, to mould, as in clay or wax. The idea is, therefore, of words molded at will to suit their vain imaginations.
Make merchandise [] . Only here and Jas 4:13. Compare Jude 1:16, for the sake of advantage; their glory being in having a multitude of followers.
Judgment [] . Rev., sentence. So, commonly, in New Testament; the process or act of judging being expressed by krisiv.
Of a long time [] . Rev., better, from of old, bringing out thus more sharply the force of ejk. Only here and ch. 3 5. Construe with lingereth.
Lingereth [] . Only here in New Testament. Compare on the kindred adjective idle, ch. 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 even 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).
Damnation [] . More literally, Rev., destruction. The word occurs three times in vv. 1 – 3.
Slumbereth [] . See on Mt 25:5, the only other passage where it occurs.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “And through covetousness.” (Kai en) and in (Greek pleoneksia) covetousness – the king of all sins, Exo 20:17; Rom 7:7.
2) “Shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you.” (Greek plastois logois) “with fabricated words” they (false teachers) will make merchandise (personal gain) of you, Jud 1:11; Jud 1:16.
3) “Whose judgment now for a long time Iingereth not.” (Greek ois) “for” (always) “lingers not” Ecc 12:13-14.
4) “And their damnation slumbereth not.” and the (apoleia) destruction of them (nustazei) slumbers or sleeps not – as the hound pursues the rabbit until he catches it – or as surely as night follows day, Ecc 8:11; Gal 6:7-8.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
3. With feigned words. Peter endeavors by all means to render the faithful displeased with ungodly teachers, that they might resist them more resolutely and more constantly. It is especially an odious thing that we should be exposed to sale like vile slaves. But he testifies that this is done, when any one seduces us from the redemption of Christ. He calls those feigned words which are artfully formed for the purpose of deceiving. (166) Unless then one is so mad as to sell the salvation of his soul to false teachers, let him close up every avenue that may lead to their wicked inventions. For the same purpose as before he repeats again, that their destruction delayed not, that is, that he might frighten the good from their society. For since they were given up to a sudden destruction, every one who connected himself with them, must have perished with them.
(166) Either “feigned” or “invented” may be meant by πλαστοῖς : if “feigned,” then they were words used not conveying their real sentiments, but adopted for the purpose of alluring others, as is the case with those who pretend great zeal for truth and great love for souls, when their object is to gain adherents for filthy lucre’s sake. But if “invented” be adopted, then λόγοι must mean narratives or fables, — “invented (or fictitious) fables,” or tales. And this is the rendering of Macknight. And he says, that the Apostle had probably in view the fables concerning the visions of angels and the miracles performed at the sepulchres of departed saints, which the false teachers in the early ages, and the monks in latter times, fabricated, to draw money from the people. Similar are the devices of superstitious men, greedy of gain, in every age. — Ed.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
2Pe. 2:3 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.
Expanded Translation
And with a greedy desire to have more (of this worlds goods, riches, etc.) shall they with feigned, fabricated, and counterfeit words use you for gain; whose (condemnatory) sentence of old (that is, of long standing) lingers not, (literally, is not inactive) and their destruction, devastation, ruin, (and consequent misery) slumbers (sleeps, naps) not.
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And in covetousness
Here is what motivates these men. They are not truly concerned for the souls of men. They are interested in their own enrichment. The word pleonexia refers to a grasping, greedy individualone who has an inordinate desire for riches. Because of this desire, he will often, as here, stoop to low and unethical means, such as extortion.
shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you
The word translated feigned is plastos, from which our word plastic is derived. It properly signifies moulded, formed (as from clay, wax, or stone). From this came the idea of what was formed (in the mind) and related as if true; hence, invented, fabricated, counterfeited, delusive. Feigned words, then, are words which are manufactured by the speaker (or writer) to deceive. They are seemingly useful and profitable (to the unenlightened mind) but they are hollow and useless.
By such words the false teacher turns his listeners into so much chattel from which money can be derived. The word rendered make merchandise, emporeuomai (from the same root as our word emporium), meant first of all to go trading, to travel for business purposes (Jas. 4:13, trade). But Thayer shows that it also meant to import for sale, to use a person or thing for gain. These fabricators of the truth simply used their followers as a means to their own profitunder the guise of religion![59]
[59] Compare Christs description of the hireling in Joh. 10:12-13.
whose sentence now from of old lingereth not, and their destruction slumbereth not
Both of these phrases depicting the inevitability and certainty of their eternal doom.
The, word sentence (krima), means literally, the sentence of (God as) a judge, judgment. Here, the obvious reference is to the condemnatory sentence or penal judgment of God upon the wicked. Peter says it does not linger (argeo), literally, is not idle or inactive. God is not loafing on the job. Their punishment has long been impending, and he will not fail to carry out his sentence against them.
Their destruction (apoleia, see discussion under 2Pe. 3:6-7 perished, destruction, and 2Pe. 3:16) is here pictured as a person. This person is not nustazotaking a nap.[60] (Literally, to nod in sleep, to sink into a sleep.) We again get back to God, who decreed their destruction. He is neither loafing nor napping concerning their doomthey shall not escape!
[60] Note Mat. 25:5, where this word (slumbered) is carefully distinguished from katheudo, to be fast asleep.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(3) And through covetousness.Better, In covetousness. This is the atmosphere in which they live. (See Notes on 2Pe. 2:18 and 2Pe. 1:1-2; 2Pe. 1:4; 2Pe. 1:13.) Wiclif and Rheims have in. Simon Magus offering St. Peter money, which no doubt he was accustomed to take himself for his teaching, may illustrate this (Act. 8:18; comp. 1Ti. 6:5; Tit. 1:10-11). These false teachers, like the Greek Sophists, taught for money. A bombastic mysticism, promising to reveal secrets about the unseen world and the future, was a very lucrative profession in the last days of Paganism, and it passed over to Christianity as an element in various heresies. (Comp. the Shepherd of Hermas, Sim. IX. xix. 3.)
Make merchandise of you.The verb means literally to travel, especially as a merchant on business; and hence to be a merchant, to trade, and, with an accusative, to deal in, make merchandise of. (Comp. our commercial phrase, to travel in such and such goods.) It may also mean simply to gain, or gain over, which would make good sense here; but our version is perhaps better. The word occurs elsewhere only in Jas. 4:13. With feigned words possibly refers back to cunningly devised fables (2Pe. 1:16).
Lingereth not.Literally, is not idle, the cognate verb of the adjective in 2Pe. 1:8. Their sentence has long since been pronounced, is working, and in due time will strike them. We have a similar thought in 1Pe. 4:17.
Their damnation slumbereth not.Better, their destruction. (See fourth Note on 2Pe. 2:1.) Wiclif and Rheims have perdition. The destruction involved in the judgment pronounced by God is awake and on its way to overtake them. The word for slumbereth occurs in Mat. 25:5 only.
We now pass on to see how it is that this judgment of a long time has been working. It was pronounced against all sinners, such as they are, from the first beginning of the world.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
3. Through covetousness Rather, in it, living and moving in it as their atmosphere.
Feigned words Crafty, oily speeches.
Merchandise Gain; make money out of you. St. Paul found their parallels. See 1Ti 6:5; Tit 1:11. The commentators find them pervading Roman Catholic history.
Whose judgment God’s condemnation of such sinners.
Lingereth not It may seem to be doing nothing, but it is really at work.
Damnation Eternal destruction. Years before, when Simon Magus sought to traffic with him for the power of conferring the Holy Ghost, St. Peter used the Greek of this very word: “May thy money be with thee unto destruction.” Act 8:20.
Slumbereth not It is not nodding, as if in a doze, but awake, to overwhelm them.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And in covetousness will they with feigned words make merchandise of you, whose sentence now from of old does not linger, and their destruction does not sleep.’
