2 Peter 2:2

Authorized King James Version

And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
πολλοὶ
G4183
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#3
ἐξακολουθήσουσιν
G1811
shall follow
to follow out, i.e., (figuratively) to imitate, obey, yield to
#4
αὐτῶν
G846
their
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#5
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἀπωλείαις,
G684
pernicious ways
ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal)
#7
δι'
G1223
by reason of
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#8
οὓς
G3739
whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#9
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ὁδὸς
G3598
the way
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
#11
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἀληθείας
G225
of truth
truth
#13
βλασφημηθήσεται
G987
shall be evil spoken of
to vilify; specially, to speak impiously

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 truth 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection