CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Peter 2:15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_peter/2-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/61_2Pe_02_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Peter 2:15 - Deliverance from False Prophets" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_peter/2-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_peter/2-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_peter/">2 Peter</a> > <a href="/2_peter/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_peter/2-14.htm" title="2 Peter 2:14">◄</a> 2 Peter 2:15 <a href="/2_peter/2-16.htm" title="2 Peter 2:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_peter/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_peter/2.htm">New International Version</a> They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness. <a href="/nlt/2_peter/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> They have wandered off the right road and followed the footsteps of Balaam son of Beor, who loved to earn money by doing wrong. <a href="/esv/2_peter/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, <a href="/bsb/2_peter/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. <a href="/blb/2_peter/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Having forsaken the straight way, they have gone astray, having followed in the way of Balaam son of Bosor, who loved the wage of unrighteousness. <a href="/kjv/2_peter/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; <a href="/nkjv/2_peter/2.htm">New King James Version</a> They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; <a href="/nasb_/2_peter/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> abandoning the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the reward of unrighteousness; <a href="/nasb/2_peter/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; <a href="/nasb77/2_peter/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> forsaking the right way they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, <a href="/lsb/2_peter/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, <a href="/amp/2_peter/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Abandoning the straight road [that is, the right way to live], they have gone astray; they have followed the way of [the false teacher] Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the reward of wickedness; <a href="/csb/2_peter/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> They have gone astray by abandoning the straight path and have followed the path of Balaam, the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of wickedness <a href="/hcsb/2_peter/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> They have gone astray by abandoning the straight path and have followed the path of Balaam, the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness <a href="/asv/2_peter/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the hire of wrong-doing; <a href="/cev/2_peter/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> They have left the true road and have gone down the wrong path by following the example of the prophet Balaam. He was the son of Beor and loved what he got from being a crook. <a href="/erv/2_peter/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the hire of wrong-doing; <a href="/gwt/2_peter/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> These false teachers have left the straight path and wandered off to follow the path of Balaam, son of Beor. Balaam loved what his wrongdoing earned him. <a href="/gnt/2_peter/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> They have left the straight path and have lost their way; they have followed the path taken by Balaam son of Beor, who loved the money he would get for doing wrong <a href="/isv/2_peter/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> They have left the straight path and wandered off to follow the path of Bosor's son Balaam, who loved the reward he got for doing wrong. <a href="/msb/2_peter/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bosor, who loved the wages of wickedness. <a href="/net/2_peter/2.htm">NET Bible</a> By forsaking the right path they have gone astray, because they followed the way of Balaam son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, <a href="/nheb/2_peter/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Forsaking the right way they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness. <a href="/wbt/2_peter/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Who have forsaken the right way, and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; <a href="/wey/2_peter/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Forsaking the straight road, they have gone astray, having eagerly followed in the steps of Balaam, the son of Beor, who was bent on securing the wages of unrighteousness. <a href="/web/2_peter/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of wrongdoing; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_peter/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> having forsaken a right way, they went astray, having followed in the way of Balaam the [son] of Bosor, who loved a reward of unrighteousness, <a href="/blb/2_peter/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Having forsaken the straight way, they have gone astray, having followed in the way of Balaam son of Bosor, who loved the wage of unrighteousness. <a href="/ylt/2_peter/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> having forsaken a right way, they did go astray, having followed in the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who a reward of unrighteousness did love, <a href="/slt/2_peter/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Having forsaken the straight way, they were led astray, having followed in the way of Balaam son of Bosor, who loved the reward of injustice;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_peter/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Leaving the right way they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam of Bosor, who loved the wages of iniquity, <a href="/cpdv/2_peter/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Abandoning the straight path, they wandered astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of iniquity. <a href="/nabre/2_peter/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Abandoning the straight road, they have gone astray, following the road of Balaam, the son of Bosor, who loved payment for wrongdoing, <a href="/nrsvce/2_peter/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> They have left the straight road and have gone astray, following the road of Balaam son of Bosor, who loved the wages of doing wrong,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_peter/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Who have forsaken the right way and are gone astray, following the way of Ba’laam, the son of Be-or, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_peter/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And when they abandoned the straight way, they strayed and went in the way of Balaam, son of Beor, he who loved the wages of evil;<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_peter/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> who have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; <a href="/godbey/2_peter/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> leaving the straight way, they have wandered off, following in the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the reward of iniquity; and had the conviction of his own conscience: <a href="/haweis/2_peter/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> who forsaking the strait road are gone out of the way, following the path of Balaam the son of Bosor who loved the wages of iniquity. <a href="/mace/2_peter/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and are gone astray to follow the practices of Balaam of Bosor, who loved the wages of iniquity; <a href="/wey/2_peter/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Forsaking the straight road, they have gone astray, having eagerly followed in the steps of Balaam, the son of Beor, who was bent on securing the wages of unrighteousness. <a href="/worrell/2_peter/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> leaving the right way, they were led astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, <a href="/worsley/2_peter/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> who have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of iniquity; <a href="/parallel/2_peter/2-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gzcat0SlE18?start=383" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_peter/2.htm">Deliverance from False Prophets</a> …14Their eyes are full of adultery; their desire for sin is never satisfied; they seduce the unstable. They are accursed children with hearts trained in greed. 15<a href="/greek/2641.htm" title="2641: Katalipontes (V-APA-NMP) -- From kata and leipo; to leave down, i.e. Behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining.">They have left</a> <a href="/greek/2117.htm" title="2117: eutheian (Adj-AFS) -- Perhaps from eu and tithemi; straight, i.e. level, or true; adverbially at once.">the straight</a> <a href="/greek/3598.htm" title="3598: hodon (N-AFS) -- A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.">way</a> <a href="/greek/4105.htm" title="4105: eplanēthēsan (V-AIP-3P) -- To lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. From plane; to roam.">and wandered off</a> <a href="/greek/1811.htm" title="1811: exakolouthēsantes (V-APA-NMP) -- To follow after, imitate. From ek and akoloutheo; to follow out, i.e. to imitate, obey, yield to.">to follow</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3598.htm" title="3598: hodō (N-DFS) -- A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.">way</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/903.htm" title="903: Balaam (N-GMS) -- Balaam, son of Beor of Pethor on the Euphrates, a soothsayer in the Old Testament. Of Hebrew origin; Balaam, a Mesopotamian.">of Balaam</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1007.htm" title="1007: Bosor (N-GMS) -- Bosor, father of Balaam. Of Hebrew origin; Bosor, a Moabite.">son of Beor,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hos (RelPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">who</a> <a href="/greek/25.htm" title="25: ēgapēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.">loved</a> <a href="/greek/3408.htm" title="3408: misthon (N-AMS) -- (a) pay, wages, salary, (b) reward, recompense, punishment. Apparently a primary word; pay for service, good or bad.">the wages</a> <a href="/greek/93.htm" title="93: adikias (N-GFS) -- Injustice, unrighteousness, hurt. From adikos; injustice; morally, wrongfulness.">of wickedness.</a> 16But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/numbers/22-5.htm">Numbers 22:5-7</a> he sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. / So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.” / The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak. <a href="/numbers/22-21.htm">Numbers 22:21-35</a> So in the morning Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab. / Then God’s anger was kindled because Balaam was going along, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey, and his two servants were with him. / When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the path and went into a field. So Balaam beat her to return her to the path. ... <a href="/numbers/31-16.htm">Numbers 31:16</a> “Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD. <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a> Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion. <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14</a> But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. <a href="/numbers/24-1.htm">Numbers 24:1</a> And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not seek omens as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness. <a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Deuteronomy 23:4-5</a> For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you. / Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you. <a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Micah 6:5</a> My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’” <a href="/acts/13-10.htm">Acts 13:10</a> and said, “O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord? <a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a> For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. <a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Matthew 23:16-17</a> Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ / You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? <a href="/romans/6-16.htm">Romans 6:16</a> Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness? <a href="/1_john/3-12.htm">1 John 3:12</a> Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous. <a href="/hebrews/11-25.htm">Hebrews 11:25</a> He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. <a href="/1_kings/21-20.htm">1 Kings 21:20</a> When Elijah arrived, Ahab said to him, “So you have found me out, my enemy.” He replied, “I have found you out because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;forsaken.<a href="/1_samuel/12-23.htm">1 Samuel 12:23</a> Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:<a href="/1_kings/18-18.htm">1 Kings 18:18</a> And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.<a href="/1_kings/19-10.htm">1 Kings 19:10</a> And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.Balaam.<a href="/numbers/22-5.htm">Numbers 22:5-7</a> He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: … son of Beor.<a href="/numbers/22-18.htm">Numbers 22:18-21,23,28</a> And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more… <a href="/numbers/31-16.htm">Numbers 31:16</a> Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.<a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Deuteronomy 23:4,5</a> Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee… wages.<a href="/acts/1-18.htm">Acts 1:18</a> Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_peter/2-25.htm">Astray</a> <a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/james/4-4.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Beor</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/1-43.htm">Be'or</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">Eagerly</a> <a href="/james/5-20.htm">Error</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">Following</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-10.htm">Forsaken</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-25.htm">Forsaking</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-13.htm">Hire</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-17.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-13.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-13.htm">Right</a> <a href="/acts/26-13.htm">Road</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-21.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-13.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-14.htm">True.</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-14.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-13.htm">Unrighteousness</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-13.htm">Wages</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-14.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-13.htm">Wrongdoing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_peter/3-17.htm">Astray</a> <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/revelation/6-2.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/genesis/36-32.htm">Beor</a> <a href="/genesis/36-32.htm">Be'or</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-12.htm">Eagerly</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-16.htm">Error</a> <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-3.htm">Following</a> <a href="/revelation/2-4.htm">Forsaken</a> <a href="/judges/10-10.htm">Forsaking</a> <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Hire</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-8.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/genesis/4-4.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/2_john/1-8.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-11.htm">Right</a> <a href="/genesis/16-7.htm">Road</a> <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/revelation/4-2.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-22.htm">True.</a> <a href="/jude/1-4.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">Unrighteousness</a> <a href="/2_john/1-8.htm">Wages</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-21.htm">Way</a> <a href="/1_john/5-17.htm">Wrongdoing</a><div class="vheading2">2 Peter 2</div>1. <a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">Peter warns of false teachers, showing the impiety and punishment both of them and their followers;</a> 7. <a href="/2_peter/2-7.htm">from which the godly shall be delivered, as Lot was out of Sodom;</a> 10. <a href="/2_peter/2-10.htm">and more fully describes the manners of those profane and blasphemous seducers.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_peter/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_peter/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_peter/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>They have left the straight way This phrase indicates a deliberate departure from the path of righteousness and truth. In biblical terms, the "straight way" often refers to the path of obedience to God's commandments and teachings. <a href="/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26-27</a> advises believers to keep their feet from evil and stay on the path of righteousness. The imagery of a "straight way" is also seen in <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a>, where the way is prepared for the Lord, symbolizing a life aligned with God's will.and wandered off "Wandered off" suggests a gradual and perhaps careless deviation from the truth. This can be seen as a warning against spiritual complacency and the dangers of being led astray by false teachings. <a href="/hebrews/2.htm">Hebrews 2:1</a> warns believers to pay careful attention to what they have heard, so they do not drift away. The concept of wandering is also reminiscent of the Israelites' 40 years in the wilderness, a period marked by disobedience and lack of faith.to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor Balaam, a prophet mentioned in <a href="/numbers/22.htm">Numbers 22-24</a>, is a complex figure who is known for his interactions with Balak, the king of Moab. Despite being a prophet, Balaam is criticized for his willingness to curse Israel for financial gain. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's integrity for personal benefit. Balaam's actions are condemned in other parts of the New Testament, such as <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a> and <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14</a>, where his name becomes synonymous with leading others into sin.who loved the wages of wickedness This phrase highlights Balaam's motivation—his love for material gain over obedience to God. The "wages of wickedness" refers to the rewards or benefits gained through unrighteous actions. This is a direct contrast to the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>). The love of money and material wealth is frequently warned against in scripture, as seen in <a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a>, which states that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Balaam's story serves as a reminder of the spiritual peril that comes with prioritizing worldly gain over divine obedience.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a> The apostle and author of the epistle, addressing false teachers and warning believers. 2. <a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a> A prophet from the Old Testament known for his greed and willingness to curse Israel for financial gain. 3. <a href="/topical/b/beor.htm">Beor</a> The father of Balaam, mentioned to identify Balaam specifically. 4. <a href="/topical/f/false_teachers.htm">False Teachers</a> Individuals within the early church who were leading others astray with false doctrines. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_straight_way.htm">The Straight Way</a> A metaphor for the righteous path of following Christ and His teachings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_greed.htm">The Danger of Greed</a> Balaam's account serves as a warning against allowing financial gain to corrupt our spiritual integrity. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discernment.htm">The Importance of Discernment</a> Believers must be vigilant in discerning true teachings from false ones, staying rooted in Scripture. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_straying.htm">The Consequences of Straying</a> Leaving the "straight way" leads to spiritual peril and separation from God. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophets_and_teachers.htm">The Role of Prophets and Teachers</a> Those in positions of spiritual authority must prioritize truth over personal gain. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_righteousness.htm">The Call to Righteousness</a> Christians are called to follow the path of righteousness, resisting the temptation to deviate for worldly rewards.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_peter_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Peter 2</a> <a href="/q/are_2_peter_2_15_and_numbers_22-24_inconsistent.htm">2 Peter 2:15 references Balaam; are there inconsistencies compared to his Old Testament narrative in Numbers 22–24? </a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_balaam's_differing_portrayals.htm">How should we address the seeming discrepancy between Balaam’s portrayal here in Numbers 24 and other biblical texts that condemn him (e.g., 2 Peter 2:15)?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_balaam's_blessing_show_free_will.htm">If Balaam’s initial intention was to curse Israel (Numbers 24:1), how does his eventual blessing align with the notion of free will and divine sovereignty? </a> <a href="/q/how_is_god's_change_with_balaam_consistent.htm">How does God’s change from forbidding Balaam to go (Numbers 22:12) to eventually permitting him (Numbers 22:20) align with the concept of divine consistency? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_peter/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) The right way.--(Comp. <a href="/acts/13-10.htm" title="And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, you child of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?">Acts 13:10</a>.) In the Shepherd of Hermas (I. Vis. III. vii. 1) we have "Who have believed indeed, but through their doubting have forsaken their true way." (See Notes on <a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm" title="But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privately shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.">2Peter 2:1</a>; <a href="/2_peter/2-3.htm" title="And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingers not, and their damnation slumbers not.">2Peter 2:3</a>; <a href="/2_peter/2-13.htm" title="And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;">2Peter 2:13</a>; <a href="/2_peter/2-20.htm" title="For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.">2Peter 2:20</a>; <a href="/2_peter/3-5.htm" title="For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:">2Peter 3:5</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_peter/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray; literally, forsaking (or having forsaken; there are two slightly differing readings, both well supported) the right way, they went astray. The false teachers in St. Peter's time were like Elymas the sorcerer, whom St. Paul accused of perverting "the right ways of the Lord" (<a href="/acts/13-10.htm">Acts 13:10</a>; comp. also verse 2 of this chapter). In the 'Shepherd of Hermas' occurs what may be an echo of this verse: "Who... have forsaken their true way" (Vis., 3:7. 