The true motive of these teachers is now revealed. They are lovers of wealth. They use believers as though they were so much merchandise, to be manipulated for gain. It is covetousness that drives them on. Paul was thinking of similar teachers when he said, ‘Unlike others we do not peddle the word of God for profit’ (2Co 2:17). Beware of preachers and hierarchies that become rich on the back of supposed Christianity.
And they do this by feigned words. This is in contrast to ‘unfeigned love of the brethren’ (1Pe 1:22). Their words are really a pretence as they seek to manipulate men and women. They invent their own doctrines in order to lead others astray, and thereby themselves profit by it.
The Roman Catholic church practised this during the Middle Ages. And we have a number of examples in the modern world. The leaders of the Jehovah’s Witnesses grow fat on the books that their minions sell for them. Other sect leaders similarly make a fortune out of their literature, as well as out of the giving of their supporters. It is rarely that you come across a poor sect leader.
But again comes the warning. God is not mocked. All should keep in mind that ‘Their sentence from of old does not linger.’ Just as the false prophets were condemned in the Old Testament, and their proper sentence was death, and in the end they and the people who believed them died, often prematurely, so will these latest teachers also find that they are already sentenced. And the result is that their destruction is not asleep. It will soon catch up with them for it already has them in its focus.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
2Pe 2:3. With feigned words, &c. The phrase, , means, words formed to deceive; smooth and artful speeches, such as covetous merchants or unfair traders make use of, to put off bad goods. “They will make merchandize of you; use you like cattle or slaves brought to market to be sold.” Judas sold his Master for what the Jews would give him: false teachers sell their doctrine for what they can get by it; so did the Gnostics, &c. in the first ages; so have all false teachers done in all ages. But, above all, the church of Rome, with the smooth and plausible words of unity, uniformity, a catholic church, universality, antiquity, and the like, has traded in all kinds of merchandise; and, among other things, in the souls ofmen: hence they are called the merchants of the earth: Rev 18:11; Rev 18:24. The character of the Bishops of Rome has answered much more exactly to this prediction of St. Peter, than to that character which they have assumed of the successor’s of St. Peter, and the vicars of Christ upon earth. Whose judgment now of a long time, is rendered much better by Heylin; But their condemnation long since resolved or threatened. In Jude, 2Pe 2:4 they are spoken of as persons who had been described of old as liable to, or deserving this condemnation: see Deu 32:35. Mr. Blackwall observes, that the latter part of this verse contains a most beautiful figure, representing the vengeance which shall destroy such incorrigible sinners, as an angel of judgment pursuing them upon the wing; continually approaching nearer and nearer, and, in the mean time, keeping a watchful eye upon them that he may at length discharge an unerring blow.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
2Pe 2:3 . ] i.e. as it were encompassed by covetousness, living in it, governed by it; it is incorrect to translate by . ] . ., i.e. “ with deceitfully invented words ,” [63] which are not in accordance with truth; incorrectly Hofmann: “artfully contrived doctrines.”
] “ they will seek gain of you ;” Gerhard: quaestum ex vobis facient, ad quaestum suum vobis abutentur; thus, too, Wiesinger, Schott, de Wette-Brckner; cf. also Winer, p. 209 [E. T. 279]; this meaning of the verb c. acc. in classical Greek is sufficiently assured. [64] The are not, as Hofmann supposes, “to be thought of as the merchandise which they bring to the market, in order to be repaid for such instruction,” but as the means by which they carry on the . Steinfass translates as equivalent to: to buy, and as the direct object of purchase; thus Pott too: vos sectae suae conciliare conantur. It is undeniable that the object traded in may stand in the accusative (cf. Pro 3:14 , LXX.), but the context here is opposed to this, partly on account of the , partly because this thought is already contained in the preceding verse. Fronmller incorrectly renders the word by “to deceive.”
By deceitful words as to Christian freedom, etc., they sought to delude others, and, in accordance with their covetous desires, to make gain of them; cf. 2Pe 2:13-14 , and Jud 1:16 .
] : dat. incommodi; refers to the subj. in . is the judgment of God ordering the . is not to be combined with into one idea, equal to: ; cf. Jud 1:4 (Pott, de Wette); such a mode of combination is to be found nowhere in the N. T. It belongs rather to . There is not, as de Wette insists, any contradiction involved in this connection, especially as is a positive idea; strictly: “ is not inactive, does not tarry ;” the idea of haste is not implied in it (de Wette). sets forth prominently that for a long time the judgment has, as it were, been approaching, that is, ever since it was given and pronounced; it is living, and will come in due time. It is possible that refers to the judgments mentioned in 2Pe 2:4 , formerly put into execution (Dietlein, Scott, Wiesinger), which, however, Hofmann disputes.
(2Pe 2:1 ) ] , strictly: “ to nod ,” then: to slumber (only elsewhere in Mat 25:5 ; there, however, in its literal meaning), is used in the classics in a figurative sense; Plato, de repub. iii. 405 C: . Steinfass inexactly: “to become sleepy.”
[63] Plato, Apol. Socrat. : ; Artemidor. i. 23: .
[64] Cf. Athenag. xiii. 569: . Philo in Flacc . p. 984: . J. Chrysostom: . The translation of the Vulg. is inexact: de vobis negotiabuntur, as also that of Luther: “they will trade with you.”
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
3 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.
Ver. 3. With feigned words ] Covetousness is never without a cloak and flattering words 1Th 2:5 for a colour; as, what wool is so coarse, but will take some or other colour? Seducers pretend the glory of God and good of souls to their worldly and wicked practices,Phi 3:18-19Phi 3:18-19 . And hereunto they want not fine set words, forms of speech, whereby they first carry captive silly souls, and then make price or merchandise of them; driving a trade with hell, and being factors for the devil, who will thank them well one day for their diligence; like as in the days of Hildebrand letters of thanks were said to be sent from hell to the Popish clergy for those great numbers of souls every day sent thither by their means. (Mat. Paris, 4. D. 1072.)
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
3 .] and in (i. e. living in, girt about with, as their element, not as E. V. “ through ”) covetousness with feigned speeches (Wetstein quotes Artemid. i. 53, , ) they will make gain of you (“qustum ex vobis facient, ad qustum suum vobis abutentur.” Gerh. See ref., and Athenag. xiii. 569, : Philo in Flacc. 16, vol. ii. p. 536, (Huther). Pott tries to give the word the classic meaning of lucrari , ‘to gain over:’ “sect su conciliare conantur:” and this is borne out by Pro 3:14 , LXX, , . : but the other meaning seems better here. These false teachers would care not for their sect, but for their gain), for whom ( is the dat. incommodi: its antecedents being the subjects of the verb , viz. the false teachers) the sentence (of God, decreeing their ) from long since ( cannot surely, as De Wette, be joined predicatively with , ‘the sentence from of old decreed,’ cf. , Jud 1:4 ; in this case we should at all events expect . Rather, with most Commentators, should be taken adverbially with the following verb. The word is found, besides ref., in Arrian, Exp. Alex. i. 9, : Jos. Antt. xvi. 8. 4, : Plut. Aristid. p. 328 E, . , . Phrynichus, p. 45, condemns it: , , : where see Lobeck’s note) is not idle (i. e. is working itself out, is living and in action), and their destruction slumbereth not (i. e. is awake, and ready to seize them: being personified: for the verb, see reff.).
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
2Pe 2:3 . is causal. = “covetousness”. Cf. Luk 12:15 . : here only in N.T., “manufactured,” “feigned,” “artificial”. Originally used in intrans. sense = “go a-trading”. Cf. Jas 4:13 . Then = “import,” in trans. sense. Here = “make gain of,” “exploit”. Cf. 2Co 2:17 , 1Ti 6:5 .
