And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to focus on the "false words" and "greed," but notice how Peter flips the script on their threat. He’s not saying their coming judgment is slow; he's emphasizing that their condemnation is ancient and already decided, making their present actions utterly futile and their doom certain. This highlights the profound surety of God's justice against those who deceive.
And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is warning believers about false teachers who are already lurking among them, just as they appeared in Old Testament times. These deceivers will use smooth talk and greed to lead people astray, but their judgment is certain and coming soon. The apostle emphasizes that God's justice hasn't forgotten them, and their ultimate downfall is guaranteed.
False teachers often start with a simple, deadly sin: greed. How does this inner drive lead them to twist words and harm others?
The Root of Deception
Peter lays it out plainly: the motivation behind false teaching is greed. This isn't just about wanting more money; it's a deep-seated desire that fuels manipulative behavior.
How Greed Corrupts:
False teachers might seem to get away with it, but Peter issues a stark warning. What makes their condemnation so sure?
Judgment That Doesn't Sleep
Peter reminds us that the condemnation of these deceivers is not a distant possibility; it's an active reality.
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The Unwavering Truth:
This assurance is meant to comfort believers, showing that God’s justice will ultimately prevail, even when evil seems to flourish.
Understand the original words
krima · Greek Noun
The judgment, sentence, or legal verdict declared against the wicked; in a theological context, it refers to the final, irrevocable verdict of God against sin and rebellion.
This passage echoes the danger of greed, highlighting how the love of money can lead people astray from the faith and into many troubles, just as 2 Peter warns about those who exploit others.
Jude 1:11Jude describes similar destructive paths taken by false teachers, mentioning they have 'rushed into Balaam’s error for profit,' which parallels the exploitative greed mentioned in 2 Peter.
Matthew 7:15Jesus warns about false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but are inwardly ravenous wolves, which connects to Peter's description of people who exploit others with deceptive words for their own gain.
Jeremiah 6:13-14The prophet Jeremiah denounces leaders who profit from deceit and claim healing and peace where there is none, mirroring the 'false words' and exploitation that 2 Peter condemns.
It's easy to focus on the "false words" and "greed," but notice how Peter flips the script on their threat. He’s not saying their coming judgment is slow; he's emphasizing that their condemnation is ancient and already decided, making their present actions utterly futile and their doom certain. This highlights the profound surety of God's justice against those who deceive.
Peter is warning believers about false teachers who are already lurking among them, just as they appeared in Old Testament times. These deceivers will use smooth talk and greed to lead people astray, but their judgment is certain and coming soon. The apostle emphasizes that God's justice hasn't forgotten them, and their ultimate downfall is guaranteed.
Peter is warning believers about false teachers who are already lurking among them, just as they appeared in Old Testament times. These deceivers will use smooth talk and greed to lead people astray, but their judgment is certain and coming soon. The apostle emphasizes that God's justice hasn't forgotten them, and their ultimate downfall is guaranteed.
"And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep." — It's easy to focus on the "false words" and "greed," but notice how Peter flips the script on their threat. He’s not saying their coming judgment is slow; he's emphasizing that their condemnation i…
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Last reviewed October 2026