2 Peter 2:15

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καταλίποντες
G2641
Which have forsaken
to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining
#2
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
εὐθεῖαν
G2117
the right
straight, i.e., (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once
#4
ὁδῷ
G3598
the way
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
#5
ἐπλανήθησαν
G4105
and are gone astray
to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
#6
ἐξακολουθήσαντες
G1811
following
to follow out, i.e., (figuratively) to imitate, obey, yield to
#7
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ὁδῷ
G3598
the way
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
#9
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
Βαλαὰμ
G903
of Balaam
balaam, a mesopotamian (symbolic of a false teacher)
#11
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
Βοσόρ
G1007
the son of Bosor
bosor (i.e., beor), a moabite
#13
ὃς
G3739
who
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#14
μισθὸν
G3408
the wages
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
#15
ἀδικίας
G93
of unrighteousness
(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)
#16
ἠγάπησεν
G25
loved
to love (in a social or moral sense)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Peter, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Peter.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Peter Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection