The Greek verb argeō means to be idle, inactive, or to linger without effect. It derives from argos (idle, from a- + ergon = 'without work'), and appears in 2 Peter 2:3 in a striking theological statement.
In 2 Peter 2:3, Peter uses argeō to reassure believers that the condemnation of false teachers 'has not been idle' (ouk argeō) and their destruction 'has not been sleeping.' This powerful use of the negative form asserts that divine judgment, though it may seem delayed to human perception, is never inactive. God's purposes are always at work, even when invisible. This contrasts with the parable of the idle servant (Matthew 25:26) — the master who returns to find inactivity is displeased. The kingdom requires active, fruitful engagement; divine judgment requires no such prompting — it moves with inevitable certainty toward its appointed hour.