2 Peter 2:18

These. Compare vs. 17-19 with the parallel passage in Jude 12, 13, 16. Peter now leaves his illustration and speaks directly of the false teachers (cf. v. 12).

Wells without water. Or, “waterless springs.” The deceivers claimed to refresh those who were spiritually thirsty, but when the thirsty ones reached them they were bitterly disappointed, for the teachers had no living water to give. They were spiritually dry (cf. John 4:14; Rev. 7:17; 21:6).

Clouds. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “mists,” and the clause then reads literally, “mists driven by a squall.” The heretical teachers, claiming to bring light, brought a darkening mist that blotted out the spiritual landscape and prevented Christians from seeing where they were going. Furthermore, the “mists” were not consistent, the instruction veered to and fro under the impulse of the teachers’ passions.

Mist of darkness. Literally, “blackness of the darkness,” that is, of the nether world. Compare on v. 4, where the word for “blackness” (zophos) is also used.

Is reserved. Rather, “has been reserved” (cf. vs. 4, 9). Important textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the omission of the words “for ever,” although they are well attested in the corresponding passage in Jude 13.