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.

2 PETER 2:3KJV
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2 Peter 2:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Peter 2:3 mean?

2 Peter 2:3 warns that some people, motivated by greed, will use deceptive language to exploit others for their own gain. The verse assures that judgment for such actions has been set for a long time and will certainly come; their punishment is not delayed or asleep.

Peter is writing to early Christians, cautioning them about false teachers who would try to take advantage of believers. He emphasizes that these deceivers use carefully crafted words to manipulate, but God’s judgment against them is sure and not forgotten, even if it seems delayed.

The Greek behind 2 Peter 2:3

  • πλεονεξία (pleonexia, "covetousness"): This word points to an intense, selfish desire for more, especially for money or possessions. Peter highlights that greed is the driving force behind the false teachers’ actions.
  • πλαστοῖς λόγοις (plastoís logois, "feigned words"): The Greek here refers to words that are fabricated or made up, suggesting the teachers’ messages are not just mistaken but deliberately crafted to deceive.
  • ἐμπορεύσονται (emporeusontai, "make merchandise of you"): This verb carries the sense of treating people as commodities, showing the exploitative nature of the false teachers.
  • κρῖμα (krima, "judgment") and ἀπώλεια (apōleia, "damnation"): These words stress that a verdict and destruction await the deceivers, reinforcing that their actions will not go unpunished.

Why 2 Peter 2:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the problem with false teachers is not just their wrong ideas, but their greedy motives and willingness to exploit others.
  • Peter’s warning reassures believers that God is aware of injustice and will hold those who manipulate others accountable, even if it seems like they are getting away with it for now.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in 2 Peter 2, where the apostle describes the dangers of false teaching and the certainty of God’s judgment against it.

Where else these words appear

“merchandise” Greek G1710 · used in 2 verses

  • James 4:13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:

“time” Greek G1597 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Peter 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

“slumbereth” Greek G3573 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

“covetousness” Greek G4124 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
  • 2 Corinthians 9:5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
  • Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: