King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 1:12 Mean?

2 Peter 1:12 in the King James Version says “Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be establis...” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.”

2 Peter 1:12 · KJV

Truth

Context

10

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall :

11

For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

12

Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

13

Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;

14

Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Peter transitions to explaining his purpose in writing. "Wherefore" (dio, διό) connects to the previous verses—because abundant entrance comes through godliness (v. 11), Peter commits to constant reminder. "I will not be negligent" (ouk amelēsō, οὐκ ἀμελήσω) means "I will not fail" or "I will be diligent"—matching the diligence he calls readers to exercise (vv. 5, 10).

"Put you always in remembrance" (aei hymas hypomimnēskein, ἀεὶ ὑμᾶς ὑπομιμνῄσκειν) reveals apostolic ministry's core function: reminding believers of foundational truths, not endlessly pursuing novelty. "Though ye know them" (kaiper eidotas) acknowledges they possess this knowledge, and "be established" (estērigmenous, ἐστηριγμένους, perfect participle) indicates settled conviction in "the present truth" (tē parousē alētheia, τῇ παρούσῃ ἀληθείᾳ).

"Present truth" doesn't mean truth that changes over time but truth presently with them—the gospel and apostolic teaching they've received. Peter emphasizes repetition's necessity even for those who know and are established in truth. Why? Because human nature tends toward forgetfulness (v. 9), false teaching constantly threatens (chapter 2), and spiritual vigilance requires continual reinforcement. Faithful ministry involves patient, repeated proclamation of unchanging truth, resisting pressure to innovate or entertain.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the ancient world, teachers served as memory aids, repeatedly rehearsing foundational knowledge to embed it deeply. Judaism emphasized memorization and recitation of Torah and tradition. Greco-Roman rhetoric valued memory and eloquent restatement of established wisdom. Peter stands in this tradition while Christianizing it—his «present truth» is apostolic testimony to Christ, which must be constantly reaffirmed against innovation and forgetfulness.

The emphasis on remembrance counters the false teachers' claim to new, superior knowledge. Peter insists the truth has already been delivered; the task isn't discovering novel insights but faithfully maintaining apostolic teaching. This became foundational for the early church's understanding of orthodoxy—faithfulness to the apostolic deposit (2 Tim 1:13-14; Jude 3) rather than speculative innovation. Against Gnostic claims to secret, progressive revelation, the church affirmed the sufficiency and finality of apostolic witness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance pursuing depth in familiar biblical truth versus breadth in covering new material?
  2. What foundational truths do you most need repeated reinforcement to remember and apply?
  3. How can churches resist cultural pressure for novelty while remaining faithful to repetitive proclamation of unchanging truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Διὸ1 of 16

“Wherefore”

G1352

through which thing, i.e., consequently

οὐκ2 of 16

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἀμελήσω3 of 16

“I will”

G272

to be careless of

ὑμᾶς4 of 16

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀεὶ5 of 16

“always”

G104

"ever," by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly

ὑπομιμνῄσκειν6 of 16

“in remembrance”

G5279

to remind quietly, i.e., suggest to the (middle voice, one's own) memory

περὶ7 of 16

“of”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τούτων8 of 16

“these things”

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

καίπερ9 of 16

“though”

G2539

and indeed, i.e., nevertheless or notwithstanding

εἰδότας10 of 16

“ye know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

καὶ11 of 16

“them and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐστηριγμένους12 of 16

“be established”

G4741

to set fast, i.e., (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm

ἐν13 of 16

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ14 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παρούσῃ15 of 16

“the present”

G3918

to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property

ἀληθείᾳ16 of 16

“truth”

G225

truth

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Peter. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Peter 1:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Peter 1:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 2:21Romans 15:14-15Philippians 3:1Colossians 2:72 John 1:2Jude 1:5

Test Your Knowledge

2 Peter 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Peter Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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