2 Peter

2 Peter front

Introduction to 2 Peter

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of 2 Peter

1. Introduction (1:1-2)
2. Reminder to live good lives because God has enabled us to (1:3-21)
3. Warning against false teachers (2:1-22)
4. Encouragement to prepare for the second coming of Jesus (3:1-17)

Who wrote the Book of 2 Peter?

The author identified himself as Simon Peter. Simon Peter was an apostle. He also wrote 1 Peter. Peter probably wrote this letter while in a prison in Rome just before he died. Peter called this letter his second letter, so we can date it after 1 Peter. He addressed the letter to the same audience as his first letter. The audience probably was Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor.

What is the Book of 2 Peter about?

Peter wrote this letter to encourage believers to live good lives. He warned them about false teachers who were saying Jesus was taking too long to return. He told them that Jesus was not slow in returning. Instead, God was giving people time to repent so that they would be saved.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “2 Peter” or “Second Peter.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “The Second Letter from Peter” or “The Second Letter Peter Wrote.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Who were the people Peter spoke against?

It is possible that the people Peter spoke against were those who would become known as Gnostics. These teachers distorted the teachings of scripture for their own gain. They lived in immoral ways and taught others to do the same.

What does it mean that God inspired Scripture?

The doctrine of scripture is a very important one. 2 Peter helps readers to understand that while each writer of scripture had his own distinct way of writing, God is the true author of scripture (1:20-21).

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Singular and plural “you”

In this book, the word “I” refers to Peter. Also, the word “you” is always plural and refers to Peter’s audience. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’ and Forms of You)

What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 2 Peter?

For the following verses, some modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULT text has the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading. * “to be kept in chains of lower darkness until the judgment” (2:4). Some modern versions and older versions have, “to be kept in pits of lower darkness until the judgment.” * “They enjoy their deceitful actions while they are feasting with you” (2:13). Some versions have, “They enjoy their actions while they are feasting with you in love feasts.” * “Beor” (2:15). Some other versions read, “Bosor.” * “The elements will be burned with fire, and the earth and the deeds in it will be revealed” (3:10). Other versions have, “The elements will be burned with fire, and the earth and the deeds in it will be burned up.”

(See: Textual Variants)

2 Peter 1

2 Peter 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Peter formally introduces this letter in verses 1-2. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.

Special concepts in this chapter

Knowledge of God

Having knowledge of God means to belong to him or to have a relationship with him. Here, “knowledge” is more than just mentally knowing about God. It is a knowledge that causes God to save a person and to give him grace and peace. (See: know, knowledge, unknown, distinguish)

Living godly lives

Peter teaches that God has given believers all that they need for living godly lives. Therefore, believers should do everything they can to obey God more and more. If believers continue to do this, then they will be effective and productive through their relationship with Jesus. However, if believers do not continue living godly lives, then it is like they have forgotten what God did through Christ to save them. (See: godly, godliness, ungodly, godless, ungodliness, godlessness and save, saved, safe, salvation)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

The truth of Scripture

Peter teaches that the prophecies in Scripture were not made up by men. The Holy Spirit revealed God’s message to the men who spoke them or wrote them down. Also, Peter and the other apostles did not make up the stories they told people about Jesus. They witnessed what Jesus did and heard God call Jesus his son.

2 Peter 1:1

Peter identifies himself as the writer and identifies and greets the believers he is writing to.

δοῦλος καὶ ἀπόστολος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Peter speaks of being a servant of Jesus Christ. He also was given the position and authority of being Christ’s apostle.

τοῖς ἰσότιμον…λαχοῦσιν πίστιν

That these people have received faith implies that God has given that faith to them. Alternate translation: “to those to whom God has given the same precious faith” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῖς…λαχοῦσιν

“to you who have received.” Peter addresses all believers who may read this letter.

ἡμῖν

Here the word us refers to Peter and the other apostles, but not to those to whom he is writing. Alternate translation: “as we apostles have received” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

2 Peter 1:2

χάρις…καὶ εἰρήνη πληθυνθείη

God is the one who will give grace and peace to believers. Alternate translation: “May God increase your grace and your peace” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

χάρις…καὶ εἰρήνη πληθυνθείη

Peter speaks of grace and peace as if they were objects that could increase in size or numbers. (See: Metaphor)

ἐν ἐπιγνώσει τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν

You can translate knowledge using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “through your knowing God and Jesus our Lord” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Peter 1:3

Peter begins to teach the believers about living godly lives.

πρὸς ζωὴν καὶ εὐσέβειαν

Here, godliness describes the word life. Alternate translation: “for a godly life” (See: Hendiadys)

ἡμᾶς

Here the word us refers to Peter and his audience. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

2 Peter 1:4

δι’ ὧν

Here, which refers back to “his glory and excellence” in the previous verse.

γένησθε…κοινωνοὶ

“you might share”

θείας…φύσεως

of what God is like

ἀποφυγόντες τῆς ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ἐν ἐπιθυμίᾳ φθορᾶς

Peter speaks of people not suffering from the corruption that wicked desires cause as if they had escaped from that corruption. Alternate translation: “and so that the wicked desires in this world will no longer corrupt you” (See: Metaphor)

φθορᾶς

The word corruption is an abstract noun that can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “things that corrupt you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Peter 1:5

καὶ αὐτὸ τοῦτο

This refers to what Peter has just said in the previous verses. Alternate translation: “because of what God has done” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Peter 1:7

τὴν φιλαδελφίαν

This refers to love for a friend or family member and likely means love for ones spiritual family.

2 Peter 1:8

ταῦτα

This refers to faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love, which Peter mentioned in the previous verses.

οὐκ ἀργοὺς οὐδὲ ἀκάρπους καθίστησιν

Peter speaks of a person who does not possess these qualities as if he is a field that will not produce a crop. (See: Metaphor)

οὐκ ἀργοὺς οὐδὲ ἀκάρπους καθίστησιν

You can state this in positive terms. Alternate translation: “you will produce and be fruitful” (See: Double Negatives)

ἀργοὺς οὐδὲ ἀκάρπους

These words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that this person will be productive and experience the benefits from knowing Jesus. Alternate translation: “unproductive” (See: Doublet)

εἰς τὴν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἐπίγνωσιν

You can translate knowledge using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “through your knowing God and Jesus our Lord” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Peter 1:9

ᾧ…μὴ πάρεστιν ταῦτα

the person who does not have these things

τυφλός ἐστιν μυωπάζων

Peter speaks of a person who does not possess these qualities as if he were a blind or nearsighted person because he does not understand their value. Alternate translation: “is like a shortsighted person who cannot see their importance” (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ καθαρισμοῦ τῶν πάλαι αὐτοῦ ἁμαρτιῶν

You can use a verb to translate this. Alternate translation: “that God has cleansed him from his old sins” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Peter 1:10

βεβαίαν ὑμῶν τὴν κλῆσιν καὶ ἐκλογὴν ποιεῖσθαι

The words calling and election share similar meanings and refer to God’s choosing them to belong to him. Alternate translation: “make sure that God has really chosen you to belong to him” (See: Doublet)

οὐ μὴ πταίσητέ ποτε

Here, stumble could mean: (1) This refers to committing sin. Alternate translation: “you will not practice sinful behavior” (2) This refers to becoming unfaithful to Christ. Alternate translation: “you will not become unfaithful to Christ” (See: Metaphor)

2 Peter 1:11

πλουσίως ἐπιχορηγηθήσεται ὑμῖν ἡ εἴσοδος εἰς τὴν αἰώνιον βασιλείαν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will richly provide for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡ εἴσοδος

the opportunity to enter

2 Peter 1:12

Peter tells the believers about his obligation to continue reminding them and teaching them.

ἐστηριγμένους ἐν τῇ παρούσῃ ἀληθείᾳ

“you strongly believe the truth that you now have”

2 Peter 1:13

διεγείρειν ὑμᾶς ἐν ὑπομνήσει

Here the word stir up means to awaken someone from sleep. Peter speaks of causing his readers to think about these things as if he were waking them from sleep. Alternate translation: “to remind you of these things so that you will think about them” (See: Metaphor)

ἐφ’ ὅσον εἰμὶ ἐν τούτῳ τῷ σκηνώματι

Peter speaks of his body as if it were a tent that he is wearing and will take off. Being in his body represents being alive. Alternate translation: “as long as I am in this body” or “as long as I am alive” (See: Metaphor)

2 Peter 1:14

ταχινή ἐστιν ἡ ἀπόθεσις τοῦ σκηνώματός μου

Peter speaks of his body as if it were a tent that he is wearing and will take off. Being in his body represents being alive, and taking it off represents dying. Alternate translation: “I will soon take off this body” (See: Metaphor)

ταχινή ἐστιν ἡ ἀπόθεσις τοῦ σκηνώματός μου

Putting off his tent is a a nice way to refer to dying. Alternate translation: “I will die soon” (See: Euphemism)

2 Peter 1:15

τούτων

Here the words these things refers to everything that Peter has said in the previous verses.

μετὰ τὴν ἐμὴν ἔξοδον

Peter speaks of his death as if he were leaving one place to go to another. Alternate translation: “after my death” or “after I die” (See: Metaphor)

μετὰ τὴν ἐμὴν ἔξοδον

Peter uses the word departure as a nice way to speak of his death. Alternate translation: “after my death” or “after I die” (See: Euphemism)

2 Peter 1:16

Peter continues to explain his teachings to the believers and explains why they are trustworthy.

οὐ…ἐξακολουθήσαντες

Here the word we refers to Peter and the other apostles, but not to his readers. Alternate translation: “we apostles did not follow” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

τὴν…δύναμιν καὶ παρουσίαν

These two phrases may refer to the same thing and be translated as a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the powerful coming” (See: Hendiadys)

τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ…παρουσίαν

This could mean: (1) This refers to the future second coming of the Lord Jesus. (2) This refers to the first coming of the Lord Jesus.

τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here the word our refers to all believers. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

2 Peter 1:17

φωνῆς ἐνεχθείσης αὐτῷ τοιᾶσδε ὑπὸ τῆς Μεγαλοπρεποῦς Δόξης

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “when he heard that voice come from the Majestic Glory” or “when he heard the voice of the Majestic Glory speak to him” or “when the Majestic Glory spoke to him” (See: Active or Passive)

τῆς Μεγαλοπρεποῦς Δόξης

Peter refers to God in terms of his Glory. This is a euphemism that avoids using God’s name, out of reverence for him. Alternate translation: “God, the Supreme Glory” (See: Metonymy)

τῆς Μεγαλοπρεποῦς Δόξης

Here, Glory is a euphemism that avoids using God’s name, out of reverence for him. Alternate translation: “God, the Supreme Glory” (See: Euphemism)

2 Peter 1:18

ταύτην τὴν φωνὴν ἡμεῖς ἠκούσαμεν ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, ἐνεχθεῖσαν

With the words we ourselves, Peter is referring to himself and to the disciples James and John, who heard the voice of God. Alternate translation: “we ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ταύτην τὴν φωνὴν ἡμεῖς ἠκούσαμεν ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, ἐνεχθεῖσαν

“we ourselves heard the voice of the one who spoke from heaven”

σὺν αὐτῷ, ὄντες

“when we were with Jesus”

2 Peter 1:19

Peter begins to warn the believers about false teachers.

ἔχομεν βεβαιότερον τὸν προφητικὸν λόγον

The things that Peter and the other apostles saw, which he described in the previous verses, confirm what the prophets spoke. Alternate translation: “the things that we saw make this prophetic message more sure” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔχομεν

Here the word we refers to all believers, including Peter and his readers. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

βεβαιότερον τὸν προφητικὸν λόγον

This refers to the Old Testament. Alternate translation: “the scriptures, which the prophets spoke” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ᾧ καλῶς ποιεῖτε προσέχοντες

Peter instructs the believers to pay close attention to the prophetic message.

ὡς λύχνῳ φαίνοντι ἐν αὐχμηρῷ τόπῳ, ἕως οὗ ἡμέρα διαυγάσῃ

Peter compares the prophetic word to a lamp that gives light in the dark until light comes in the morning. The coming of morning is a reference to Christ’s coming. (See: Simile)

φωσφόρος ἀνατείλῃ ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν

Peter speaks of Christ as the morning star, which indicates that daybreak and the end of darkness is near. Christ will bring light into the hearts of believers, ending all doubt and bringing full understanding of who he is. Alternate translation: “Christ shines his light into your hearts like the morning star shines its light into the world” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν

Here, hearts is a metonym for people’s minds. Alternate translation: “in your minds” or “to help you understand” (See: Metonymy)

φωσφόρος

The morning star refers to the planet Venus, which sometimes rises just before the sun and indicates that daybreak is near.

2 Peter 1:20

τοῦτο πρῶτον γινώσκοντες

“Most importantly, you must understand”

πᾶσα προφητεία Γραφῆς ἰδίας ἐπιλύσεως οὐ γίνεται

This could mean: (1) The prophets did not make any of their prophecies on their own. (2) People must rely on the Holy Spirit to understand all the prophecies. (3) People must interpret every prophecy with the help of the entire Christian community of believers.

2 Peter 1:21

ὑπὸ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου φερόμενοι, ἐλάλησαν ἀπὸ Θεοῦ ἄνθρωποι

Peter speaks of the Holy Spirit helping the prophets to write what God wanted them to write as if the Holy Spirit was carrying them from one place to another. Alternate translation: “men spoke from God as the Holy Spirit directed them” (See: Metaphor)

2 Peter 2

2 Peter 2 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Flesh

“Flesh” is a metaphor for a person’s sinful nature. It is not the physical part of man that is sinful. “Flesh” represents the human nature that rejects all things godly and desires what is sinful. This is the condition of all humans before they receive the Holy Spirit by believing in Jesus. (See: flesh)

Implicit information

There are several analogies in 2:4-8 that are difficult to understand if the Old Testament has not yet been translated. Further explanation may be necessary. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Peter 2:1

Peter begins to warn the believers about false teachers.

ἐγένοντο…καὶ ψευδοπροφῆται ἐν τῷ λαῷ, ὡς καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν ἔσονται ψευδοδιδάσκαλοι

Just as false prophets came deceiving Israel with their words, so will false teachers come teaching lies about Christ.

αἱρέσεις ἀπωλείας

The word heresies refers to opinions that are contrary to the teaching of Christ and the apostles. These heresies destroy the faith of those who believe them.

τὸν ἀγοράσαντα αὐτοὺς Δεσπότην

Peter speaks of Jesus as the owner of people whom he has bought, the price being his death. (See: Metaphor)

τὸν…Δεσπότην

The word master here refers to a person who owns slaves. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Peter 2:2

ταῖς ἀσελγείαις

immoral sexual behavior

ἡ ὁδὸς τῆς ἀληθείας βλασφημηθήσεται

The phrase way of truth refers to the Christian faith as the true path to God. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “unbelievers will blaspheme the way of truth” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Peter 2:3

πλαστοῖς λόγοις ὑμᾶς ἐμπορεύσονται

“they will convince you to give them money by telling you lies”

οἷς τὸ κρίμα ἔκπαλαι οὐκ ἀργεῖ, καὶ ἡ ἀπώλεια αὐτῶν οὐ νυστάζει

The two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize how soon the false teachers will be condemned. (See: Parallelism)

κρίμα…ἀπώλεια

Peter speaks of condemnation and destruction as if they are persons who act. (See: Personification)

οἷς τὸ κρίμα…οὐκ ἀργεῖ, καὶ ἡ ἀπώλεια αὐτῶν οὐ νυστάζει

The abstract nouns “condemnation” and “destruction” can be expressed in verbal form. Alternate translation: “it will not be long until they are condemned, and they will soon be destroyed” (See: Abstract Nouns)

οἷς τὸ κρίμα ἔκπαλαι οὐκ ἀργεῖ, καὶ ἡ ἀπώλεια αὐτῶν οὐ νυστάζει

You can translate these phrases with verbs in positive terms. Alternate translation: “God will soon condemn them; he is ready to destroy them” (See: Double Negatives)

2 Peter 2:4

Peter gives examples of people who acted against God and whom God punished because of what they did.

οὐκ ἐφείσατο

“did not refrain from punishing” or “punished”

ταρταρώσας

The word Tartarus is a term from Greek religion that refers to the place where evil spirits and wicked men who have died are punished. Alternate translation: “he cast them into hell” (See: How to Translate Names)

σειροῖς ζόφου…τηρουμένους

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “where he will keep them in chains of darkness” (See: Active or Passive)

σειροῖς ζόφου

This could mean: (1) This refers to chains in a very dark place. (2) This refers to a very deep darkness that imprisons them like chains. (See: Metaphor)

εἰς κρίσιν

This refers to the day of judgment when God will judge every person.

2 Peter 2:5

ἀρχαίου κόσμου οὐκ ἐφείσατο

Here the word world refers to the people who lived in it. Alternate translation: “he did not spare the people who lived in the ancient world” (See: Metonymy)

ὄγδοον, Νῶε…ἐφύλαξεν

God did not destroy Noah and seven other people when he destroyed the rest of the people who lived in the ancient world.

2 Peter 2:6

πόλεις Σοδόμων καὶ Γομόρρας τεφρώσας

“after burning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah with fire until only ashes remained”

καταστροφῇ κατέκρινεν

Here the word them refers to Sodom and Gomorrah and the people who lived in them.

ὑπόδειγμα μελλόντων ἀσεβέσιν

Sodom and Gomorrah serve as an example and a warning of what will happen to others who disobey God.

2 Peter 2:7

Peter gives an example of Lot, whom God rescued out from among men who deserved punishment.

τῆς τῶν ἀθέσμων ἐν ἀσελγείᾳ ἀναστροφῆς

“the immoral behavior of people who broke God’s law”

2 Peter 2:8

ὁ δίκαιος

This refers to Lot.

ψυχὴν δικαίαν…ἐβασάνιζεν

Here the word soul refers to Lot’s thoughts and emotions. The immoral behavior of the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah disturbed him emotionally. Alternate translation: “was greatly disturbed” (See: Synecdoche)

2 Peter 2:10

Peter begins describing the characteristics of unrighteous men.

τοὺς ὀπίσω σαρκὸς ἐν ἐπιθυμίᾳ μιασμοῦ πορευομένους

Here the flesh and lusts refer to the desires of the sinful nature. Alternate translation: “those who continue to indulge their corrupt, sinful desires”

κυριότητος καταφρονοῦντας

“refusing to submit to God’s authority.” Here the word authority probably refers to God’s authority.

