An Exegetical Analysis of the Relative Pronoun Antecedent in 2 Peter 2:2
This exegetical study of An Exegetical Analysis of the Relative Pronoun Antecedent in 2 Peter 2:2 is based on a b-greek discussion from May 26, 1999. The initial query concerned the identification of the antecedent for the relative pronoun δι’ οὓς in 2 Peter 2:2, specifically whether it refers to πολλοι (‘many’) or αὐτῶν (‘of them’ or ‘their’).
The central exegetical issue revolves around the precise grammatical relationship and theological implication of the relative pronoun δι’ οὓς (‘because of whom’ or ‘through whom’) in 2 Peter 2:2. While many commentaries confidently assert πολλοι as the antecedent, the proximity of αὐτῶν raises a valid grammatical question regarding its potential as the referent. Resolving this ambiguity is crucial for accurately understanding the object of the ‘destruction’ and ‘reproach’ described in the verse, and whether it primarily targets the followers of false teachers or the false teachers themselves.
Greek text (Nestle 1904)
καὶ πολλοὶ ἐξακολουθήσουσιν αὐτῶν ταῖς ἀσελγείαις, δι’ οὓς ἡ ὁδὸς τῆς ἀληθείας βλασφημηθήσεται.
- Key differences with SBLGNT (2010): The text of 2 Peter 2:2 in Nestle 1904 is identical to the SBLGNT (2010).
Textual criticism (NA28), lexical notes (KITTEL, BDAG):
The textual apparatus of NA28 shows no significant variants for 2 Peter 2:2 that would affect the choice of antecedent for δι’ οὓς. The primary interpretive challenge remains a grammatical and contextual one rather than a textual one.
- πολλοὶ (BDAG: “many, numerous”) is a masculine nominative plural adjective/substantive, representing a large group.
- ἐξακολουθήσουσιν (BDAG: “to follow out, follow up, follow”) is the future active indicative of ἐξακολουθέω. This verb often carries a negative connotation of ‘to go along with’ or ‘to pursue’ in a harmful sense, particularly when paired with vices.
- αὐτῶν is a genitive plural pronoun. Its function is a key point of discussion:
- It could be a partitive genitive dependent on πολλοὶ (“many *of them*”).
- More likely, it functions as a possessive genitive dependent on ταῖς ἀσελγείαις (“*their* licentiousness”). The context of 2 Peter 2:1, which introduces ψευδοδιδάσκαλοι (false teachers), suggests that αὐτῶν refers to these deceptive figures.
- ταῖς ἀσελγείαις (BDAG: “licentiousness, debauchery, sensuality”) is a dative plural noun. The use of the dative case with ἐξακολουθέω, while less common for behaviors (as the verb often takes a dative of persons), can be understood metonymically, where “following licentiousness” implies following the persons who embody such behavior or the path defined by it.
- δι’ οὓς: The preposition διά with the accusative plural relative pronoun οὓς translates to “on account of whom,” “because of whom,” or “through whom.” The pronoun οὓς is masculine plural accusative, making both πολλοὶ (masculine nominative plural) and the implied masculine plural referent of αὐτῶν (the false teachers) grammatically plausible antecedents in terms of gender and number.
Translation Variants
The choice of antecedent for δι’ οὓς significantly influences the interpretation and translation of 2 Peter 2:2, leading to distinct grammatical and rhetorical emphases.
1. Interpreting πολλοὶ as the Antecedent:
If πολλοὶ is the antecedent, the verse emphasizes the widespread corruption and the negative impact that the *followers* of the false teachers have on the reputation of Christian truth. Grammatically, πολλοὶ is masculine plural, matching the gender and number of οὓς, making it a straightforward connection. Rhetorically, this highlights the tragic consequences of mass defection, where the sheer number of those following depraved ways brings shame to the “way of truth.” The blasphemy arises from the multitude’s actions.
Example: “And many will follow their licentious ways, *because of whom* (these many followers) the way of truth will be blasphemed.”
2. Interpreting αὐτῶν (the false teachers) as the Antecedent:
If αὐτῶν (understood as referring to the ψευδοδιδάσκαλοι from v. 1) is the antecedent, the verse places the blame more directly on the *false teachers themselves*. While αὐτῶν is genitive and οὓς is accusative, the semantic context of 2 Peter 2:1-3 strongly points to the false teachers as the primary agents of destruction and deception. Grammatically, the proximity of αὐτῶν to δι’ οὓς is also a factor. Rhetorically, this interpretation underscores the culpability of the originators of heresy. The blasphemy arises primarily from the scandalous actions and teachings of the leaders, even if executed by their followers.
Example: “And many will follow *their* (the false teachers’) licentiousness, *because of whom* (the false teachers) the way of truth will be blasphemed.”
Grammatical and Rhetorical Analysis:
The discussion highlights the ambiguity of αὐτῶν, questioning whether it’s a partitive genitive (“many of them”) or a possessive genitive (“their licentiousness”). The consensus in the original discussion, along with broader contextual readings of 2 Peter, tends to favor αὐτῶν as a possessive genitive, referring to the `ψευδοδιδάσκαλοι` introduced in verse 1. If αὐτῶν refers to the false teachers, and these same false teachers are the referent of δι’ οὓς, then the passage is a powerful indictment of the originators of heresy. The `πολλοὶ` are merely those who are led astray by the scandalous practices of the authoritative, albeit false, teachers. This interpretation maintains a consistent focus on the false teachers as the primary source of corruption and the cause of the resultant blasphemy against the truth.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
While both `πολλοὶ` and the implied referent of `αὐτῶν` (the false teachers) are grammatically plausible antecedents for `δι’ οὓς` in terms of gender and number, contextual and rhetorical considerations favor the false teachers as the more direct and impactful antecedent. The overall thrust of 2 Peter 2:1-3 is a condemnation of `ψευδοδιδάσκαλοι`, portraying them as the primary instigators of heresy and scandal. Attributing the blasphemy directly to them (as the referent of `αὐτῶν`) aligns more strongly with this overarching theme, making them the ultimate cause of the reproach.
Based on this analysis, the following translation suggestions are offered, reflecting the nuanced interpretations:
- “And many will follow their depraved ways, and on account of these very ones (the false teachers) the way of truth will be slandered.”
This translation explicitly links the relative pronoun to the false teachers, emphasizing their direct culpability as the cause of blasphemy. - “Indeed, many will indulge in their shameful ways; and it is because of them (the false teachers) that the way of truth will be blasphemed.”
This rendering similarly highlights the false teachers as the cause, using a more emphatic construction to underscore their responsibility. - “And many will follow their licentious ways, because of whom (i.e., the false teachers, whose actions are being followed) the way of truth will be spoken against in evil ways.”
This option offers a slightly more expansive clarification, maintaining the connection to the false teachers while acknowledging the followers’ adoption of their practices.