: ‘whose judgment has for long not been nactive,” although there is an appearance of delay. This delay is the argument used by the false teachers. occurs in O.G.I.S., 584 5 (ii. A.D.) (sc. ) [ ]. ( Cf. 2Pe 3:4 and 2Pe 2:1 , .) For see note on 2Pe 1:8 . The judgment has long been gathering, and is impending. . The word used of the slumbering virgins in Mat 25:5 . In Isa 5:27 it is used of the instruments of God’s anger employed against those guilty of social abuses.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
covetousness. Greek. pleonexia. First occurrence Mar 7:22.
feigned = formed, i.e. fabricated. Greek. plastos. Only here.
words. App-121.
make merchandise of. Greek. emporeuomai. See Jam 4:13.
judgment. App-177.
now, &c. = from (App-104.) of old (as in 2Pe 3:5).
lingereth. Greek. argeo. Only here. Compare 2Pe 1:8.
damnation. Same as “destruction”, 2Pe 2:1.
slumbereth. Greek. nustazo. Only here and Mat 25:5.
if. App-118.
God. App-98.
spared. See Act 20:29.
the. Omit.
that = when they.
sinned. App-128.
cast . . . down to hell, and = having thrust down to Tartarus.
delivered. See Joh 19:30.
chains. Greek. seira, a cord. Only here. The texts read “pits”. Greek. seiros.
darkness. Greek. zophos. Only here, 2Pe 2:17, and Jud 1:6, Jud 1:13.
to be. Omit.
judgment. App-177.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
3.] and in (i. e. living in, girt about with, as their element, not as E. V. through) covetousness with feigned speeches (Wetstein quotes Artemid. i. 53, , ) they will make gain of you (qustum ex vobis facient, ad qustum suum vobis abutentur. Gerh. See ref., and Athenag. xiii. 569, : Philo in Flacc. 16, vol. ii. p. 536, (Huther). Pott tries to give the word the classic meaning of lucrari, to gain over: sect su conciliare conantur: and this is borne out by Pro 3:14, LXX, , . : but the other meaning seems better here. These false teachers would care not for their sect, but for their gain), for whom ( is the dat. incommodi: its antecedents being the subjects of the verb , viz. the false teachers) the sentence (of God, decreeing their ) from long since ( cannot surely, as De Wette, be joined predicatively with , the sentence from of old decreed, cf. , Jud 1:4; in this case we should at all events expect . Rather, with most Commentators, should be taken adverbially with the following verb. The word is found, besides ref., in Arrian, Exp. Alex. i. 9, : Jos. Antt. xvi. 8. 4, : Plut. Aristid. p. 328 E, . , . Phrynichus, p. 45, condemns it: , , : where see Lobecks note) is not idle (i. e. is working itself out, is living and in action), and their destruction slumbereth not (i. e. is awake, and ready to seize them: being personified: for the verb, see reff.).
Fuente: The Greek Testament
2Pe 2:3. , covetousness, avarice) 2Pe 2:14.-, feigned) as dealers do.- ) The writers of the Septuagint put with an accusative for the Hebrew , Gen 34:21; Pro 3:14; Eze 27:21, ed. Vat. The meaning is, they shall make merchandise of you: they shall deceive; take money. Pliny says, respecting certain physicians, Nor is it doubtful, that all these, hunting after reputation by some novelty, immediately make merchandise of our lives.-Plin., book xxix., chapter 1.-, to whom) It tends to the consolation and protection of the righteous, that the punishment of the ungodly is fully described before the mention of their wicked deeds.-) as it were from of old, from the fall of the angels.- ) is not inactive; that is, is altogether vigorous. It is one and the same judgment which hangs over all sinners, and which is revolved in the mind of the Judge without intermission, until it breaks forth; and in the case of those who are mentioned in Scripture as being punished, it is shown what awaits others; although sinners think that it lingers, and they themselves slumber.- , their destruction) the destruction, to which they will be adjudged. Thus also judgment and destruction are mentioned in connection, ch. 2Pe 3:7.- , does not slumber) The same word is used, Mat 25:5 note. Compare knoweth, 2Pe 2:9.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
through: 2Pe 2:14, 2Pe 2:15, Isa 56:11, Jer 6:13, Jer 8:10, Eze 13:19, Mic 3:11, Mal 1:10, Rom 16:18, 2Co 12:17, 2Co 12:18, 1Ti 3:3, 1Ti 3:8, 1Ti 6:5, Tit 1:7, Tit 1:11, 1Pe 5:2, Jud 1:11
with: 2Pe 1:16, Psa 18:44, Psa 66:3, Psa 81:15, *marg. Luk 20:20, Luk 22:47, 1Th 2:5
make: Deu 24:17, Joh 2:16, 2Co 2:17, Rev 18:11-13
whose: 2Pe 2:1, 2Pe 2:9, Deu 32:35, Isa 5:19, Isa 30:13, Isa 30:14, Isa 60:22, Hab 3:3, Luk 18:8, 1Th 5:3, 1Pe 2:8, Jud 1:4, Jud 1:7, Jud 1:15
Reciprocal: Num 22:19 – General Jos 8:14 – he wist not Jdg 18:4 – hired me Jdg 18:20 – heart 2Sa 15:6 – stole 1Ki 14:14 – but what 2Ki 5:27 – leprosy Neh 6:12 – hired him Job 18:12 – destruction Job 24:1 – seeing Job 34:20 – a moment Psa 119:36 – and not to Pro 1:19 – every Pro 16:4 – yea Pro 21:6 – getting Pro 28:21 – for Pro 30:15 – Give Ecc 7:25 – the reason Ecc 8:13 – neither Isa 13:22 – her time Isa 57:17 – the iniquity Jer 14:18 – go about Jer 17:11 – he that Jer 22:17 – covetousness Jer 29:8 – your dreams Jer 48:16 – near Jer 51:13 – and the Eze 12:24 – General Eze 22:3 – that her Eze 34:2 – Woe Hos 4:8 – set their heart on their iniquity Hab 2:3 – it will surely Zep 1:14 – it is Zec 5:2 – flying Zec 11:5 – sell Mat 18:7 – but Mat 23:14 – therefore Mat 26:15 – What Luk 12:15 – Take Luk 12:45 – and if Luk 22:5 – and covenanted Luk 22:22 – but Joh 10:1 – the same Joh 10:12 – he that Act 1:25 – by Act 16:16 – which Act 19:25 – ye know Act 24:26 – hoped Rom 9:22 – endured 2Co 4:5 – we 2Co 11:15 – whose Gal 4:17 – zealously Eph 5:3 – covetousness Phi 3:19 – end Phi 4:17 – because 1Th 5:9 – not 2Th 2:12 – they 1Ti 6:9 – which 2Ti 3:2 – covetous Heb 13:5 – conversation 1Jo 4:5 – and Rev 18:13 – and souls
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Pe 2:3. Through coretousness indicates the motive of the false teachers. Feigned words means those so formed as to deceive the hearer. Make merchandise denotes that they were so successful in imposing their false theories on the people that they could make a gain off of them. There are so many things that could be conducted on this Principle that it would be useless to try specifying. We understand that many people are conscientious regarding the propagation of religious principles. If they can be made believe that people are working in the interest of truth, they will be willing to give liberal support to a man engage’l in it. Whose judgement now of a long time. God has always condemned the false teacher and evil worker. Lingereth not. The leading definition of the first word is “to be idle.” The passage means that the judgement or condemnation of such characters is of long standing, but that God has not changed his mind about it nor even tempered His wrath against them. Thayer explains the definition as follows: “Whose punishment has long been impending and will shortly fall.” However, the word “shortly” must be understood in a compartive sense, because the apostle proceeds at once to illustrate his declaration by referring to the unjust to be reserved unto the day of judgement to be punished.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
