King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 2:3 Mean?

2 Peter 2:3 in the King James Version says “And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time linger...” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 2:3 · KJV

Context

1

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2

And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. pernicious ways: or, lascivious ways, as some copies read

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.

4

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

5

And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Peter exposes false teachers' motivation: "through covetousness" (en pleonexia, ἐν πλεονεξίᾳ), greedy desire for more—money, power, status, pleasure. They exploit followers "with feigned words" (plastois logois, πλαστοῖς λόγοις, "fabricated words" or "molded arguments")—skillfully crafted rhetoric designed to deceive. "Make merchandise of you" (hymas emporeusomai, ὑμᾶς ἐμπορεύσομαι) depicts commercial exploitation, treating people as commodities for profit.

This characterizes much false teaching throughout history: religious hucksters selling blessings, indulgences, healings, prophecies, or prosperity for financial gain. The motivation isn't truth but profit; the method is manipulation; the result is exploitation. Jesus cleansed the temple of such merchants (John 2:13-16), and Paul warned of those preaching for financial gain (Phil 1:15-17; 1 Tim 6:5; Titus 1:11).

Despite apparent success, their fate is certain: "whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not" (hois to krima ekpalai ouk argei)—their condemnation from long ago is not idle. "Their damnation slumbereth not" (kai hē apōleia autōn ou nystazei, καὶ ἡ ἀπώλεια αὐτῶν οὐ νυστάζει)—their destruction doesn't sleep. God's judgment may seem delayed but is certain and approaching. The following verses (4-10) provide historical examples of divine judgment's certainty.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Religious hucksterism wasn't unique to Christianity. Ancient world had itinerant philosophers, magicians, and religious teachers who exploited followers financially. Some Sophists taught rhetoric for hire regardless of truth. Greco-Roman temples often involved economic exploitation. Judaism had corrupt priests and false prophets profiting from their position (Jer 6:13; Mic 3:11).

Early church fathers condemned those teaching for money. The Didache (early Christian manual) warned against apostles staying too long or asking for money. Paul supported himself through tent-making to avoid such accusations (Acts 20:33-35; 1 Cor 9:12-18). The medieval Catholic sale of indulgences, a major Reformation grievance, exemplified religious exploitation. Modern examples abound: prosperity gospel teachers living lavishly while promising donors financial blessing; cult leaders demanding members' resources; televangelists using manipulation tactics for donations.

Reflection Questions

  1. What warning signs might indicate a teacher or ministry is motivated by greed rather than genuine concern for people's souls?
  2. How can churches structure leadership compensation and financial accountability to avoid both exploitation and inadequate support?
  3. What practices help you discern between legitimate ministry funding needs and manipulative exploitation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

ἐν2 of 19

“through”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πλεονεξίᾳ3 of 19

“covetousness”

G4124

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

πλαστοῖς4 of 19

“shall they with feigned”

G4112

moulded, i.e., (by implication) artificial or (figuratively) fictitious (false)

λόγοις5 of 19

“words”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ὑμᾶς6 of 19

“of you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐμπορεύσονται7 of 19

“make merchandise”

G1710

to travel in (a country as a pedlar), i.e., (by implication) to trade

οἷς8 of 19

“whose”

G3739

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

τὸ9 of 19
G3588

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

κρίμα10 of 19

“judgment”

G2917

a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))

ἔκπαλαι11 of 19

“now of a long time”

G1597

long ago, for a long while

οὐ12 of 19

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἀργεῖ13 of 19

“lingereth”

G691

to be idle, i.e., (figuratively) to delay

καὶ14 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

ἡ15 of 19
G3588

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

ἀπώλεια16 of 19

“damnation”

G684

ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal)

αὐτῶν17 of 19

“their”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οὐ18 of 19

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

νυστάζει19 of 19

“slumbereth”

G3573

to nod, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep; figuratively, to delay

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 2:3 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 2:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 2:17Romans 16:18Deuteronomy 32:351 Thessalonians 2:5Titus 1:11Jude 1:15

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