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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;

Verse Takeaways

1

Deception's Two-Part Attack

Commentators explain that false teachers use a two-pronged strategy. First, they use "great swelling words of vanity"—pompous, impressive-sounding, but ultimately empty language—to dazzle and confuse. Second, they appeal directly to sinful desires, enticing people by promising freedom to indulge in "the lusts of the flesh." This combination of intellectual trickery and moral license is their signature method.

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Book Overview

2 Peter

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Commentaries

7

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On 2 Peter 2:18

18th Century

Theologian

For when they speak great swelling words of vanity. When they make pretensions to wisdom and learning, or seem to attach great importance …

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On 2 Peter 2:18

Great swelling words (υπερογκα). Old compound adjective (υπερ and ογκος, a swelling, swelling above and beyond), in N.T. only here…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On 2 Peter 2:18

19th Century

Bishop

Great swelling words of vanity.—Exaggeration, unreality, boastfulness, and emptiness are expressed by this phrase. It carries on t…

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Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On 2 Peter 2:18

These heretics use sensual propaganda to “ensnare [or entice; GK 1284; cf. v.14] people who are just escaping from those who live in error.” In oth…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On 2 Peter 2:18

16th Century

Theologian

For when they speak great swelling words of vanity. He means that they dazzled the eyes of the simple with high-flown language, so that th…

John Gill

John Gill

On 2 Peter 2:18

17th Century

Pastor

For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity
Marvellous things against the God of gods, great things and blas…

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On 2 Peter 2:17–22

17th Century

Minister

The word of truth is the water of life, which refreshes the souls that receive it; but deceivers spread and promote error, and are shown to be empt…