2Pe 2:3. and in covetousness by feigned speeches they will make merchandise of you. The verb rendered make merchandise of occurs but once again in the N. T., viz. in Jas 4:13, where it is translated buy and sell. In later Classical Greek, and also in the Septuagint (comp. Pro 3:14), it occurs with the sense of gaining over. Hence some interpreters think that here it expresses the desire of the false teachers to win adherents. The more usual sense of the verb, however, is to make gain of an object. The idea, therefore, is rather that the false teachers, known for their life of sheer covetousness, and having greed for their great motive, will use their deluded followers for purposes of gain, employing artful speeches (perhaps on the subject of Christian liberty, as some suggest) as their weapons in the base traffic with souls. The sentence thus uncovers darker deeps in the corruptness of their character and the baseness of their aims. This evil distinction appears again in 2Pe 2:14-15. It is given in terms not less strong by Jude (Jud 1:11; Jud 1:16). Compare also the indignant declarations on a like sordid state of matters, which are made by Paul (1Ti 6:5; Tit 1:11). The epithet feigned is peculiar to this passage. With these made up, or craftily constructed speeches, compare also the good words and fair speeches with which Paul tells us some who caused divisions and offences deceived the hearts of the simple (Rom 16:18).
whose judgment now from of old lingereth not. Literally it runs thus: for whom the sentence now from of old lingereth not. The sentence of a righteous Judge is represented as having been pronounced against them from of old, as on the wing now, and as certain to descend. The phrase here translated from of old occurs only here and in 2Pe 3:5. The verb rendered lingereth is peculiar to this passage. Its cognate adjective, however, occurs in chap. 2Pe 1:8; where see Note.
and their destruction slumbereth not. The verb slumber occurs only once again, viz. in the parable of the Virgins (Mat 25:5). Literally it means to nod. The destruction (the damnation of the A. V. is inexact) 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 as if now it had no work on hand, or for a moment slumbered on the way. 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 (Lillie).
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Observe here, 1. What is the root of all heresy; it is covetousness, which the apostle calls the root of all evil; they are covetous worldy-minded men generally, who hope some way or other to make an advantage of their opinions, who broach errors and false doctrines.
Observe, 2. The miserable condition of the seduced, they are sold by heretics like beasts; they make merchandise of you: The business of heretics to sell their own and others souls, as Judas did Christ, for some outward benefit.
Observe, 3. The arts which heretics and seducers use to circumvent and deceive, and that is feigned words, artifically composed to seduce, drawing into error with a deceitful eloquence.
Observe, 4. The dreadful punishment which attends their sin, swift destruction; their damnation slumbereth not; their judgment lingereth not.
Learn, That the righteous judgment of God brings damnation upon the wicked, and their damnation will come swiftly, very swiftly upon them.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Verse 3
Feigned words; artful and hypocritical pretences.–Make merchandise of you. Judas made merchandise of his Master, betraying and sacrificing him to promote his own ends. So it is said these men should sacrifice the cause of Christ to their own selfish purposes.–Whose judgment now, &c.; that is, whose judgment and condemnation shall come upon them soon and suddenly.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
2:3 {3} And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make {b} merchandise of you: {4} whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
(3) Covetousness for the most part is a companion of heresy, and makes trade in souls.
(b) They will abuse you, and sell you as they sell cattle in an auction.
(4) Comfort for the godly: God who cast the angels that fell away from him, headlong into the darkness of hell, to eventually be judged; and who burned Sodom, and saved Lot, will deliver his elect from these errors, and will utterly destroy those unrighteous.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
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." [Note: Wiersbe, 2:447.]
"There are also plastic preachers who can be molded and shaped by the people that they serve." [Note: McGee, 5:732.]
Peter personified their "judgment" and "destruction." His point was that God is never late or asleep in executing justice, though He is patient (cf. 2Pe 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." [Note: Moo, p. 97.]