2 Peter 2:14 Meaning: Eyes Full, Hearts Trained
having eyes full of adultery, and who can’t cease from sin, enticing unsettled souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children!
Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; enticing unstedfast souls; having a heart exercised in covetousness; children of cursing;
having eyes full of adultery, and unable to cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having an heart exercised in covetousnesses, children of a curse,
having eyes full of adultery, and that cease not from sin, alluring unestablished souls; having a heart practised in covetousness, children of curse;
Meaning in one sentence
What does it mean to have eyes full of adultery and a heart trained in greed? Discover the Bible's warning against false teachers in 2 Peter 2:14.
Context
Second Peter was written to warn Christians about false teachers who had slipped into the church. Chapter 2 paints a stark picture of these people: they follow their corrupt desires, despise authority, and use deception to lead others astray. Verse 14 comes in the middle of Peter's description, highlighting their inner corruption. They are not simply mistaken in doctrine; their whole being, eyes, heart, actions, is bent toward sin. The verse serves as a warning to the church to recognize such people and to stand firm in the truth.
Key Words
The Greek behind 'eyes full of adultery' is striking: literally 'having eyes full of an adulteress.' It pictures someone who cannot look at anyone without lust, as if the image of a forbidden woman fills their vision. The word 'enticing' comes from a fishing term, meaning to bait a hook. These teachers were not just passive sinners; they actively lured others, like a fisherman casts bait. And the phrase 'heart trained in greed' uses the word for gymnastic training. They had practiced covetousness until it became second nature. What they trained for was not godliness but greed.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have read this verse as a sobering description of the depth of sin. Reformed commentators like Calvin see it as a warning to be established in faith, so we are not easily 'baited.' Baptist expositor Gill emphasizes that even looking with lust is adultery of the heart, connecting to Jesus' teaching. Adam Clarke, a Methodist, notes that the image of 'eyes full of an adulteress' reflects a mind consumed with impurity. The phrase 'children of curse' has been understood both actively, they bring a curse wherever they go, and passively, they are under God's judgment. Both readings agree this is a serious condition with eternal consequences.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is to take 'cannot cease from sin' as meaning these teachers were helpless victims of their desires. In fact, the Greek word means 'unceasing' or 'unable to be stopped', it describes their relentless pursuit of sin, not a lack of choice. Their hearts were not enslaved but deliberately trained in greed. Peter is exposing willful rebellion, not fate.
Living This Out
This verse asks you to examine what your eyes 'are full of' and what your heart is training in. It is easy to let your gaze linger where it should not, or to practice wanting more until it feels natural. Peter's warning is not to condemn you but to protect you. This week, pay attention to the small choices: what you look at, what you rehearse in your thoughts, what you secretly wish for. And if you feel unstable, ask God to make you steadfast. The same energy you might put into wanting, you can put into training your heart to love what is good.
Main takeaway: Your heart will be trained by whatever you practice, so train it not in greed but in the fear of the Lord.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Some people look at others with wrong desires. But God wants our eyes to see good things and our hearts to love Him. Ask God to help you look away from what is wrong.
For ages 9, 12
This verse describes people who trained their hearts to be greedy and their eyes to look at wrong things. Think of it like practice: if you practice basketball, you get better. They practiced sin until it came naturally. The warning for you is to practice good things instead, kindness, honesty, and love. What are you training your heart to do?
Questions People Ask
What does 'eyes full of adultery' mean?
The Greek phrase literally says 'having eyes full of an adulteress.' It pictures someone whose gaze is constantly filled with lust, as if they carry an image of a forbidden woman before them. This goes beyond a single glance to describe a settled habit of looking at others with wrong desire.
What does 'accursed children' mean?
The phrase 'children of curse' is a Semitic expression meaning people who are under God's judgment or who bring a curse with them. In context, it describes false teachers who not only sin themselves but also lead others into sin, and they face the consequences of that.
Who are the false teachers in 2 Peter 2?
They were people who came into the early Christian church claiming to be believers but teaching falsehood and living immoral lives. They denied Christ's authority, followed their own corrupt desires, and used deception to attract followers. Peter compares them to Balaam, a prophet who tried to curse Israel for money.
Can a Christian have a heart trained in greed?
The verse describes false teachers who have made greed a practiced habit. For believers, this is a warning to examine our own hearts. While a true Christian can struggle with greed, the repeated practice of sin hardens the heart. The call is to train the heart in righteousness instead.
What does 'cannot cease from sin' mean?
It does not mean the false teachers were unable to stop because they were forced. It means they were relentless in sinning, they did not want to stop. The Greek word describes something that never rests, like a constant activity. It is a picture of willful, persistent sin.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study