King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 1:15 Mean?

2 Peter 1:15 in the King James Version says “Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Peter 1:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Read 2 Peter 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. Peter commits to ensure (spoudasō, σπουδάσω, "I will be diligent") that "after my decease" (meta tēn emēn exodon, μετὰ τὴν ἐμὴν ἔξοδον), literally "after my exodus" or "departure," believers can "always" (hekastote, ἑκάστοτε, "at any time") remember these truths. Exodos (ἔξοδος) echoes Moses' exodus from Egypt and anticipates Christ's "exodus" discussed at the Transfiguration (Luke 9:31)—Peter's death participates in the redemptive pattern of departure leading to greater fulfillment.

This verse likely indicates Peter's purpose in writing this letter—a written testament ensuring his teaching endures beyond his lifetime. Unlike oral tradition that can be corrupted or forgotten, written Scripture preserves apostolic witness authoritatively. The early church recognized this epistle's function as Peter's final instructions, giving it canonical authority.

Peter's concern that believers "have these things always in remembrance" reveals the ongoing threat of forgetfulness even with written documents. Possessing Scripture doesn't automatically translate to remembering and applying it; intentional, repeated engagement is necessary. This establishes the perpetual need for biblical teaching, preaching, and meditation—not one-time reception but continual rehearsal of foundational truths throughout Christian life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The early church initially relied heavily on oral tradition and apostolic presence for instruction and authority. As the first generation of apostles aged and faced martyrdom, preserving their teaching became urgent. The apostles' writing of New Testament documents addressed this need, providing authoritative, enduring witness to Christ and His gospel. Peter's awareness of impending death motivated committing his testimony to writing.

Early church fathers valued apostolic writings as uniquely authoritative because apostles were eyewitnesses of Christ and recipients of special revelation (Eph 3:5). By the late first/early second century, churches collected and circulated apostolic writings, eventually forming the New Testament canon. Peter's statement here contributed to theological understanding of Scripture's purpose: not replacing living teachers but providing permanent standard against which all teaching is measured. The existence of written Scripture also democratized access to apostolic teaching beyond those who personally knew apostles.

Reflection Questions

  1. How regularly and intentionally do you engage Scripture to keep foundational truths in active remembrance?
  2. What practices or resources help you most effectively remember and apply biblical truth?
  3. What are you doing to ensure younger believers or family members will remember core Christian truths after you're gone?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
σπουδάσω1 of 14

“I will endeavour”

G4704

to use speed, i.e., to make effort, be prompt or earnest

δὲ2 of 14

“Moreover”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 14
G2532

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

ἑκάστοτε4 of 14

“always”

G1539

at every time

ἔχειν5 of 14

“may be able”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ὑμᾶς6 of 14

“that ye”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

μετὰ7 of 14

“after”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τὴν8 of 14
G3588

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

ἐμὴν9 of 14

“my”

G1699

my

ἔξοδον10 of 14

“decease”

G1841

an exit, i.e., (figuratively) death

τὴν11 of 14
G3588

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

τούτων12 of 14

“these things”

G5130

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

μνήμην13 of 14

“in remembrance”

G3420

memory

ποιεῖσθαι14 of 14

“to have”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

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 1:15 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 1:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 31:19-29Psalms 71:18Joshua 24:24-292 Peter 1:122 Peter 1:4-72 Timothy 2:2

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