King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 2:14 Mean?

2 Peter 2:14 in the King James Version says “Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised wit...” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: adultery: Gr. an adulteress”

2 Peter 2:14 · KJV

Context

12

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

13

And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

14

Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: adultery: Gr. an adulteress

15

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;

16

But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

Read 2 Peter 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 2, verse 14 - Comprehensive theological analysis. Peter continues his urgent apostolic warning about the dangers facing the church. This verse contributes crucial insights to understanding false teachers' characteristics, God's judgment patterns, and believers' proper response. The Greek terminology reveals theological precision in Peter's argument, emphasizing both divine sovereignty in salvation and human responsibility in sanctification.

The immediate context connects to Peter's broader argument about maintaining doctrinal purity and moral integrity while awaiting Christ's return. Greek word studies illuminate the specific nature of the threats Peter identifies and the resources God provides for perseverance. This passage resonates with Old Testament prophetic warnings, Jesus' teaching about false prophets, and Paul's pastoral instructions, demonstrating biblical theology's consistency across testaments and authors.

Christ-centered interpretation reveals how this verse ultimately points to Jesus as the standard for truth, the source of power for godly living, and the coming Judge who will vindicate the faithful and condemn the wicked. The eschatological dimension reminds believers that present struggles occur within the larger framework of redemptive history culminating in Christ's glorious return and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The first-century church faced unique challenges from both pagan Greco-Roman culture and Jewish opposition, while also contending with internal threats from false teachers who distorted apostolic doctrine. Peter writes in the shadow of Nero's persecution (AD 64-68) and his own approaching martyrdom, making this letter his urgent final testament to the churches. Early Gnostic influences promoting secret knowledge, antinomian ethics, and denial of Christ's physical return created the specific heresies Peter addresses.

Understanding the social, religious, and philosophical context of the Roman Empire illuminates Peter's concerns and arguments. The delay of Christ's parousia created pastoral challenges as expectations of imminent return gave way to questions about timing and certainty. Jewish apocalyptic literature, Greco-Roman moral philosophy, and mystery religions all influenced how different groups understood salvation, ethics, and eschatology, requiring apostolic clarification to maintain orthodox Christianity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge compromises you might be tempted to make for cultural acceptance or personal comfort?
  2. What practices would help you grow in discernment to recognize and resist false teaching in its contemporary forms?
  3. How should the certainty of Christ's return and judgment shape your priorities, relationships, and use of time and resources?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὀφθαλμοὺς1 of 16

“eyes”

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

ἔχοντες2 of 16

“Having”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

μεστοὺς3 of 16

“full”

G3324

replete (literally or figuratively)

μοιχαλίδος4 of 16

“of adultery”

G3428

an adulteress (literally or figuratively)

καὶ5 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀκαταπαύστους6 of 16

“that cannot cease from”

G180

unrefraining

ἁμαρτίας7 of 16

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

δελεάζοντες8 of 16

“beguiling”

G1185

to entrap, i.e., (figuratively) delude

ψυχὰς9 of 16

“souls”

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

ἀστηρίκτους10 of 16

“unstable”

G793

unfixed, i.e., (figuratively) vacillating

καρδίαν11 of 16

“an heart”

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

γεγυμνασμένην12 of 16

“exercised”

G1128

to practise naked (in the games), i.e., train (figuratively)

πλεονεξίαις13 of 16

“with covetous practices”

G4124

avarice, i.e., (by implication) fraudulency, extortion

ἔχοντες14 of 16

“Having”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

κατάρας15 of 16

“cursed”

G2671

imprecation, execration

τέκνα·16 of 16

“children”

G5043

a child (as produced)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Peter. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Peter 2:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Peter 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 2:32 Peter 2:18Ephesians 2:3Romans 16:18Ephesians 4:142 Peter 3:16

Test Your Knowledge

2 Peter 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Peter Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Peter 2 with CommentaryAll 2 Peter ChaptersComplete 2 Peter QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes