2 Peter 2:19

Speak. Gr. phtheggomai (see on v. 16). Peter does not credit the deceivers with ordered speech, but describes them as uttering sounds as did the ass (v. 16).

Great swelling words. Gr. huperogka, literally, “overswollen [matters],” that is, extravagant, bombastic speech, with possible reference to philosophical terms bandied by Gnostic teachers (cf. on Jude 16).

Allure. The Greek word is the same as that translated “beguiling” v. 14.

Lusts of the flesh. Compare the phrase “lust of uncleanness” (see on v. 10).

Wantonness. Gr. aselgeiai (see on v. 2).

Those that were clean escaped. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “those who are just escaping.” These are they whom the false instructors are enticing with their grandiose words, philosophical arguments, and sensual allurements. The intended victims had only recently accepted Christianity, or were on the point of accepting it, when they were faced with the specious deceptions of these heretical workers. Those who deceived such “little ones” certainly merited the sentence prescribed by the Saviour (Matt. 18:6).

Them who live in error. That is, the pagan Gentiles with whom the young converts had been closely associated and from whose influence they had just succeeded in escaping.