King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 1:13 Mean?

2 Peter 1:13 in the King James Version says “Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Peter 1:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

Read 2 Peter 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 1, verse 13 - Comprehensive theological analysis. Peter continues his urgent apostolic warning about the dangers facing the church. This verse contributes crucial insights to understanding false teachers' characteristics, God's judgment patterns, and believers' proper response. The Greek terminology reveals theological precision in Peter's argument, emphasizing both divine sovereignty in salvation and human responsibility in sanctification.

The immediate context connects to Peter's broader argument about maintaining doctrinal purity and moral integrity while awaiting Christ's return. Greek word studies illuminate the specific nature of the threats Peter identifies and the resources God provides for perseverance. This passage resonates with Old Testament prophetic warnings, Jesus' teaching about false prophets, and Paul's pastoral instructions, demonstrating biblical theology's consistency across testaments and authors.

Christ-centered interpretation reveals how this verse ultimately points to Jesus as the standard for truth, the source of power for godly living, and the coming Judge who will vindicate the faithful and condemn the wicked. The eschatological dimension reminds believers that present struggles occur within the larger framework of redemptive history culminating in Christ's glorious return and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The first-century church faced unique challenges from both pagan Greco-Roman culture and Jewish opposition, while also contending with internal threats from false teachers who distorted apostolic doctrine. Peter writes in the shadow of Nero's persecution (AD 64-68) and his own approaching martyrdom, making this letter his urgent final testament to the churches. Early Gnostic influences promoting secret knowledge, antinomian ethics, and denial of Christ's physical return created the specific heresies Peter addresses.

Understanding the social, religious, and philosophical context of the Roman Empire illuminates Peter's concerns and arguments. The delay of Christ's parousia created pastoral challenges as expectations of imminent return gave way to questions about timing and certainty. Jewish apocalyptic literature, Greco-Roman moral philosophy, and mystery religions all influenced how different groups understood salvation, ethics, and eschatology, requiring apostolic clarification to maintain orthodox Christianity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge compromises you might be tempted to make for cultural acceptance or personal comfort?
  2. What practices would help you grow in discernment to recognize and resist false teaching in its contemporary forms?
  3. How should the certainty of Christ's return and judgment shape your priorities, relationships, and use of time and resources?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
δίκαιον1 of 14

“meet”

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

δὲ2 of 14

“Yea”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἡγοῦμαι3 of 14

“I think it”

G2233

to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider

ἐφ'4 of 14

“as long as”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ὅσον5 of 14
G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

εἰμὶ6 of 14

“I am”

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ἐν7 of 14

“by”

G1722

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

τούτῳ8 of 14

“this”

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

τῷ9 of 14
G3588

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

σκηνώματι10 of 14

“tabernacle”

G4638

an encampment, i.e., (figuratively) the temple (as god's residence), the body (as a tenement for the soul)

διεγείρειν11 of 14

“to stir”

G1326

to wake fully; i.e., arouse (literally or figuratively)

ὑμᾶς12 of 14

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐν13 of 14

“by”

G1722

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

ὑπομνήσει14 of 14

“putting you in remembrance”

G5280

a reminding or (reflexively) recollection

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 1:13 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 1:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 3:12 Peter 1:14Hebrews 13:32 Timothy 1:62 Corinthians 5:82 Peter 1:12

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Peter 1 with CommentaryAll 2 Peter ChaptersComplete 2 Peter QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes