2Pe 2:1-3 | RWP | e4.org | But there arose ( εγενοντο δε ). Second aorist middle indicative of γινομα (cf. γινετα in ). False prophets also ( κα ψευδοπροφητα ). In contrast with the true prophets just pictured in . Late compound in LXX and Philo, common in N.T. ( ). Allusion to the O.T. times like Balaam and others ( ; ; ). False teachers ( ψευδοδιδασκαλο ). Late and rare compound ( ψευδησ, διδασκαλος ) here alone in N.T. Peter pictures them as in the future here ( εσοντα , shall be) and again as already present ( εισιν , are, verse ), or in the past ( επλανηθησαν , they went astray, verse ). Shall privily bring in ( παρεισαξουσιν ). Future active of παρεισαγω , late double compound παρεισαγω , to bring in ( εισαγω ), by the side ( παρα ), as if secretly, here alone in N.T., but see παρεισακτους in (verbal adjective of this same verb). Destructive heresies ( αιρεσεις απωλειας ). Descriptive genitive, "heresies of destruction" (marked by destruction) as in . Hαιρεσις (from αιρεω ) is simply a choosing, a school, a sect like that of the Sadducees ( ), of the Pharisees ( ), and of Christians as Paul admitted ( ). These "tenets" ( ) led to destruction. Denying ( αρνουμενο ). Present middle participle of αρνεομα . This the Gnostics did, the very thing that Peter did, alas ( ) even after Christ's words ( ). Even the Master ( κα τον δεσποτην ). Old word for absolute master, here of Christ as in , and also of God ( ). Without the evil sense in our "despot." That bought them ( τον αγορασαντα αυτους ). First aorist active articular participle of αγοραζω , same idea with λυτροω in . These were professing Christians, at any rate, these heretics. Swift destruction ( ταχινην απωλειαν ). See for ταχινην and note repetition of απωλειαν . This is always the tragedy of such false prophets, the fate that they bring on ( επαγοντες ) themselves.

‏ 2 Peter 2:1-3

But there arose ( εγενοντο δε ). Second aorist middle indicative of γινομα (cf. γινετα in 1:20).

False prophets also ( κα ψευδοπροφητα ). In contrast with the true prophets just pictured in 1:20f. Late compound in LXX and Philo, common in N.T. (Mt 7:15). Allusion to the O.T. times like Balaam and others (Jer 6:13; 28:9; Eze 13:9).

False teachers ( ψευδοδιδασκαλο ). Late and rare compound ( ψευδησ, διδασκαλος ) here alone in N.T. Peter pictures them as in the future here ( εσοντα, shall be) and again as already present ( εισιν, are, verse 17), or in the past ( επλανηθησαν, they went astray, verse 15).

Shall privily bring in ( παρεισαξουσιν ). Future active of παρεισαγω, late double compound παρεισαγω, to bring in ( εισαγω ), by the side ( παρα ), as if secretly, here alone in N.T., but see παρεισακτους in Ga 2:4 (verbal adjective of this same verb).

Destructive heresies ( αιρεσεις απωλειας ). Descriptive genitive, "heresies of destruction" (marked by destruction) as in Lu 16:8. Hαιρεσις (from αιρεω ) is simply a choosing, a school, a sect like that of the Sadducees (Ac 5:17), of the Pharisees (Ac 15:5), and of Christians as Paul admitted (Ac 24:5). These "tenets" (Ga 5:20) led to destruction.

Denying ( αρνουμενο ). Present middle participle of αρνεομα. This the Gnostics did, the very thing that Peter did, alas (Mt 26:70) even after Christ's words (Mt 10:33).

Even the Master ( κα τον δεσποτην ). Old word for absolute master, here of Christ as in Jude 1:4, and also of God (Ac 4:24). Without the evil sense in our "despot."

That bought them ( τον αγορασαντα αυτους ). First aorist active articular participle of αγοραζω, same idea with λυτροω in 1Pe 1:18f. These were professing Christians, at any rate, these heretics.

Swift destruction ( ταχινην απωλειαν ). See 1:14 for ταχινην and note repetition of απωλειαν. This is always the tragedy of such false prophets, the fate that they bring on ( επαγοντες ) themselves.

Lascivious doings ( ασελγειαις ). Associative instrumental ease after εξακολουθησουσιν (future active, for which verb see 1:16). See 1Pe 4:3 for this word.

By reason of whom ( δι' ους ). "Because of whom" (accusative case of relative, referring to πολλο, many). Αυτων (their) refers to ψευδοδιδασκαλο (false teachers) while πολλο to their deluded followers. See Ro 2:23f. for a picture of such conduct by Jews (quotation from Isa 52:5, with βλασφημεω used as here with δι' υμας, because of you).

The way of truth ( η οδος της αληθειας ). Hοδος (way) occurs often in N.T. for Christianity (Ac 9:2; 16:17; 18:25; 22:4; 24:14). This phrase is in Ge 24:48 as "the right road," and that is what Peter means here. So Ps 119:30. See again 2:15, 21.

In covetousness ( εν πλεονεξια ). 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 ( πλαστοις λογοις ). Instrumental case. Πλαστος is verbal adjective (from πλασσω, 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 ( υμας εμπορευσοντα ). Future middle of εμπορευομα (from εμπορος, 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 ( οις το κριμα ). "For whom (dative case) the sentence" (verdict, not process κρισις ).

Now from of old ( εκπαλα ). Late and common compound adverb, in N.T. only here and 3:5.

Lingereth not ( ουκ αργε ). "Is not idle," old verb, αργεω (from αργος not working, alpha privative and εργον ), here only in N.T.

Slumbereth not ( ου νυσταζε ). Old and common verb (from νυω to nod), in N.T. only here and Mt 25:5. Note απωλεια (destruction) three times in verses 1-3.