κυριότητος

Here, authority stands for God, who has the right to give commands and to punish disobedience. (See: Metonymy)

αὐθάδεις

“doing whatever they want to do”

δόξας

This phrase refers to spiritual beings, such as angels or demons.

2 Peter 2:11

ἰσχύϊ καὶ δυνάμει μείζονες

“more strength and power than the false teachers”

οὐ φέρουσιν κατ’ αὐτῶν…βλάσφημον κρίσιν

Here, them could mean: (1) This refers to the glorious ones. (2) This refers to the false teachers.

οὐ φέρουσιν κατ’ αὐτῶν…βλάσφημον κρίσιν

The idea that angels could accuse them is spoken of as if they could attack them using accusations as weapons. (See: Metaphor)

2 Peter 2:12

οὗτοι…ὡς ἄλογα ζῷα, γεγεννημένα φυσικὰ εἰς ἅλωσιν καὶ φθοράν

Just as animals cannot reason, these men cannot be reasoned with. Alternate translation: “these false teachers are like unreasoning animals who are made to be captured and destroyed” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν οἷς ἀγνοοῦσιν βλασφημοῦντες

They speak evil of what they do not know or understand.

καὶ φθαρήσονται

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will also destroy them” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Peter 2:13

ἀδικούμενοι μισθὸν ἀδικίας

Peter speaks of the punishment that the false teachers will receive as if it were a wage they had earned. Alternate translation: “receiving what they deserve for their wrongdoing” (See: Irony)

τὴν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ τρυφήν

Here the word * reveling* refers to immoral activity that includes gluttony, drunkenness, and sexual activity. Doing these things during the day indicates that these people are not ashamed of this behavior.

σπίλοι καὶ μῶμοι

Peter speaks of the false teachers as if they were stains or blemishes on a garment that cause shame for those who wear it. Alternate translation: “They are like stains and blemishes on clothes, which cause disgrace” (See: Metaphor)

σπίλοι καὶ μῶμοι

The word stains and blemishes share similar meanings. (See: Doublet)

2 Peter 2:14

ὀφθαλμοὺς ἔχοντες μεστοὺς μοιχαλίδος

Here the eyes represent their desires and eyes full means they constantly want something. Alternate translation: “constantly wanting to commit more adultery” (See: Metonymy)

ἀκαταπαύστους ἁμαρτίας

Although they sin in order to satisfy their lusts, the sin that they commit never satisfies.

δελεάζοντες ψυχὰς ἀστηρίκτους

Here the word souls refers to persons. Alternate translation: “enticing unstable people” (See: Synecdoche)

καρδίαν γεγυμνασμένην πλεονεξίας

Here the word hearts refers to the thoughts and emotions of the person. Because of their habitual actions, they have trained themselves to think and act out of covetousness. (See: Metonymy)

2 Peter 2:15

καταλειπόντες εὐθεῖαν ὁδὸν, ἐπλανήθησαν ἐξακολουθήσαντες

“abandoning the right way, these false teachers have gone astray to follow.” The false teachers have refused to be obedient to God because they have rejected what is right.

εὐθεῖαν ὁδὸν

Right behavior that honors God is spoken of as if it were a path to follow. (See: Metaphor)

2 Peter 2:16

ἔλεγξιν…ἔσχεν

You can express the abstract noun rebuke as a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “he was rebuked” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἔλεγξιν…ἔσχεν

You can specify that it was God who rebuked Balaam. Alternate translation: “God rebuked him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὑποζύγιον ἄφωνον ἐν ἀνθρώπου φωνῇ φθεγξάμενον

A donkey, which is naturally unable to speak, spoke with a voice like a human.

ἐκώλυσεν τὴν τοῦ προφήτου παραφρονίαν

God used a donkey to stop the foolish action of the prophet. (See: Metonymy)

2 Peter 2:17

οὗτοί εἰσιν πηγαὶ ἄνυδροι

Springs flowing with water promise refreshment for thirsty people, but springs without water will leave the thirsty disappointed. In the same way, false teachers, although they promise many things, are unable to do what they promise. (See: Metaphor)

ὁμίχλαι ὑπὸ λαίλαπος ἐλαυνόμεναι

When people see storm clouds, they expect rain to fall. When the winds from the storm blow the clouds away before the rain can fall, the people are disappointed. In the same way, false teachers, although they promise many things, are unable to do what they promise. (See: Metaphor)

οἷς ὁ ζόφος τοῦ σκότους τετήρηται

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and so God has reserved the gloom of thick darkness for them” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Peter 2:18

ὑπέρογκα…ματαιότητος φθεγγόμενοι

They use impressive but meaningless words.