1). Following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor. The word rendered "following" (ἐξακολουθήσαντες) is found also in chapter 2 Peter 1:16 and 2 Peter 2:2 of this Epistle, but nowhere else in the New Testament; it means "to follow out to the end." Comp. <a href="/numbers/22-32.htm">Numbers 22:32</a>, where the angel of the Lord says of Balaam, "Thy way is perverse before me." The form "Bosor," instead of "Beor," arose probably from a peculiar (perhaps Galilaean) pronunciation of the guttural ע in בְּעור. Thus we, perhaps, have here an undesigned coincidence, a slight confirmation of St. Peter's authorship: he was a Galilaean, and his speech betrayed him (<a href="/matthew/26-73.htm">Matthew 26:73</a>); one characteristic of the Galilaean dialect was a mispronunciation of the gutturals. But some commentators see in the resemblance of the form "Bosor" to the Hebrew בָּשָׂר, flesh, an allusion to those sins of the flesh into which Balaam allured the Israelites. Compare the Jewish use of such names as Ishbosheth in derision for Eshbaal ("the man of shame" for "the man of Baal"), and Jerubbesheth (<a href="/2_samuel/11-21.htm">2 Samuel 11:21</a>) for Jerubbaal. The references to Balaam here, in St. Jude, the Book of the Revelation, and <a href="/1_corinthians/10-8.htm">1 Corinthians 10:8</a>, show that his history had made a great impression on the mind of thoughtful Christians. St. John connects his name with the Nicolaitanes in <a href="/revelation/2-15.htm">Revelation 2:15</a>, much as St. Peter here connects it with the false teachers of his time. Some, again, see in the etymology of the word "Nicolaitane" an allusion to that of "Balaam," as if the Nicolaitanes were followers of Balaam. There is another explanation in the 'Speaker's Commentary,' that the word "Bosor" is an Aramaic form, and that "the form possibly became familiar to St. Peter during his residence at Babylon, and suggests the probability that Aramaic traditions were still current respecting Balaam at the Christian era, and on the banks of the Euphrates" (additional note on Numbers 22:5). But the two oldest manuscripts read "Beer" here. Who loved the wages of unrighteousness (comp. verse 13, and also St. Peter's words in <a href="/acts/1-18.htm">Acts 1:18</a>). Balaam is not definitely accused of covetousness in the Old Testament narrative; but his conduct can be explained by no other motive. <a href="/commentaries/2_peter/2-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>They have left Καταλιπόντες (Katalipontes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2641.htm">Strong's 2641: </a> From kata and leipo; to leave down, i.e. Behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining. [the] straight εὐθεῖαν (eutheian) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2117.htm">Strong's 2117: </a> Perhaps from eu and tithemi; straight, i.e. level, or true; adverbially at once. way ὁδὸν (hodon) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3598.htm">Strong's 3598: </a> A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means. and wandered off ἐπλανήθησαν (eplanēthēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4105.htm">Strong's 4105: </a> To lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. From plane; to roam. to follow ἐξακολουθήσαντες (exakolouthēsantes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1811.htm">Strong's 1811: </a> To follow after, imitate. From ek and akoloutheo; to follow out, i.e. to imitate, obey, yield to. the τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. way ὁδῷ (hodō) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3598.htm">Strong's 3598: </a> A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means. of Balaam Βαλαὰμ (Balaam) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_903.htm">Strong's 903: </a> Balaam, son of Beor of Pethor on the Euphrates, a soothsayer in the Old Testament. Of Hebrew origin; Balaam, a Mesopotamian. [son] of Beor, Βοσὸρ (Bosor) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1007.htm">Strong's 1007: </a> Bosor, father of Balaam. Of Hebrew origin; Bosor, a Moabite. who ὃς (hos) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. loved ἠγάπησεν (ēgapēsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_25.htm">Strong's 25: </a> To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love. [the] wages μισθὸν (misthon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3408.htm">Strong's 3408: </a> (a) pay, wages, salary, (b) reward, recompense, punishment. Apparently a primary word; pay for service, good or bad. of wickedness. ἀδικίας (adikias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_93.htm">Strong's 93: </a> Injustice, unrighteousness, hurt. From adikos; injustice; morally, wrongfulness. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">NT Letters: 2 Peter 2:15 Forsaking the right way they went astray (2 Pet. 2P iiP ii Pet) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_peter/2-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Peter 2:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Peter 2:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_peter/2-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Peter 2:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Peter 2:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>