The Day of the Lord and Call to Godly Living
2 Peter 3:1-18
2Pet.3.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Ταυτην: DEM,acc,sg,f
- ηδη: ADV
- αγαπητοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- δευτεραν: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- γραφω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- επιστολην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- αις: PRON,dat,pl,f
- διεγειρω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- εν: PREP
- υπομνησει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ειλικρινη: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- διανοιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Peter 1:12-15 (verbal): Same epistolary program in 2 Peter 1:12–15 — the author explicitly says he will remind them of what they know, using language of stirring up and remembrance that this verse echoes.
- Jude 17 (allusion): Jude 17 urges readers to remember the apostles' warnings; both letters (Jude and 2 Peter) call for remembrance and exhortation of the faithful in closely related phrasing and themes.
- 2 Timothy 1:6 (verbal): Paul's appeal ‘remind you to stir up/rekindle the gift’ parallels Peter’s language of stirring up the sincere mind by way of reminder — similar verbality and pastoral intent to rouse spiritual zeal.
- Hebrews 10:24 (thematic): Hebrews 10:24 exhorts believers to ‘consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,’ reflecting the same pastoral concern to provoke and awaken believers to faithful practice.
- 1 Corinthians 5:9 (structural): Paul’s reference to a previous letter in 1 Corinthians 5:9 is a structural parallel: both authors refer back to earlier correspondence (Peter’s ‘second letter’) as part of their rhetorical strategy.
Alternative generated candidates
- Beloved, this is now the second letter I write to you; in both I stir up your sincere mind by reminding you,
- This is now, beloved, the second letter I write to you; in both of them I have stirred up your sincere mind by way of reminder.
2Pet.3.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- μνησθηναι: VERB,aor,pass,inf
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- προειρημενων: PART,perf,pass,gen,pl,neut
- ρηματων: NOUN,gen,pl,neut
- υπο: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αγιων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- προφητων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αποστολων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- εντολης: NOUN,gen,sg,fem
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- σωτηρος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Jude 17 (quotation): Direct verbal parallel — Jude exhorts readers to ‘remember the words spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ,’ echoing 2 Pet 3:2’s appeal to recall prophetic words and the apostles’ command.
- Acts 3:18 (allusion): Connects the idea that what was ‘spoken beforehand by the holy prophets’ pertains to predictions about the Messiah; Acts notes that God foretold Christ’s sufferings through the prophets, a fulfilment the apostles testify to.
- 1 Peter 1:10-12 (thematic): Both passages treat the role of the ‘holy prophets’ who prophesied about the salvation now revealed to the church — emphasizing prophetic testimony about the future revelation now manifested in Christ and proclaimed by apostles.
- Luke 24:44-47 (structural): Jesus interprets Moses, the Prophets and Psalms for the apostles and commissions them to proclaim repentance and forgiveness to all nations, linking prophetic Scripture with the apostolic proclamation recalled in 2 Pet 3:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles.
- That you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
2Pet.3.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- πρωτον: ADV
- γινωσκοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- ελευσονται: VERB,fut,mid,ind,3,pl
- επ᾽εσχατων: ADJ,gen,pl,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ημερων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
- εν: PREP
- εμπαιγμονη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- εμπαικται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- κατα: PREP
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- ιδιας: ADJ,acc,pl,f
- επιθυμιας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- πορευομενοι: VERB,pres,mp,part,masc,pl
Parallels
- Jude 1:18-19 (verbal): Almost identical wording: predicts scoffers in the last times who follow their own ungodly/desirous impulses — shows close verbal dependence between 2 Peter and Jude.
- 2 Peter 2:10, 2:18-19 (structural): Within the same letter: warnings about false teachers who scoff, act insolently, and follow sensual desires, developing the same motif of mockers and licentious leaders.
- 1 Peter 4:3-4 (thematic): Describes unbelievers living in sensual passions and reviling Christians for not joining them — parallels the idea of people following their own desires and mocking righteous conduct.
- Romans 1:24-28 (thematic): Speaks of God giving people over to their lusts and passions leading to moral degradation — thematically parallels the consequence and character of those who follow their own desires in the last days.
- Matthew 24:11, 24 (thematic): Eschatological warning that false prophets/teachers will arise and deceive many in the end times — parallels the prophetic context of mockers and misleading teachers in the last days.