δελεάζουσιν ἐν ἐπιθυμίαις σαρκὸς ἀσελγείαις

They appeal to the sinful nature to engage people in immoral and sinful actions.

τοὺς ὀλίγως ἀποφεύγοντας τοὺς ἐν πλάνῃ ἀναστρεφομένους

This phrase refers to people who recently became believers. The phrase those who live in error refers to unbelievers who still live in sin. Alternate translation: “people who try to live rightly, instead of living sinfully as they used to and as other people do” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοὺς ὀλίγως ἀποφεύγοντας

Peter speaks of people who live sinfully as if they are slaves to sin who need to be released from their captivity. (See: Metaphor)

2 Peter 2:19

ἐλευθερίαν αὐτοῖς ἐπαγγελλόμενοι, αὐτοὶ δοῦλοι ὑπάρχοντες τῆς φθορᾶς

Here, freedom is a metaphor for the ability to live exactly as one wants. Alternate translation: promising to give them the ability to live exactly as they want to live, but they themselves cannot escape their own sinful desires (See: Metaphor)

ἐλευθερίαν…ἐπαγγελλόμενοι…δοῦλοι…τῆς φθορᾶς

Peter speaks of people who live sinfully as if they are slaves to sin who need to be released from their captivity. (See: Metaphor)

ᾧ γάρ τις ἥττηται, τούτῳ δεδούλωται

Peter speaks of a person as a slave when anything has control over that person, and that thing as the master of that person. Alternate translation: “For if something has control over a person, that person becomes like a slave to that thing” (See: Metaphor)

2 Peter 2:20

The words they and them refer to the false teachers Peter speaks of in verses 12-19.

εἰ…ἀποφυγόντες τὰ μιάσματα τοῦ κόσμου, ἐν ἐπιγνώσει τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν καὶ Σωτῆρος, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, τούτοις δὲ πάλιν ἐμπλακέντες ἡττῶνται, γέγονεν αὐτοῖς τὰ ἔσχατα χείρονα τῶν πρώτων

This sentence is a description of a conditional statement that is true. The false teachers had at one time escaped, but if they are again entangled and overcome, so their last state has become worse than their first state. You can state this as a fact. Alternate translation: “they have escaped the impurities of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but having become entangled and overcome by them again, so that the last has become worse for them than the first” (See: Connect — Factual Conditions)

τὰ μιάσματα τοῦ κόσμου

The word impurities refers to sinful behavior that makes one morally impure. The world refers to human society. Alternate translation: “the defiling practices of sinful human society” (See: Metonymy)

ἐν ἐπιγνώσει τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν καὶ Σωτῆρος, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

You can translate knowledge using a verbal phrase. See how you translated similar phrases in 2 Peter 1:2. Alternate translation: “by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (See: Abstract Nouns)

γέγονεν αὐτοῖς τὰ ἔσχατα χείρονα τῶν πρώτων

“their condition is worse than it was before”

2 Peter 2:21

τὴν ὁδὸν τῆς δικαιοσύνης

Peter speaks of life as a way or path. This phrase refers to living a life that is according to God’s will. (See: Metaphor)

ὑποστρέψαι ἐκ τῆς…ἁγίας ἐντολῆς

Here, to turn away from is a metaphor that means to stop doing something. Alternate translation: “to stop obeying the holy commandment” (See: Metaphor)

τῆς παραδοθείσης αὐτοῖς ἁγίας ἐντολῆς

You can state this in active terms. Alternate translation: “the holy commandment that God delivered to them” or “the holy commandment that God made sure that they received” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Peter 2:22

συμβέβηκεν αὐτοῖς τὸ τῆς ἀληθοῦς παροιμίας

“What the true proverb says has happened to them” or “This proverb describes what happened to them”

κύων ἐπιστρέψας ἐπὶ τὸ ἴδιον ἐξέραμα, καί, ὗς λουσαμένη, εἰς κυλισμὸν βορβόρου

Peter uses two proverbs to illustrate how the false teachers, although they have known “the way of righteousness,” have turned back to the things that make them morally and spiritually impure. (See: Proverbs)

2 Peter 3

2 Peter 3 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Fire

People often use fire to destroy things or to make something pure by burning off the dirt and worthless parts. Therefore when God punishes the wicked or purifies his people, it is often associated with fire. (See: fire, firebrands, firepans, fireplace, firepot)

Day of the Lord

The exact time of the coming day of the Lord will come as a surprise to people. This is what the simile “like a thief in the night” means. Because of this, Christians are to be prepared for the coming of the Lord. (See: day of the Lord, day of Yahweh and Simile)

2 Peter 3:1

Peter begins to talk about the last days.

