King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 2:15 Mean?

2 Peter 2:15 in the King James Version says “Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wage...” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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;”

2 Peter 2:15 · KJV

Love

Context

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.

17

These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 2, verse 15 - 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
καταλίποντες1 of 16

“Which have forsaken”

G2641

to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining

τὴν2 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εὐθεῖαν3 of 16

“the right”

G2117

straight, i.e., (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once

ὁδῷ4 of 16

“the way”

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

ἐπλανήθησαν5 of 16

“and are gone astray”

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

ἐξακολουθήσαντες6 of 16

“following”

G1811

to follow out, i.e., (figuratively) to imitate, obey, yield to

τῇ7 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁδῷ8 of 16

“the way”

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

τοῦ9 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Βαλαὰμ10 of 16

“of Balaam”

G903

balaam, a mesopotamian (symbolic of a false teacher)

τοῦ11 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Βοσόρ12 of 16

“the son of Bosor”

G1007

bosor (i.e., beor), a moabite

ὃς13 of 16

“who”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

μισθὸν14 of 16

“the wages”

G3408

pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad

ἀδικίας15 of 16

“of unrighteousness”

G93

(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)

ἠγάπησεν16 of 16

“loved”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

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 2:15 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 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 2:14Jude 1:11Deuteronomy 23:4-5Numbers 22:5-7Numbers 31:16Nehemiah 13:2

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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