Alternative generated candidates
- First know this: in the last days scoffers will come, walking according to their own desires,
- First of all, know this: in the last days scoffers will come, walking according to their own desires.
2Pet.3.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- λεγοντες·Που: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m+ADV
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- επαγγελια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- παρουσιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- αφ᾽ης: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,f
- γαρ: PART
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- πατερες: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- εκοιμηθησαν: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,pl
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- ουτως: ADV
- διαμενει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- απ᾽αρχης: PREP
- κτισεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Jude 1:17-18 (verbal): Explicitly echoes the scoffers' question “Where is the promise of his coming?” and warns that mockers will ask this in the last times.
- Matthew 24:37-39 (thematic): Compares human complacency (‘as in the days of Noah…’) with sudden divine judgment, paralleling the idea that life seems to continue unchanged until the coming.
- Luke 17:26-30 (thematic): Uses the Noah/Lot illustrations to show people carrying on normally until abrupt judgment—a parallel to scoffers who claim continuity since creation.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (thematic): Addresses questions about the Lord’s coming and the fate of the dead, offering the apostolic hope and correction to attitudes of doubt or scoffing.
- Habakkuk 2:3 (allusion): Speaks of a vision/promise that will come at its appointed time despite delay—an OT precedent for answering objections about the seeming delay of God's promised deliverance.
Alternative generated candidates
- and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For since our fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
- They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has been from the beginning of creation.”
2Pet.3.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- λανθανει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- γαρ: PART
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- θελοντας: PART,pres,act,acc,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- ουρανοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- ησαν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- εκπαλαι: ADV
- και: CONJ
- γη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- εξ: PREP
- υδατος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- δι᾽υδατος: PREP
- συνεστωσα: PART,aor,act,nom,sg,f
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- λογω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Genesis 1:1-2 (structural): The primeval creation account: the earth's beginnings amid the waters and the Spirit over the deep correspond to 2 Peter's reference to earth coming from/through water.
- Psalm 33:6 (verbal): Explicitly attributes creation to 'the word of the LORD,' echoing 2 Peter's formula 'by the word of God' as the creative agent.
- Job 38:8-11 (thematic): God's action in confining and naming the waters (shutting the sea within its bounds) parallels the theme of God ordering the watery chaos in creation.
- Psalm 104:6-9 (thematic): Describes the earth once being covered by the deep and God establishing limits for the waters—resonant with the motif of creation from/over the waters.
- John 1:3 (allusion): Affirms that all things were made 'through the Word,' theological parallel to 2 Peter's emphasis on the divine 'word' as the instrument of creation.
Alternative generated candidates
- For they willfully forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and through water,
- For they willfully forget that long ago by the word of God the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water.
2Pet.3.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- δι᾽ων: PREP+REL,gen,pl,neut
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- τοτε: ADV
- κοσμος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- υδατι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- κατακλυσθεις: VERB,aor,pass,ptc,nom,sg,masc
- απωλετο·: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 7:23 (quotation): The primary Old Testament account of the flood that destroyed the earth; 2 Pet 3:6 alludes to this narrative of the world being overwhelmed by water and perishing.
- 1 Peter 3:20-21 (thematic): Refers to the days of Noah and the flood (those who were disobedient), using the flood motif to contrast judgment and salvation (and links water to cleansing/salvation).
- 2 Peter 2:5 (structural): Within the same letter: Peter earlier mentions Noah as ‘a preacher of righteousness’ and God’s rescue of Noah’s family, providing the immediate context for the flood reference in 3:6.
- Matthew 24:37-39 (thematic): Jesus’ comparison to the ‘days of Noah’ where sudden destruction came by flood parallels 2 Pet 3:6’s use of the flood as an example of decisive divine judgment.
- Hebrews 11:7 (thematic): Portrays Noah’s ark and the flood as an act of God’s judgment and salvation received by faith, echoing the flood motif as decisive divine intervention.
Alternative generated candidates
- by which the world at that time was deluged and perished by water.
- By these waters the world of that time was deluged and perished.
2Pet.3.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- νυν: ADV
- ουρανοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- γη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- λογω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- τεθησαυρισμενοι: VERB,perf,pass,part,nom,pl,m
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- πυρι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- τηρουμενοι: VERB,pres,pass,part,nom,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- ημεραν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- κρισεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- απωλειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ασεβων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- ανθρωπων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- 2Pet.3.10 (verbal): Same chapter: the heavens and earth are described as passing away/being consumed in the coming day of the Lord—parallel language about destruction by fire and the day of judgment.
- 2Pet.3.12-13 (thematic): Continues the same theme: believers are urged to live expectantly for the day of God when the present heavens and earth are dissolved and a new heavens and earth are revealed.
- Rev.21.1 (thematic): Depicts the outcome following final judgment—a new heaven and new earth—paralleling Peter’s contrast between present creation reserved for judgment and the future renewed creation.
- Mal.4.1 (allusion): OT prophecy that 'the day is coming, burning like an oven' in which the arrogant and evildoers are burned up—echoes Peter’s image of the present world being kept for fire and the destruction of the ungodly.
- Isa.66.15-16 (allusion): Describes Yahweh coming with fire to judge the nations; similar motif of divine judgment by fire applied to the wicked and to the cosmos.
Alternative generated candidates
- But by the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and the destruction of ungodly men.
- But by the same word the present heavens and earth are kept in store, reserved for fire on the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
2Pet.3.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Εν: PREP
- δε: CONJ
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- μη: PART
- λανθανετω: VERB,pres,act,imp,3,sg
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- αγαπητοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- μια: NUM,nom,sg,f
- ημερα: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- παρα: PREP
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ως: ADV
- χιλια: NUM,acc,pl,n
- ετη: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- χιλια: NUM,acc,pl,n
- ετη: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- ως: ADV
- ημερα: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- μια: NUM,nom,sg,f
Parallels
- Psalm 90:4 (verbal): LXX/MT: "For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday..." — nearly identical wording and concept; 2 Peter appears to echo this psalm's contrast of divine and human time.
- Psalm 102:24-27 (esp. 25-27) (thematic): Affirms God's eternality and that his 'years have no end,' contrasting the transience of creation with God's timelessness — a theological parallel to 2 Peter's point about God's different relation to time.
- Hebrews 1:10-12 (quotation): Hebrews cites Psalm 102 to argue God's immutability and timelessness ('they shall perish...but thou remainest'), paralleling 2 Peter's use of divine eternity to interpret eschatological timing.
- Revelation 20:2-7 (thematic): Employs a literal/eschatological 'thousand years' (the millennium). While used differently, it connects to 2 Peter's use of 'a thousand years' as part of the Bible's handling of divine time and eschatological chronology.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not overlook this one thing, beloved: with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.
- Do not overlook this one fact, beloved: with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
2Pet.3.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ου: PART,neg
- βραδυνει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- επαγγελιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ως: ADV
- τινες: PRON,nom,pl,m
- βραδυτητα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ηγουνται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,pl
- αλλα: CONJ
- μακροθυμει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- μη: PART
- βουλομενος: VERB,pres,mid,ptc,nom,sg,m
- τινας: PRON,acc,pl,m
- απολεσθαι: VERB,aor,pass,inf
- αλλα: CONJ
- παντας: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- μετανοιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- χωρησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
Parallels
- Romans 2:4 (verbal): Speaks of God's kindness/forbearance intended to lead people to repentance—language and purpose ('lead to repentance') closely echo 2 Pet 3:9.
- Ezekiel 33:11 (thematic): Declares that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires that they turn and live—the Old Testament antecedent of God's unwillingness that anyone perish.
- Jonah 4:2 (allusion): Describes God as gracious, merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love—an OT characterization of divine patience reflected in Peter's wording.
- 2 Peter 3:15 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same letter that also appeals to the Lord's patience (in relation to Paul's writings), reinforcing the theme of divine longsuffering leading to salvation.
- Luke 15:7 (thematic): Affirms the heavenly joy over a sinner's repentance and underscores God's desire for sinners to turn—complements Peter's claim that God wills all to come to repentance.
Alternative generated candidates
- The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance.
- The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
2Pet.3.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ηξει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- ημερα: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ως: ADV
- κλεπτης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- ουρανοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- ροιζηδον: ADV
- παρελευσονται: VERB,fut,mid,ind,3,pl
- στοιχεια: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- δε: CONJ
- καυσουμενα: PART,pres,mid/pass,nom,pl,n
- λυθησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- γη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εν: PREP
- αυτη: PRON,dat,sg,f
- εργα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- ευρεθησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 5:2 (verbal): Uses the same verbal image — 'the day of the Lord comes like a thief' — highlighting sudden, unexpected arrival of God's day.
- Matthew 24:43 (thematic): Jesus’ 'thief in the night' saying about unexpected judgment parallels Peter’s warning about suddenness and unpreparedness.
- Revelation 21:1 (structural): Depicts the passing away of the first heaven and earth and the appearance of a new heaven and earth, echoing Peter’s vision of cosmic passing and renewal.
- Isaiah 34:4 (allusion): Isaiah’s imagery of the heavens being rolled up/being dissolved and cosmic elements failing under divine judgment parallels Peter’s language of the heavens passing away.
- Malachi 4:1 (thematic): Speaks of the day burning like an oven so that all the proud are stubble — parallels Peter’s motif of elements being dissolved or burned up by fire at the Lord’s day.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will be dissolved by fire, and the earth and the works in it will be laid bare.
- But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will be dissolved by fire, and the earth and the works in it will be burned up.
2Pet.3.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Τουτων: DEM,gen,pl,neut
- ουτως: ADV
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- λυομενων: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ptc,gen,pl,neut
- ποταπους: ADJ,nom,sg,masc
- δει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- υπαρχειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- εν: PREP
- αγιαις: ADJ,dat,pl,fem
- αναστροφαις: NOUN,dat,pl,fem
- και: CONJ
- ευσεβειαις: NOUN,dat,pl,fem
Parallels
- Romans 13:11-14 (structural): Uses imminent eschatological urgency to motivate present moral change—putting off deeds of darkness and putting on the Lord, analogous to being holy and godly because 'these things' will be dissolved.
- Titus 2:11-14 (verbal): Explicitly links Christ’s appearing with a call to live soberly, righteously, and godly lives (Greek: σωφρονεῖν, δικαίως, εὐσεβῶς), closely mirroring Peter’s wording.
- 1 Peter 1:15-16 (thematic): Direct moral imperative to be holy in all conduct because God is holy, echoing 2 Peter’s appeal to holy conduct in light of God’s purposes/judgment.
- 2 Corinthians 7:1 (verbal): Calls believers to cleanse themselves from defilement and to perfect holiness in the fear of God (τελειῶσαι ἁγιωσύνην), paralleling the exhortation to holy and godly lives.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:7 (thematic): Affirms that God has called believers not to impurity but to holiness, a concise statement of the same moral summons found in 2 Peter 3:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- Since all these things are to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in holy living and godliness,
- Since all these things are to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in holy living and godliness,
2Pet.3.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- προσδοκωντας: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- σπευδοντας: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- παρουσιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ημερας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- δι᾽ην: PRON,acc,sg,f
- ουρανοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- πυρουμενοι: VERB,pres,pass,part,nom,pl,m
- λυθησονται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- στοιχεια: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- καυσουμενα: VERB,fut,pass,part,nom,pl,n
- τηκεται·: VERB,fut,mid/pass,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- 2 Peter 3:10 (verbal): Nearly identical language about 'the day of the Lord' and the heavens/passages being dissolved and the elements melting with fervent heat — a direct verbal parallel within the same argument.
- 2 Peter 3:7 (structural): Earlier verse in the same chapter that sets up the eschatological theology: present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, providing the immediate theological context for v.12's imagery.
- Matthew 24:29 (thematic): Jesus' eschatological discourse describes cosmic disturbances and the passing of heaven and earth before the coming of the Son of Man, echoing the motif of cosmic dissolution preceding divine arrival.
- Revelation 21:1 (thematic): Depicts the 'first heaven and first earth' passing away and a new creation following — connects the theme of cosmic destruction in v.12 with renewal in apocalyptic literature.
- Isaiah 34:4 (allusion): OT imagery of the heavenly host dissolving/being rolled up (heavens 'wasted' or 'dissolved') likely provides an Old Testament background for Peter's language about the heavens being dissolved.
Alternative generated candidates
- as you look for and hasten the coming of the day of God—by reason of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with heat?
- as you look for and hasten the coming of the day of God, by which the heavens being on fire will be dissolved and the elements will melt with heat?
2Pet.3.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- καινους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- ουρανους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- γην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- καινην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- κατα: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- επαγγελμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- προσδοκωμεν: VERB,pres,act,subj,1,pl
- εν: PREP
- οις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- δικαιοσυνη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- κατοικει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Revelation 21:1 (verbal): Uses the same phrase 'new heaven and new earth' (καινους ουρανους και γην καινην), describing the eschatological renewal where the former things pass away.
