What does 2 Peter 2:14 mean?

This section of Peter's letter is clearly written with passion. He continues to condemn the false teachers at work in the early church. Jesus Himself had given Peter the mission to tend the sheep of God. At times, a shepherd's job includes driving away wild predators (1 Samuel 17:34–35). This naturally comes with some ferocity, and Peter shows in defending his flock from these attacking wolves.

In this verse, Peter writes that these false teachers have eyes full of adultery. The Greek phrase implies a man who sees sex every time he looks at a woman. These deceivers are looking for every opportunity to engage in sexual immorality but are never satisfied, never stopping.

Such people are skilled in the art of seduction and persuasion. This is particularly effective against those in the church who are weak or "unsteady" in their faith, those who are most vulnerable to temptation. In addition, these false teachers have trained their hearts for greed to the point that Peter calls them experts. That is, they have developed the ability to get what they covet by any means necessary.

The verse concludes with Peter's exclamation: Accursed children! This was apparently a well–known Hebrew phrase meaning "children of a curse." This is a crucial point for understanding Peter's meaning in this passage. "Children of a curse," in that time and place, was a reference to those completely damned by God. In other words, in plain and unmistakable terms, Peter sees these false teachers as non-believers. Those who act in such ways do not have a saving faith in Christ (1 John 3:9).