2 Peter 2:18
For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
2 Peter 2:18 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Peter warns against false teachers who use persuasive language and appeals to worldly desires to attract followers who have escaped from the ways of error. The "great swelling words of vanity" mentioned refer to the empty promises and deceitful teachings of these individuals. They use flattery and appealing rhetoric to draw people in, exploiting their weaknesses and temptations. By indulging in the lusts of the flesh and promoting a lifestyle of excess and immorality, these false teachers lead believers astray from the path of righteousness. The verse serves as a cautionary reminder to be vigilant and discerning when encountering misleading teachings that seek to lead us away from the truth. It emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's faith and resisting the temptations of the flesh that can lead us down a destructive path.
Theological Overview
One of the key points of theological interpretation in this verse lies in the description of the deceivers using "great swelling words of vanity." This phrase highlights the prideful and empty nature of their speech, which is meant to appeal to the sinful desires of their audience. The word "allure" suggests that these deceivers are actively seeking to draw others away from the truth through enticing means such as indulgence in the flesh and wanton behavior. By targeting those who were once clean and had escaped from the grip of error, the deceivers aim to lead them astray once more. This verse serves as a warning against false teachings and emphasizes the importance of staying grounded in the truth of the word of God to avoid being swayed by flashy yet empty promises.
2 Peter 2:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
For, uttering great swelling [words] of vanity, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by lasciviousness, those who are just escaping from them that live in error;
World English Bible
For, uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who are indeed escaping from those who live in error;
Douay-Rheims
For, speaking proud words of vanity, they allure by the desires of fleshly riotousness those who for a little while escape, such as converse in error:
Geneva Bible (1599)
For in speaking swelling wordes of vanitie, they beguile with wantonnesse through the lusts of the flesh them that were cleane escaped from them which are wrapped in errour,