- Isaiah 65:17 (quotation): God's promise 'Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth' supplies the Old Testament background and language that Peter echoes about a promised renewed creation.
- Isaiah 66:22 (quotation): Repeats the motif of a perpetually established 'new heavens and new earth'—an explicit prophetic precedent for the promised eschatological order in 2 Peter.
- Romans 8:19-22 (thematic): Speaks of creation's eager waiting and liberation from corruption, linking the hope of creation's renewal to the future revealing of God's children and a restored order.
- Titus 2:13 (thematic): Connects Christian hope in the 'appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior' with the consummation of salvation and the coming age that 2 Peter describes as a renewed heaven and earth.
Alternative generated candidates
- But according to his promise we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
- But according to his promise we look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
2Pet.3.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Διο: CONJ
- αγαπητοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- ταυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- προσδοκωντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- σπουδασατε: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,pl
- ασπιλοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- αμωμητοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- ευρεθηναι: VERB,aor,pass,inf
- εν: PREP
- ειρηνη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
Parallels
- Philippians 1:10 (verbal): Calls for discernment that you may be 'sincere and blameless' (εὐθαρσεῖς καὶ ἀμώμητοι), closely echoing the language of being 'spotless and blameless' while awaiting Christ.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (verbal): Prays that believers be preserved 'blameless' at the coming of our Lord—an eschatological concern for holiness and being found faultless like 2 Peter 3:14.
- 1 Peter 1:15-16 (thematic): Exhorts believers to holiness ('be holy in all your conduct') in light of God's call—paralleling Peter's call to be spotless and blameless before God.
- 1 John 3:3 (thematic): States that the hope of Christ's appearing leads to purification so that one may be like him—linking eschatological hope with moral purity as in 2 Pet 3:14.
- Luke 21:36 (thematic): Urges watchfulness and prayer 'that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man,' connecting readiness and being found standing/blameless at Christ's coming.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
- Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be diligent to be found by him at peace, without spot and blameless.
2Pet.3.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- μακροθυμιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- σωτηριαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ηγεισθε: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,2,pl
- καθως: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- αγαπητος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- αδελφος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- Παυλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- δοθεισαν: PART,aor,pass,acc,sg,f
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- σοφιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εγραψεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
Parallels
- 2 Peter 3:9 (thematic): Same chapter: emphasizes the Lord’s patience as intended to bring about repentance rather than delay—closely related to regarding the Lord’s patience as salvation.
- Romans 2:4 (verbal): Speaks of God’s goodness, forbearance and patience leading you to repentance—verbal/thematic overlap with 2 Pet 3:15’s linking of divine patience and salvation.
- 1 Corinthians 2:6-7 (verbal): Paul speaks of a wisdom given and revealed by God (a hidden/revealed wisdom) which parallels Peter’s phrase ‘according to the wisdom given to him’ about Paul’s writings.
- Ephesians 3:3-4 (allusion): Paul describes receiving a revelation/insight to make known the mystery of Christ—parallels Peter’s appeal to the wisdom granted to Paul as the basis for his letters.
- 2 Peter 3:16 (structural): The very next verse in the epistle comments on Paul’s letters and their interpretation, directly linking v.15’s reference to Paul with a discussion of his writings.
Alternative generated candidates
- Count the patience of our Lord as salvation; and regard the forbearance of our Lord as an opportunity for salvation—just as also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you in accordance with the wisdom given him.
- And regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him.
2Pet.3.16 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ως: ADV
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- πασαις: ADJ,dat,pl,f
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- επιστολαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- λαλων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- αυταις: PRON,dat,pl,f
- περι: PREP
- τουτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- αις: PRON,dat,pl,f
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- δυσνοητα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- τινα: PRON,acc,sg,m
- α: PRON,nom,sg,n
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- αμαθεις: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- αστηρικτοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- στρεβλουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- ως: ADV
- και: CONJ
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- λοιπας: ADJ,acc,pl,f
- γραφας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- προς: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ιδιαν: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- απωλειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Jude 1:10 (verbal): Jude accuses certain people of speaking about things they do not understand and bringing about their own destruction—language and theme very close to 2 Pet 3:16's 'ignorant and unstable' who 'twist... to their own destruction.'
