2 Peter 2:3

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐν

G1722

through

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πλεονεξίᾳ

G4124

covetousness

avarice, i.e., (by implication) fraudulency, extortion

πλαστοῖς

G4112

shall they with feigned

moulded, i.e., (by implication) artificial or (figuratively) fictitious (false)

λόγοις

G3056

words

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ὑμᾶς

G5209

of you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐμπορεύσονται

G1710

make merchandise

to travel in (a country as a pedlar), i.e., (by implication) to trade

οἷς

G3739

whose

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

κρίμα

G2917

judgment

a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))

#11

ἔκπαλαι

G1597

now of a long time

long ago, for a long while

#12

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#13

ἀργεῖ

G691

lingereth

to be idle, i.e., (figuratively) to delay

#14

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

ἀπώλεια

G684

damnation

ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal)

#17

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

#18

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#19

νυστάζει

G3573

slumbereth

to nod, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep; figuratively, to delay

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 covenant community 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?