2 Peter 2:15

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Which have forsaken {G2641} the right {G2117} way {G3598}, and are gone astray {G4105}, following {G1811} the way {G3598} of Balaam {G903} the son of Bosor {G1007}, who {G3739} loved {G25} the wages {G3408} of unrighteousness {G93};

Complete Jewish Bible

These people have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Bil‘am Ben-B‘or, who loved the wages of doing harm

Berean Standard Bible

They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.

American Standard Version

forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the hire of wrong-doing;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 2:15 serves as a stark indictment of false teachers who, driven by covetousness, abandon the path of truth and righteousness. The verse vividly portrays their spiritual deviation by likening their corrupt motivations and practices to those of Balaam, the Old Testament prophet who notoriously prioritized financial gain over divine obedience, thereby leading God's people astray for "the wages of unrighteousness."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 2 Peter chapter 2, where the apostle Peter delivers a severe warning against the rise of false prophets and teachers within the Christian community. Chapter 2 opens by establishing the certainty of their coming and their destructive nature, contrasting them sharply with God's preservation of the righteous (e.g., Noah and Lot in [2 Peter 2:5-9](/2_peter/2-5-9 "God's Preservation of the Righteous")). Peter meticulously details the characteristics and impending judgment of these deceivers, emphasizing their licentiousness, arrogance, and contempt for authority. Verse 15 specifically transitions from a general description of their moral depravity to pinpoint the root cause of their apostasy: their mercenary motives, which are then powerfully illustrated by the historical example of Balaam. The preceding verses ([2 Peter 2:12-14](/2_peter/2-12-14 "The Depravity of False Teachers")) describe their animalistic behavior and insatiable lust, setting the stage for the specific charge of greed in verse 15.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical and cultural backdrop for Peter's warning includes the pervasive presence of itinerant teachers and philosophers in the Greco-Roman world, some of whom were genuine, but many were charlatans seeking personal gain. Within early Christianity, this phenomenon manifested as individuals who, under the guise of spiritual authority, exploited believers for financial profit or personal influence. The specific reference to Balaam (from [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22-24 "The Story of Balaam")) would have resonated deeply with Peter's Jewish-Christian audience, as Balaam was a well-known figure in Israelite history, infamous for his willingness to compromise divine truth for monetary reward. His story served as a cautionary tale against spiritual corruption driven by greed, a theme particularly relevant in a society where religious figures often relied on patronage and offerings.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes in 2 Peter 2, to which verse 15 significantly contributes, include **apostasy and spiritual deviation**, highlighting the deliberate turning away from sound doctrine and righteous living. Another prominent theme is the **danger of false teaching**, as Peter exposes the deceptive nature and destructive influence of those who twist the truth for personal gain. This leads directly to the theme of **greed and covetousness** as a primary motivator for spiritual corruption, exemplified by Balaam's pursuit of "the wages of unrighteousness." Furthermore, the chapter underscores **divine judgment**, asserting God's certainty in punishing the wicked while preserving the righteous, a truth reiterated throughout the chapter (e.g., [2 Peter 2:3](/2_peter/2-3 "Their Judgment Lingers Not")). The "way of Balaam" encapsulates the perversion of spiritual gifts for selfish ends, a recurring warning against those who would exploit God's people, as also seen in [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "The Way of Cain, the Error of Balaam, and the Gainsaying of Korah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **forsaken (Greek, _kataleípō'_):** This verb signifies "to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining." In the context of 2 Peter 2:15, it denotes a deliberate and decisive act of abandoning or deserting the "right way." It implies a conscious turning away from a previously known or acknowledged path of truth and righteousness, indicating a willful departure rather than an accidental straying.
* **gone astray (Greek, _planáō'_):** Derived from _plánē_ (a wandering, error), this word means "to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue); to deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way." It emphasizes the result of forsaking the right way: a state of wandering, deception, and moral or spiritual error. It highlights the deceptive nature of these teachers, both in their own lives and in their influence on others.
* **wages (Greek, _misthós'_):** This term refers to "pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad; hire, reward, wages." In this verse, it specifically refers to the compensation or reward sought by the false teachers. When combined with "unrighteousness," it powerfully conveys the idea of payment obtained through unjust, immoral, or dishonest means, underscoring the corrupt nature of their desires and the illicit source of their gain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which have forsaken the right way,"**: This clause identifies the fundamental spiritual departure of the false teachers. They have not merely stumbled but have deliberately abandoned the "right way" (Greek _euthýs hodós_), which refers to the straight, true, and righteous path of God's truth and moral conduct, characteristic of genuine Christian living. This implies a conscious rejection of divine standards.
* **"and are gone astray,"**: Following from the forsaking, this phrase describes the consequence: they are now wandering in error. The Greek term for "gone astray" (planáō) suggests not just a deviation but a state of being deceived and deceiving others, leading them away from truth and virtue. Their path is no longer straight but crooked and misleading.
* **"following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor,"**: This is a direct and damning comparison. The false teachers' conduct mirrors "the way of Balaam" (Greek _hodós Balaám_), the Old Testament prophet (son of Beor/Bosor) who was willing to curse Israel for money. This allusion immediately brings to mind a figure who perverted his spiritual gifts for personal gain, highlighting the mercenary and morally compromised nature of the false teachers.
* **"who loved the wages of unrighteousness;"**: This final clause reveals the core motivation behind their apostasy and straying: an intense affection for illicit gain. The word "loved" (Greek _agapáō_) here denotes a deep-seated desire or preference. "Wages of unrighteousness" (Greek _misthós adikías_) refers to profit or reward obtained through unjust, immoral, or dishonest means, emphasizing that their spiritual deceit is fundamentally driven by avarice and a craving for ill-gotten wealth.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several powerful literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Allusion**, specifically to the Old Testament narrative of Balaam. This direct reference to [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22-24 "The Story of Balaam") immediately evokes a well-known archetype of a prophet who misused his spiritual gifts for personal profit, serving as a potent cautionary tale and a clear historical parallel for the false teachers' mercenary motives. Furthermore, Peter utilizes **Metaphor**, describing the spiritual and moral journey as a "way" or "path" ("the right way," "the way of Balaam"). This metaphor contrasts the straight, righteous path of truth with the crooked, errant path of deception and greed. The phrase "wages of unrighteousness" itself functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the "wages" stand for the entire corrupt system of financial gain derived from immoral or deceptive practices. Finally, there is a strong element of **Irony**, as those who claim to be spiritual guides are themselves utterly lost, having abandoned the very truth they purport to teach, driven by the very unrighteousness they should oppose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the broader biblical themes of true versus false prophecy, the corrupting influence of greed, and the nature of genuine discipleship. It underscores that outward religious activity or even spiritual giftedness means nothing if the heart is motivated by avarice rather than by love for God and His truth. The "way of Balaam" becomes a timeless archetype for all who pervert spiritual things for material gain, illustrating how self-interest can lead to apostasy and the exploitation of others. This theological truth serves as a critical warning against those who would commodify the gospel or use their position for personal enrichment, thereby undermining the integrity of the faith and leading others astray.

