2 Peter 2:3

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} through {G1722} covetousness {G4124} shall they with feigned {G4112} words {G3056} make merchandise {G1710} of you {G5209}: whose {G3739} judgment {G2917} now of a long time {G1597} lingereth {G691} not {G3756}, and {G2532} their {G846} damnation {G684} slumbereth {G3573} not {G3756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In their greed they will exploit you with fabricated stories.

Their punishment, decreed long ago, is not idle; their destruction is not asleep!

Berean Standard Bible

In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.

American Standard Version

And in covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose sentence now from of old lingereth not, and their destruction slumbereth not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 2:3 serves as a stark and urgent warning against false teachers, exposing their core motivation and method: an insatiable greed that drives them to exploit believers through carefully crafted deceptions. The verse simultaneously delivers a powerful reassurance, asserting the absolute certainty and immediacy of God's righteous judgment and ultimate destruction upon those who engage in such spiritual predation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a comprehensive denunciation of false prophets and teachers that begins in [2 Peter 2:1](/2_peter/2-1 "2 Peter 2:1 - False Teachers and Destructive Heresies"). Peter immediately introduces the threat of "destructive heresies" and those who secretly introduce them, leading many astray and bringing "the way of truth into disrepute" ([2 Peter 2:2](/2_peter/2-2 "2 Peter 2:2 - Many Will Follow Their Destructive Ways")). Verse 3 then sharpens the focus, revealing the underlying economic exploitation and the cynical manipulation at the heart of these deceivers' ministry. It acts as a bridge, setting the stage for the subsequent detailed examples of God's past judgments on the unrighteous, such as the angels who sinned, the ancient world in Noah's day, and Sodom and Gomorrah ([2 Peter 2:4-9](/2_peter/2-4-9 "2 Peter 2:4-9 - Examples of God's Judgment")). This structure underscores the inevitability of divine retribution for those who corrupt the faith for personal gain.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, various philosophical schools and religious cults competed for adherents, often with teachers or leaders who charged fees for their instruction or services. While some genuine teachers existed, there was also a prevalence of sophists and charlatans who used rhetoric and persuasive speech for personal profit, often preying on the gullible. Early Christian communities, being relatively new and often composed of vulnerable converts, were susceptible to such figures who would infiltrate their ranks. Peter's warning echoes similar concerns found in other New Testament letters, reflecting a common challenge faced by the nascent church. The emphasis on "covetousness" and "making merchandise" points to a specific problem where spiritual authority was being leveraged for material gain, a perversion of the selfless service exemplified by Christ and His apostles.

