2 Peter 2:3

Through covetousness. Rather, “in covetousness,” covetousness being the element in which the false teachers operated to deceive and extract wealth from the unwary (cf. 1 Tim. 6:5; Titus 1:11; Jude 16). Compare the experience of Balaam (Num. 22 to 24). For “covetousness” see on Rom. 1:29; Eph. 5:3; Col. 3:5.

Feigned. Gr. plastoi, “molded,” “formed,” hence, “forged,” “fabricated” (cf. our word “plastic”). These false teachers pretended to have secret knowledge and persuaded believers to give them money in exchange for it, thus revealing their real motives.

Make merchandise. Gr. emporeuomai, “to go a trading,” “to travel for business.” Our English word “emporium” comes from the same root. The teachers were trading with the souls of their victims, selling them false doctrine in return for their gifts. Believers who gave of their means to enrich those lying teachers certainly received small returns for their money.

Whose judgment ... lingereth not. Literally, “for whom the sentence out of long time is not inactive.” The sentence long ago decided by God is not a dead letter and cannot be ignored.

Damnation. Gr. apoleia (see on v. 1). The reference here is to the final destruction of the false teachers.

Slumbereth. Gr. nustazd, “to nod the head in sleep,” found in the NT only here and in Matt. 25:5. Peter’s previous phrase concerned the sentence of judgment; he now assures the faithful that the sentence will be executed according to God’s plan.