2 Peter 2:14

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eyes
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#2
ἔχοντες
Having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#3
μεστοὺς
full
replete (literally or figuratively)
#4
μοιχαλίδος
of adultery
an adulteress (literally or figuratively)
#5
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
ἀκαταπαύστους
that cannot cease from
unrefraining
#7
ἁμαρτίας
sin
a sin (properly abstract)
#8
δελεάζοντες
beguiling
to entrap, i.e., (figuratively) delude
#9
ψυχὰς
souls
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#10
ἀστηρίκτους
unstable
unfixed, i.e., (figuratively) vacillating
#11
καρδίαν
an heart
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
#12
γεγυμνασμένην
exercised
to practise naked (in the games), i.e., train (figuratively)
#13
πλεονεξίαις
with covetous practices
avarice, i.e., (by implication) fraudulency, extortion
#14
ἔχοντες
Having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#15
κατάρας
cursed
imprecation, execration
#16
τέκνα·
children
a child (as produced)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection