1. 2 Peter 2:14 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why does Peter call the false teachers accursed children?

2 Peter 2:14 (ESV)

14 They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children!

The NIV translated this as accursed brood (see also Isaiah 57:4; Ephesians 2:3; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Peter 1:14). The simple meaning of the phrase is that these heretics are subject to divine judgment (cursing, see also Deuteronomy 11:28–29; Deuteronomy 28:15, Deuteronomy 28:45; Deuteronomy 29:27; Proverbs 3:33; Galatians 3:10, Galatians 3:13; Hebrews 6:8; James 3:10). The verdict which they denied is upon them.1