2 Peter 2:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Having {G2192} eyes {G3788} full {G3324} of adultery {G3428}, and {G2532} that cannot cease from {G180} sin {G266}; beguiling {G1185} unstable {G793} souls {G5590}: an heart {G2588} they have {G2192} exercised {G1128} with covetous practices {G4124}; cursed {G2671} children {G5043}:

Complete Jewish Bible

for they have eyes always on the lookout for a woman who will commit adultery, eyes that never stop sinning; and they have a heart that has exercised itself in greed; so that they seduce unstable people. What a cursed brood!

Berean Standard Bible

Their eyes are full of adultery; their desire for sin is never satisfied; they seduce the unstable. They are accursed children with hearts trained in greed.

American Standard Version

having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; enticing unstedfast souls; having a heart exercised in covetousness; children of cursing;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 2:14 delivers a searing indictment against false teachers, exposing their profound moral corruption and destructive influence within the early Christian community. Peter vividly portrays their insatiable lust and unrepentant sinfulness, their cunning ability to deceive vulnerable believers, and their deep-seated motivation of greed. The verse culminates in a damning declaration of their divine condemnation, revealing them as individuals fundamentally opposed to God's truth and destined for judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 2 Peter chapter 2, which serves as a powerful and sustained polemic against false prophets and teachers who had infiltrated the church. Peter's argument is structured to first establish God's consistent judgment against sin and rebellion, drawing on historical precedents such as the fallen angels, the Flood, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ([2 Peter 2:4-9](/2_peter/2-4-9 "2 Peter 2:4-9 - God's Judgment on Sin")). Having established God's unwavering justice, he then applies this principle directly to the contemporary threat posed by these deceivers. Verse 14, along with the surrounding verses, provides a detailed character sketch of these individuals, highlighting their depravity, their methods of deception, and their ultimate fate, contrasting their destructive ways with the path of righteousness that believers are called to uphold.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter wrote this epistle to a diverse audience of believers, likely facing internal challenges from within their congregations. The first century saw the rise of various philosophical and religious movements, some of which blended with Christian teachings in heretical ways. These false teachers, as described by Peter, likely operated within Christian gatherings, presenting themselves as legitimate spiritual guides while secretly introducing destructive heresies and exploiting their followers. Their "covetous practices" would have resonated with the common ancient concern for financial exploitation, particularly by those claiming spiritual authority. The vivid imagery of "eyes full of adultery" also speaks to a culture where moral purity was highly valued in contrast to the prevalent pagan practices, making the teachers' hypocrisy all the more scandalous.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of 2 Peter 2 is the **danger of false teaching** and the **certainty of divine judgment** upon those who propagate it. Verse 14 specifically contributes to the theme of **moral corruption** within these deceivers, illustrating how their inner depravity manifests in outward actions. It underscores the theme of **spiritual deception**, as these individuals actively "beguil[e] unstable souls" ([2 Peter 2:14](/2_peter/2-14 "2 Peter 2:14 - Description of False Teachers")), highlighting the vulnerability of new or ungrounded believers. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the **pervasiveness of sin** in their lives, describing them as those who "cannot cease from sin" ([2 Peter 2:14](/2_peter/2-14 "2 Peter 2:14 - Description of False Teachers")), indicating a willful and habitual embrace of wickedness. Finally, the concluding phrase "cursed children" powerfully reinforces the theme of **divine condemnation** that awaits those who lead others astray.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adultery (Greek, _moichalís'_):** This term, a prolonged form of the feminine of *moichos* (an adulterer), refers to an adulteress, but here it is used figuratively to describe the eyes themselves as being "full of adultery." This suggests not merely a propensity for sexual sin, but an insatiable, pervasive lust that defines their very gaze and orientation towards the world. Their vision is corrupted, constantly seeking illicit gratification.
* **Cannot cease from (Greek, _akatápaustos'_):** Derived from a negative particle and a word meaning "to cease," this adjective describes something "unrefraining" or "incessant." Applied to "sin," it powerfully conveys the habitual, unrepentant, and unceasing nature of their wickedness. Their sin is not an occasional lapse but a continuous, defining characteristic, indicating a state of being enslaved to sin.
* **Exercised (Greek, _gymnázō'_):** From *gymnos* (naked), this verb literally means "to practice naked (in the games)," referring to the rigorous training of athletes. Figuratively, it means "to train" or "to discipline oneself." When applied to their "heart" and "covetous practices," it reveals that their greed is not accidental but a cultivated, disciplined vice. They have actively honed their skills in exploiting others for gain, much like an athlete perfects a skill.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Having eyes full of adultery":** This clause paints a vivid and disturbing image. It suggests that their very perception and outlook are saturated with illicit desire, particularly sexual immorality. Their gaze is not innocent or pure, but constantly seeking opportunities for gratification, reflecting a deep-seated inner corruption that manifests outwardly through their eyes.
* **"and that cannot cease from sin":** This phrase emphasizes the habitual and unrepentant nature of their wickedness. It indicates a compulsive, unrestrained addiction to sin, from which they are either unwilling or unable to break free. Their lives are characterized by an incessant pursuit of unrighteousness, demonstrating a profound spiritual bondage.
* **"beguiling unstable souls":** Here, Peter describes their predatory methodology. To "beguile" (from *deleazo*) means to entrap or lure, like baiting a fish. They target "unstable souls" (Greek: *astēriktos psychē*), referring to those who are vacillating, ungrounded, or weak in faith. These false teachers exploit the spiritual immaturity or vulnerability of others, drawing them away from truth into error and immorality.
* **"an heart they have exercised with covetous practices":** This clause reveals the core motivation behind their deception: insatiable greed. Their "heart" (Greek: *kardia*), representing their inner being, thoughts, and will, has been "exercised" or trained, much like an athlete trains rigorously. This implies a deliberate and disciplined cultivation of "covetous practices" (Greek: *pleonexia*), which encompasses avarice, fraudulence, and extortion. Their spiritual activity is a calculated means to material gain.
* **"cursed children":** This powerful concluding declaration serves as a divine verdict. The term "cursed" (Greek: *katara*) signifies that they are under God's anathema and destined for condemnation. They are not "children of God" but "children of the curse," indicating their inherent opposition to God's righteousness and their inevitable judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the depravity of these false teachers. The phrase "eyes full of adultery" is a striking example of **metonymy** or **synecdoche**, where the eyes, as a part, represent the whole person's pervasive lust and moral corruption. It also functions as vivid **imagery**, creating a repulsive mental picture of their insatiable desire. The description of a heart "exercised with covetous practices" uses an **athletic metaphor**, comparing their disciplined pursuit of greed to the rigorous training of an athlete. This highlights the intentionality and practiced skill in their exploitation. The entire verse is an example of **characterization through description**, where Peter uses a series of damning attributes to paint a comprehensive portrait of these destructive individuals, culminating in the definitive and damning **appellation** "cursed children," which serves as a final, inescapable judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound moral and spiritual corruption of the false teachers described in 2 Peter 2:14 stands in stark contrast to the holiness and righteousness demanded by God of His people. Their unceasing sin and covetous practices reveal a heart fundamentally alienated from God, demonstrating that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative power that purifies the heart and life. This passage underscores the biblical truth that outward actions are a direct reflection of inner spiritual condition, and that those who persistently live in sin, especially while claiming spiritual authority, are under divine judgment. It serves as a crucial warning against hypocrisy and the dangers of allowing worldly desires to corrupt one's spiritual walk.

* [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - The Way of Cain, Balaam, and Korah")
* [1 Timothy 6:5](/1_timothy/6-5 "1 Timothy 6:5 - Godliness as a Means of Gain")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - False Prophets and Their Fruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Peter 2:14 serves as a timeless and urgent warning for believers across generations. It compels us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that genuine faith is evidenced not merely by words, but by character and conduct. The description of false teachers as having "eyes full of adultery" and a heart "exercised with covetous practices" challenges us to examine our own inner desires and motivations. Are our eyes fixed on Christ, or are they drawn to the fleeting lusts of the world? Is our heart being "exercised" in godliness, or are we inadvertently training it in worldly pursuits and selfish gain? This verse calls us to a rigorous self-assessment, urging us to pursue purity, stability in doctrine, and genuine love for others, rather than exploiting them. It reminds us that spiritual vulnerability is real, and we must actively ground ourselves in God's Word and community to avoid being "beguiled" by deceptive influences, whether external or internal. Ultimately, it is a call to live a life consistent with the Gospel, knowing that true freedom comes from ceasing from sin and embracing righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be susceptible to "unstable souls" or deceptive influences, and how can I strengthen my spiritual foundation?**
* **How might the "eyes full of adultery" or "heart exercised with covetous practices" manifest in subtle ways in my own life, and what steps can I take to guard against them?**
* **What does it mean for me to "cease from sin," and how can I pursue a life of greater purity and obedience to God?**