διεγείρω ὑμῶν…τὴν εἰλικρινῆ διάνοιαν

Peter speaks of causing his readers to think about these things as if he were waking them from sleep. Alternate translation: “I am causing you to think pure thoughts” (See: Metaphor)

2 Peter 3:2

τῶν προειρημένων ῥημάτων, ὑπὸ τῶν ἁγίων προφητῶν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the words that the holy prophets spoke in the past” (See: Active or Passive)

τῆς τῶν ἀποστόλων ὑμῶν ἐντολῆς τοῦ Κυρίου καὶ Σωτῆρος

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the command of our Lord and Savior, which your apostles gave to you” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Peter 3:3

τοῦτο πρῶτον γινώσκοντες

“knowing this as the most important thing.” See how you translated this in 2 Peter 1:20.

κατὰ τὰς ἰδίας ἐπιθυμίας αὐτῶν πορευόμενοι

Here the word lusts refers to sinful desires that are opposed to God’s will. Alternate translation: “living according to their own sinful desires” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Peter 3:4

ποῦ ἐστιν ἡ ἐπαγγελία τῆς παρουσίας αὐτοῦ

The word promise refers to the fulfillment of the promise that Jesus will return. Alternate translation: “Why should we believe that Jesus is going to return?” (See: Metonymy)

ποῦ ἐστιν ἡ ἐπαγγελία τῆς παρουσίας αὐτοῦ?

The mockers ask this rhetorical question to emphasize that they do not believe that Jesus will return. Alternate translation: “The promise that Jesus would return is not true! He will not return!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οἱ πατέρες ἐκοιμήθησαν

Here, fathers refers to ancestors who lived long ago. Falling asleep is a euphemism for dying. Alternate translation: “our ancestors died” (See: Euphemism)

πάντα οὕτως διαμένει ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς κτίσεως

The mockers exaggerate with the word all, and they argue that since nothing in the world has ever changed, it cannot be true that Jesus will return. (See: Hyperbole)

ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς κτίσεως

You can translate this as a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “since God created the world” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Peter 3:5

οὐρανοὶ ἦσαν ἔκπαλαι, καὶ γῆ…συνεστῶσα τῷ τοῦ Θεοῦ λόγῳ

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God long ago established the heavens and the earth … by his word” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐξ ὕδατος καὶ δι’ ὕδατος συνεστῶσα

This means that God caused the land to come up out of the water, gathering the bodies of water together to make the land appear.

2 Peter 3:6

δι’ ὧν

Here this phrase refers to God’s word and water.

ὁ τότε κόσμος ὕδατι κατακλυσθεὶς ἀπώλετο

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God flooded the world that existed at that time with water and destroyed it” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Peter 3:7

οἱ…νῦν οὐρανοὶ καὶ ἡ γῆ, τῷ αὐτῷ λόγῳ τεθησαυρισμένοι εἰσὶν, πυρὶ

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God, by that same word, has reserved the present heavens and the earth for fire” (See: Active or Passive)

τῷ αὐτῷ λόγῳ

Here, word stands for God, who will speak the word: AT “by God, who commands it”

τηρούμενοι εἰς ἡμέραν κρίσεως

You can state this in active form and can begin a new sentence. Alternate translation: “he is reserving them for the day of judgment” (See: Active or Passive)

εἰς ἡμέραν κρίσεως καὶ ἀπωλείας τῶν ἀσεβῶν ἀνθρώπων

You can state judgment and destruction with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “for the day when he judges and destroys ungodly people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Peter 3:8

ἓν…τοῦτο μὴ λανθανέτω ὑμᾶς

“do not fail to understand this one fact” or “do not ignore this one thing”

ὅτι μία ἡμέρα παρὰ Κυρίῳ ὡς χίλια ἔτη

“that from the Lord’s point of view, one day is like a thousand years”

2 Peter 3:9

οὐ βραδύνει Κύριος τῆς ἐπαγγελίας

“The Lord does not move slowly to fulfill his promises”

ὥς τινες βραδύτητα ἡγοῦνται

Some people think that the Lord is slow to fulfill his promises because their perspective of time is different than God’s.

2 Peter 3:10

δὲ

The connecting word but indicates a contrast between what the mockers believe bout God and what God will really do. Although the Lord is being patient and wants people to repent, he will indeed return and bring judgment. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἥξει…ἡμέρα Κυρίου ὡς κλέπτης

Peter speaks of the day when God will judge everyone as if it were a thief who will unexpectedly and take people by surprise. (See: Simile)

ἥξει…ἡμέρα Κυρίου ὡς κλέπτης

Peter speaks of the day as if it were a person who is a thief. (See: Personification)

οἱ οὐρανοὶ…παρελεύσονται

“the heavens will disappear”

στοιχεῖα…καυσούμενα λυθήσεται

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will burn the elements with fire” (See: Active or Passive)

στοιχεῖα

This could mean: (1) This refers to the heavenly bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars. (2) This refers to the things that make up heaven and earth, such as soil, air, fire, and water.

