King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 1:14 Mean?

2 Peter 1:14 in the King James Version says “Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Peter 1:14 · KJV


Context

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.

16

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 1, verse 14 - 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 · 18 words
εἰδὼς1 of 18

Knowing

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

ὅτι2 of 18

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ταχινή3 of 18

shortly

G5031

curt, i.e., impending

ἐστιν4 of 18

I must

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

5 of 18
G3588

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

ἀπόθεσις6 of 18

put off

G595

a laying aside (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ7 of 18
G3588

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

σκηνώματός8 of 18

tabernacle

G4638

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

μου9 of 18

this my

G3450

of me

καθὼς10 of 18

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ11 of 18

even

G2532

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

12 of 18
G3588

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

κύριος13 of 18

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν14 of 18

our

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦς15 of 18

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστὸς16 of 18

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἐδήλωσέν17 of 18

hath shewed

G1213

to make plain (by words)

μοι18 of 18

me

G3427

to me


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 1:14 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 1:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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