* [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "The Error of Balaam") - Directly links the "error of Balaam" to the ungodly men who crept into the church, driven by greed.
* [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "The Love of Money") - Warns that "the love of money is the root of all evil," a core motivation for the false teachers described in 2 Peter 2:15.
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Beware of False Prophets") - Jesus' warning to "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves," perfectly describes the deceptive nature and destructive intent of those following Balaam's way.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Peter 2:15 serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination and a critical lens for discerning spiritual leadership. It challenges believers to scrutinize not only the message but, more importantly, the motives of those who claim to speak for God. The "right way" is characterized by integrity, selfless service, and unwavering adherence to God's truth, contrasting sharply with the pursuit of personal enrichment or worldly influence. For us today, this means cultivating a deep discernment, testing spirits, and evaluating teachers by their fruit—not just their words or apparent success. Genuine spiritual leadership is marked by humility, a commitment to sound doctrine, and a sacrificial love for God's people, rather than a hunger for financial gain or popular acclaim. We are called to walk in the "right way," which is the way of Christ, marked by righteousness and self-giving, always vigilant against those who would lead us astray for their own corrupt ends.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the "love of the wages of unrighteousness" manifest in spiritual contexts today, beyond just financial gain?**
* **How can individual believers discern between genuine spiritual leadership and those who "forsake the right way" for selfish motives?**
* **What steps can we take to ensure our own "way" remains aligned with God's truth, rather than straying like Balaam?**

### FAQ
**What is "the way of Balaam" and why is it significant?**

Answer: "The way of Balaam" refers to the actions and motivations of the Old Testament prophet Balaam, as described in [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22-24 "The Story of Balaam"). Though divinely gifted, Balaam was willing to compromise his prophetic integrity for financial reward. He was hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse Israel, but God prevented him from doing so. However, Balaam later advised Balak on how to entice Israel into idolatry and immorality, leading to a plague among them ([Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Balaam's Counsel to Balak")). Peter uses this historical example to characterize false teachers who, despite possessing some spiritual knowledge or abilities, are primarily driven by greed and are willing to lead God's people into sin for personal gain. It signifies a perversion of spiritual gifts for mercenary ends, a pursuit of "wages of unrighteousness."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "way of Balaam" stands in stark contrast to the "way" of Christ, who is Himself "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life")). While Balaam loved the "wages of unrighteousness," Jesus "loved righteousness and hated lawlessness" ([Hebrews 1:9](/hebrews/1-9 "Christ's Love for Righteousness")). The false teachers "forsake the right way" and "go astray," but Jesus perfectly walked the path of obedience, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")). He did not seek His own gain but "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Christ Empties Himself")), offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the "wages" of our sin, which is death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). Christ's entire ministry was characterized by selfless service, healing, and teaching, never for personal profit but always for the glory of God and the salvation of humanity. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "The Good Shepherd")), utterly unlike the false teachers who exploit the flock for their own "wages." Thus, the warning against Balaam's way ultimately points us to embrace Christ's way: a path of humility, truth, and self-sacrificial love, leading to eternal life.

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

Revelation 2:14

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Jude 1:11

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

Deuteronomy 23:4

Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.

Deuteronomy 23:5

Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.

Numbers 31:16

Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

Numbers 22:5

He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which [is] by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:

Numbers 22:7

And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.