* **Key Themes:** [2 Peter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter 2 - Warnings Against False Teachers") is saturated with themes critical for the church's spiritual health. **Discernment** is paramount, as believers are urged to recognize the subtle and overt tactics of those who would lead them astray. The theme of **Divine Justice** is powerfully asserted, with Peter emphasizing that God is not slow to act against wickedness, even if it appears delayed from a human perspective. This provides comfort and reassurance to those who might feel exploited or disheartened by the presence of false teachers. Furthermore, the passage highlights the **Integrity of True Ministry** by contrasting it sharply with the self-serving motives of the deceivers. While genuine shepherds care for the flock, these false teachers treat people as commodities to be exploited, revealing their true nature as "wells without water" and "mists driven by a tempest" ([2 Peter 2:17](/2_peter/2-17 "2 Peter 2:17 - Empty Promises of False Teachers")). The overarching theme is the **Purity of the Gospel**, which is constantly under assault by those who would distort it for their own ends, making vigilance a perpetual necessity for the faithful.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covetousness (Greek, _pleonexía'_):** From the Strong's data, this term signifies "avarice, i.e. (by implication) fraudulency, extortion." It describes an insatiable desire for more, particularly material possessions or gain, often at the expense of others. In this context, it reveals the deep-seated, selfish motivation behind the false teachers' actions, indicating that their spiritual pretense is merely a facade for their financial exploitation.
* **Feigned (Greek, _plastós'_):** Derived from the Strong's definition "moulded, i.e. (by implication) artificial or (figuratively) fictitious (false)," this word describes words that are carefully crafted, fabricated, or artificial. It implies a deliberate lack of sincerity and an intention to deceive. These are not genuine words of truth or spiritual edification, but rather cunningly designed rhetoric intended to manipulate and mislead.
* **Make merchandise (Greek, _emporeúomai'_):** According to Strong's, this means "to travel in (a country as a pedlar), i.e. (by implication) to trade." It vividly portrays the false teachers' view of their followers: not as souls to be nurtured or disciples to be taught, but as commodities or customers from whom to extract profit. They treat people as a means to an end, turning spiritual relationships into commercial transactions.
* **Damnation (Greek, _apṓleia'_):** This term, as per Strong's, refers to "ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal)." It is a strong word denoting complete destruction or perdition. Peter uses it here to emphasize the ultimate and irreversible fate awaiting these false teachers, highlighting the severity of God's judgment against their deceptive and exploitative practices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And through covetousness":** This opening phrase immediately identifies the root cause and primary motivation of the false teachers. Their actions are not driven by a genuine desire to serve God or teach truth, but by an insatiable desire for more, particularly wealth and material gain. This greed corrupts their entire ministry and informs their deceptive practices.
* **"shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you":** This clause reveals the method and target of their exploitation. "Feigned words" implies carefully constructed, artificial, and insincere speech designed to manipulate. They use persuasive rhetoric, flattery, or distorted doctrines to achieve their ends. "Make merchandise of you" means they treat believers as commodities to be bought and sold, or as resources from which to extract profit. Their goal is not the spiritual welfare of the flock, but their own financial enrichment.
* **"whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not":** This part shifts focus from the false teachers' actions to God's response. The phrase "of a long time" (Greek _ékpalai_) suggests that God's righteous judgment against such evil has been active or determined for a long time, perhaps since creation or the beginning of their wicked ways. "Lingereth not" (Greek _argéō_ from "to be idle") conveys that this judgment is not idle, delayed, or inactive. It is already in motion, certain, and will not be held back.
* **"and their damnation slumbereth not.":** This final clause reinforces the certainty and immediacy of their impending doom through powerful parallelism. "Damnation" (Greek _apṓleia_) denotes ruin or destruction. "Slumbereth not" (Greek _nystázō_ from "to nod, fall asleep") vividly portrays that their destruction is not dormant, sleepy, or inactive. Like a watchful sentinel, God's justice is awake, alert, and ready to be executed, ensuring that their inevitable ruin will come swiftly and decisively.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey his urgent warning and the certainty of divine retribution. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "make merchandise of you." This creates a vivid image of treating human beings, specifically believers, as mere commodities or goods to be traded for profit, stripping them of their inherent dignity and spiritual value. This stark commercial metaphor underscores the profound perversion of ministry by these false teachers. Furthermore, Peter uses striking **Personification** when he states that judgment "lingereth not" and damnation "slumbereth not." By attributing human actions (lingering, slumbering) to abstract concepts (judgment, damnation), he imbues them with an active, watchful, and unstoppable quality. This serves to emphasize the absolute certainty and the active, unceasing nature of God's justice. The **Parallelism** between "lingereth not" and "slumbereth not" further amplifies this message, creating a rhythmic and emphatic declaration of the inevitability of their doom. The use of **Contrast** is also evident, implicitly setting the self-serving, deceptive actions of the false teachers against the righteous, vigilant, and unwavering nature of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The warning in [2 Peter 2:3](/2_peter/2-3 "2 Peter 2:3 - False Teachers and Their Judgment") resonates deeply with core biblical truths about divine justice, the nature of true ministry, and the importance of spiritual discernment. The passage underscores God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His active opposition to those who exploit His people and distort His truth. It reveals that the motivation of greed (covetousness) is antithetical to the spirit of Christ and the sacrificial nature of the gospel. The certainty of judgment for such practices provides both a stern warning to potential deceivers and profound comfort to those who might be vulnerable to their schemes, affirming that God sees and will act. This passage reminds us that God's patience is not indifference, and His justice, though sometimes appearing delayed from a human perspective, is always active and perfectly timed.

* [Titus 1:11](/titus/1-11 "Titus 1:11 - Teaching for Dishonest Gain")
* [Romans 2:5](/romans/2-5 "Romans 2:5 - God's Righteous Judgment")
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Peter 2:3](/2_peter/2-3 "2 Peter 2:3 - False Teachers and Their Judgment") serves as a timeless and urgent call for spiritual vigilance within the Christian community. In an age of abundant information and diverse voices, the believer must cultivate a profound sense of discernment, not merely accepting every teaching at face value. This verse challenges us to look beyond eloquent words and charismatic personalities, probing instead the underlying motivations of those who claim to speak for God. Are they truly seeking to build up the body of Christ, or are they subtly, or even overtly, seeking personal gain? True spiritual leadership is characterized by selfless service, humility, and a genuine concern for the flock, not by a desire to "make merchandise" of them. We are called to be deeply rooted in the Scriptures, allowing God's unchanging Word to be the plumb line against which all teaching is measured. Furthermore, this passage offers immense comfort and reassurance. Even when false teachers seem to prosper and their deceptions appear to go unpunished, we are reminded that God's justice is neither blind nor slow. His judgment is active, certain, and will not slumber. This truth should embolden believers to stand firm in the faith, trusting in the Lord's perfect timing and His ultimate vindication of His truth and His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize "feigned words" in teachings I encounter?**
* **What are some practical ways to assess the motivations of spiritual leaders or teachers?**
* **In what ways might I, perhaps unknowingly, be susceptible to being "made merchandise of" in a spiritual or even secular context?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on false teachers encourage me in my faith, especially when I see injustice or deception seemingly go unpunished?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for false teachers to "make merchandise of you"?**

Answer: To "make merchandise of you" means that these false teachers treat believers not as individuals to be discipled and nurtured, but as commodities or resources from which they can extract personal gain, typically financial. They view their followers as a means to an end, exploiting their faith, trust, and resources for their own selfish enrichment. This is a profound perversion of genuine ministry, which is characterized by selfless service and a desire for the spiritual well-being of others, as seen in the example of Christ and His apostles. It implies a cynical, commercial approach to spiritual matters.

**How can believers identify "feigned words" and avoid deception?**

Answer: Identifying "feigned words" requires spiritual maturity and consistent discernment. Firstly, **know the genuine Word of God** thoroughly. Immerse yourself in the Scriptures so that you can recognize distortions or deviations from sound doctrine ([Acts 17:11](/acts/17-11 "Acts 17:11 - The Bereans' Diligence")). Secondly, **examine the character and fruits** of the teacher, not just their words ([Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - You Will Recognize Them by Their Fruits")). Do their lives align with their teachings? Do they exhibit humility, integrity, and genuine love, or do they seem driven by greed, pride, or a desire for power? Thirdly, **seek confirmation from the Holy Spirit** and wise counsel from mature believers. Pray for discernment and be open to the warnings of others in the body of Christ. Finally, be wary of teachings that promise quick riches, easy solutions, or excessive personal benefit, especially if they demand significant financial contributions.

**Does God's judgment truly "linger not," even when it seems delayed in our human perception?**

Answer: Yes, absolutely. Peter's assertion that God's judgment "lingereth not" and "slumbereth not" emphasizes its absolute certainty and active nature from God's perspective, regardless of human perception of time. From an eternal viewpoint, God's judgment is always imminent and perfectly timed. What may appear as delay to us is often God's patience, allowing time for repentance ([2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is Patient")). However, for those who stubbornly persist in wickedness, especially those who exploit others in the name of God, their condemnation is already determined and actively awaiting its full manifestation. God is not indifferent or inactive; His justice is ever-watchful and will be executed with perfect precision and timing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The stark warning in [2 Peter 2:3](/2_peter/2-3 "2 Peter 2:3 - False Teachers and Their Judgment") finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who stands in absolute antithesis to the false teachers described. While they operate "through covetousness" and "make merchandise" of people, Jesus, though rich, "for your sakes became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Self-Impoverishment")). He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He is the ultimate Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, in contrast to the hirelings who abandon or exploit the flock ([John 10:11-13](/john/10-11-13 "John 10:11-13 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")). Furthermore, the "feigned words" of the false teachers stand in stark opposition to Jesus, who is the very "Word" of God, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His words are spirit and life, not crafted for deceit but for eternal salvation ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - The Words of Jesus are Spirit and Life")). Finally, the certainty of judgment for these deceivers points to Christ as the ultimate Judge, to whom all authority has been given by the Father ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Son as Judge")). He will execute righteous judgment, ensuring that those who lead others astray for selfish gain will face the full weight of divine justice, while those who follow Him will find eternal life and true freedom from exploitation.

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 Corinthians 2:17

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

Deuteronomy 32:35

To me [belongeth] vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in [due] time: for the day of their calamity [is] at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

1 Thessalonians 2:5

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God [is] witness:

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.

Jude 1:15

¶ To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

1 Timothy 6:5

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

Titus 1:11

Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.