### FAQ

**What does "eyes full of adultery" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "eyes full of adultery" (Greek: *ophthalmous mestous moichalias*) is a vivid metaphorical expression indicating an insatiable and pervasive lust. It suggests that the false teachers' gaze and entire outlook are corrupted by illicit sexual desire, constantly seeking opportunities for immoral gratification. It's not just that they commit adultery, but that their very perception is saturated with it, reflecting a deep-seated moral depravity that manifests outwardly through their actions and demeanor. This imagery underscores their profound spiritual impurity.

**How do these false teachers "beguile unstable souls"?**

Answer: To "beguile" (Greek: *deleázō*) means to entrap, lure, or entice, often with bait. The false teachers "beguile unstable souls" (Greek: *astēriktos psychē*) by targeting individuals who are spiritually immature, lacking firm doctrinal grounding, or emotionally vulnerable. They use persuasive rhetoric, deceptive doctrines, and often a facade of godliness to lead these susceptible individuals astray, drawing them into their own immoral practices and heresies. This highlights the critical need for believers to be firmly rooted in the truth of God's Word, as encouraged in [Ephesians 4:14](/ephesians/4-14 "Ephesians 4:14 - No Longer Children, Tossed to and fro").

**What is the significance of their heart being "exercised with covetous practices"?**

Answer: The phrase "heart they have exercised with covetous practices" (Greek: *kardía gymnázō pleonexía*) uses an athletic metaphor. Just as an athlete rigorously trains their body, these false teachers have deliberately and systematically trained their inner being (their "heart") in "covetous practices" (avarice, greed, exploitation). This signifies that their greed is not an accidental flaw but a cultivated, disciplined vice. Their spiritual activities are a calculated means to achieve material gain, revealing that their primary motivation is self-enrichment rather than genuine service to God or others. This is a stark warning against those who would use godliness as a means of financial profit, as also warned in [1 Timothy 6:5](/1_timothy/6-5 "1 Timothy 6:5 - Avoiding Those Who Use Godliness for Gain").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Peter 2:14 primarily serves as a stern warning against the depravity of false teachers, it implicitly points to the absolute necessity of Christ as the antidote to such corruption. The "eyes full of adultery" and hearts "exercised with covetous practices" stand in stark contrast to the purity and self-giving love of Jesus Christ, who had no sin and whose heart was perfectly aligned with God's will ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Tempted But Sinless")). The inability of these false teachers to "cease from sin" underscores humanity's bondage to sin apart from divine intervention, a bondage from which only Christ can deliver through His atoning sacrifice ([Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6-7 "Romans 6:6-7 - Our Old Self Crucified With Christ")). Furthermore, the "beguiling unstable souls" highlights the spiritual instability of humanity without the firm foundation of Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")) and the Shepherd who protects His flock from predatory wolves ([John 10:11-12](/john/10-11-12 "John 10:11-12 - The Good Shepherd")). Ultimately, the "cursed children" of this verse are a tragic reminder of humanity's fallen state, a curse that Christ Himself bore on the cross, becoming a curse for us, so that we might receive the blessing of Abraham and the Spirit through faith ([Galatians 3:13-14](/galatians/3-13-14 "Galatians 3:13-14 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Thus, this passage, by painting a vivid picture of unredeemed depravity, implicitly magnifies the saving power and transforming grace available only in Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Peter 2:3

¶ 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.

2 Peter 2:18

For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

Ephesians 2:3

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Ephesians 4:14

That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Romans 16:18

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

2 Peter 3:16

As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Matthew 12:34

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.