Replies

And there did come also false prophets among the people, as also among you there shall be false teachers, who shall bring in besides destructive sects, and the Master who bought them denying, bringing to themselves quick destruction, and many shall follow out their destructive ways, because of whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken of, and in covetousness, with moulded words, of you they shall make merchandise, whose judgment of old is not idle, and their destruction doth not slumber.

For those who are King James Version Challenged, The Living Translation states it as follows:

"But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false prophets among you. They will cleverly teach their destructive heresies about God and even turn against their Master who bought them. Theirs will be a swift and terrible end. Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of them, Christ and his true way will be slandered. In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction is on the way."

AMEN!!

Actually it's Darby's, and I agree it's a bit thick but I prefer it to the NIV--they take liberties with the text and remake it in confusing ways in light of more contemporary thought, e.g.

In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money

whereas the original text is says of you they shall make merchandise--that is, they will make you their slaves, not bilk you out of your money. But I suppose you get that with any translation, just how much depends on the skill and objectivity of the translator.