γῆ καὶ τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ ἔργα εὑρεθήσεται

God will see all the earth and all the deeds of everyone, and he will then judge everything. You can state this in active terms. Alternate translation: “God will expose the earth and everything that people have done on it” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Peter 3:11

Peter begins to tell the believers how they should live as they wait for the day of the Lord.

τούτων οὕτως πάντων λυομένων

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Since God will destroy all these things in this way” (See: Active or Passive)

ποταποὺς δεῖ ὑπάρχειν ὑμᾶς?

Peter uses this rhetorical question to emphasize what he will say next, that they “should live holy and godly lives.” Alternate translation: “you know what kind of people you should be.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Peter 3:12

οὐρανοὶ πυρούμενοι, λυθήσονται, καὶ στοιχεῖα καυσούμενα, τήκεται

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will destroy the heavens by fire, and he will melt the elements in great heat” (See: Active or Passive)

στοιχεῖα

This could mean: (1) This refers to the heavenly bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars. (2) This refers to the things that make up heaven and earth, such as soil, air, fire, and water. See how you translated this in 2 Peter 3:10.

2 Peter 3:13

ἐν οἷς δικαιοσύνη κατοικεῖ

This is a metonym for people who are righteous. Alternate translation: “where righteous people will dwell” or “where people will live righteously” (See: Metonymy)

ἐν οἷς δικαιοσύνη κατοικεῖ

Peter speaks of righteousness as if it were a person. (See: Personification)

2 Peter 3:14

σπουδάσατε ἄσπιλοι καὶ ἀμώμητοι αὐτῷ εὑρεθῆναι ἐν εἰρήνῃ

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “do your best to live in a way so that God will find you spotless and blameless, and be at peace with him and each other” (See: Active or Passive)

ἄσπιλοι καὶ ἀμώμητοι

The words spotless and blameless mean basically the same thing and emphasize moral purity. Alternate translation: “completely pure” (See: Doublet)

ἄσπιλοι

Here this stands for faultless. (See: Metaphor)

2 Peter 3:15

τὴν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν μακροθυμίαν, σωτηρίαν ἡγεῖσθε

Because the Lord is patient, the day of judgment has not yet happened. This gives people an opportunity to repent and be saved, as he explained in 2 Peter 3:9. Alternate translation: “think about the patience of our Lord as giving you an opportunity to repent and be saved” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κατὰ τὴν δοθεῖσαν αὐτῷ σοφίαν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “according to the wisdom that God gave to him” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Peter 3:16

ἐν πάσαις ταῖς ἐπιστολαῖς, λαλῶν ἐν αὐταῖς περὶ τούτων

“Paul speaks of the patience of God leading to salvation in all his letters”

ἐν αἷς ἐστιν δυσνόητά τινα

There are things in Paul’s letters that are difficult to understand.

ἃ οἱ ἀμαθεῖς καὶ ἀστήρικτοι στρεβλοῦσιν

Ignorant and unstable men misinterpret the things that are difficult to understand in Paul’s letters.

οἱ ἀμαθεῖς καὶ ἀστήρικτοι

“the unlearned and unsteady.” These men have not been taught how to properly interpret scripture and are not well established in the truth of the gospel.

πρὸς τὴν ἰδίαν αὐτῶν ἀπώλειαν

“resulting in their own destruction”

2 Peter 3:17

Peter finishes instructing the believers and ends his letter.

φυλάσσεσθε

“protect yourselves”

ἵνα μὴ τῇ τῶν ἀθέσμων πλάνῃ συναπαχθέντες, ἐκπέσητε

Here, led astray is a metaphor for being persuaded to do something wrong. (See: Metaphor)

ἵνα μὴ τῇ τῶν ἀθέσμων πλάνῃ συναπαχθέντες, ἐκπέσητε

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that lawless people do not deceive you and cause you do something wrong” (See: Active or Passive)

μὴ…ἐκπέσητε τοῦ ἰδίου στηριγμοῦ

Steadfastness is spoken of as if it were a possession that believers could lose. Alternate translation: “you will not stop being faithful” (See: Metaphor)

2 Peter 3:18

αὐξάνετε…ἐν χάριτι

The abstract noun grace can be expressed with the phrase “act kindly.” (See: Abstract Nouns)

αὐξάνετε…ἐν χάριτι, καὶ γνώσει τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν καὶ Σωτῆρος, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord represents experiencing his grace more and knowing him more. Alternate translation: “receive more of the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and know him more” or “be more aware of how our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ acts kindly toward you, and know him better” (See: Metaphor)