- Hebrews 5:11-14 (thematic): Hebrews says there are matters hard to explain and criticizes readers for dullness of hearing—parallels 2 Pet 3:16's claim that some passages are 'hard to understand.'
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (structural): Paulic self-definition as speaking God's word (not merely human words) supports 2 Pet 3:16's tendency to treat Paul's letters on a par with 'the other Scriptures.'
- Galatians 1:6-9 (thematic): Paul warns against distortions of the gospel and pronounces judgment on those who preach a different message—parallels 2 Pet 3:16's charge that ignorant teachers twist the apostolic letters, to destructive effect.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (structural): The claim that 'all Scripture is God-breathed' provides the canonical/authoritative framework behind 2 Pet 3:16's treatment of Paul's letters as akin to Scripture and the seriousness of misinterpreting them.
Alternative generated candidates
- His letters contain some things hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
- In his letters there are some things hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
2Pet.3.17 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- ουν: CONJ
- αγαπητοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- προγινωσκοντες: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,pl,m
- φυλασσεσθε: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,pl
- ινα: CONJ
- μη: PART
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αθεσμων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- πλανη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- συναπαχθεντες: VERB,aor,pass,ptc,nom,pl,m
- εκπεσητε: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,pl
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ιδιου: ADJ,gen,sg,m
- στηριγμου: NOUN,gen,sing,n
Parallels
- 2 Pet.1:10 (thematic): Both verses urge believers to be diligent in securing their standing (confirming calling/election) so they do not fall from steadfastness.
- Jude 20-21 (thematic): A parallel exhortation to build yourselves up, keep yourselves in God’s love, and remain unled astray—countering false teachers and preservation in faith.
- Eph.4:14 (verbal): Uses similar imagery of being tossed about by false teaching (‘tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine’) as a warning against being carried away by error.
- Col.2:6-8 (allusion): Warns believers to continue in Christ and not be taken captive by hollow philosophy or deceptive teaching—echoing the injunction to guard against lawless error.
- Gal.5:7 (thematic): Speaks of believers being hindered or diverted from running the course of the gospel—paralleling the idea of being led away from steadfastness by false influence.
Alternative generated candidates
- You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless men and lose your firm footing.
- You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, watch yourselves so that you are not carried away with the error of lawless men and lose your own stability.
2Pet.3.18 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- αυξανετε: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imper,2,pl
- δε: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- χαριτι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- γνωσει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- και: CONJ
- σωτηρος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- δοξα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- νυν: ADV
- και: CONJ
- εις: PREP
- ημεραν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αιωνος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- αμην: PART
Parallels
- 2 Peter 1:5-8 (thematic): Same epistolary authorial context urging growth in Christian virtues so believers become effective and productive in the knowledge of Christ (developmental exhortation to spiritual maturity).
- Colossians 1:9-10 (verbal): Explicit petition for believers to be filled and to increase in the knowledge of God, resulting in worthy walk and bearing fruit—closely parallels 'grow in grace and knowledge.'
- Philippians 1:9-11 (thematic): Paul prays that love may abound 'more and more in knowledge and all discernment' and that believers be filled with righteous fruit to the glory of God, echoing growth in knowledge tied to glorifying God.
- Jude 1:20-21 (thematic): Exhortation to build yourselves up in the faith and keep yourselves in God's love while waiting for Christ’s mercy—parallel encouragement to ongoing spiritual growth and steadfastness in relation to Christ.
- Romans 11:36 (verbal): Doxological close ('to him be the glory forever. Amen.') parallels 2 Peter's doxology ('to him be glory now and to the day of eternity. Amen.'), sharing final praise language and theological intent.
Alternative generated candidates
- But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
- But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
This is now, beloved, the second letter I write to you; in both I stir up your sincere mind by way of reminder.
That you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
First of all, know this: in the last days scoffers will come, walking according to their own desires,
and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For since our ancestors fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
For they deliberately overlook this: that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God,
and by means of those waters the world at that time was deluged and perished. But by the same word the present heavens and earth are stored up for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
Do not overlook this one fact, beloved: with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will be dissolved by fire, and the earth and the works done on it will be laid bare.
Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
as you look for and hasten the coming of the day of God, by which the heavens being on fire will be dissolved and the elements will melt with fervent heat? But according to his promise we wait for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these things, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish and at peace. And regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,
as he does in all his letters when he speaks of these matters. Some of his writings are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard that you are not carried away by the error of lawless people and lose your own steadfastness. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.