King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 1:16 Mean?

2 Peter 1:16 in the King James Version says “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Ch...” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

2 Peter 1:16 · KJV

Context

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.

18

And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Peter now defends apostolic testimony's reliability against false teachers who dismissed it as myth. "We have not followed" (ou exakolouthēsantes, οὐ ἐξακολουθήσαντες) means "we did not pursue" or "invent." "Cunningly devised fables" (sesophismenois mythois, σεσοφισμένοις μύθοις) denotes cleverly crafted myths or legends—sophisticated fiction, not crude superstition.

Peter contrasts apostolic proclamation of "the power and coming" (tēn dynamin kai parousian, τὴν δύναμιν καὶ παρουσίαν) of Christ with mythology. Parousia (παρουσία) means "presence" or "coming," often referring to Christ's second advent but here encompassing both incarnation and return. "Power" (dynamis) indicates effective authority demonstrated in miracles, resurrection, and future judgment. Together these terms proclaim Christ's comprehensive lordship over history.

The authentication is eyewitness testimony: "but were eyewitnesses of his majesty" (epoptai genēthentes tēs ekeinou megaleiotētos, ἐπόπται γενηθέντες τῆς ἐκείνου μεγαλειότητος). Epoptai (ἐπόπται) denotes those initiated into highest mystery religion secrets or legal witnesses observing events directly. Peter claims direct observation of Christ's "majesty" (megaleiotēs, μεγαλειότης), grandeur or magnificence. This points to the Transfiguration (vv. 17-18), where Peter, James, and John witnessed Christ's glory unveiled.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the Greco-Roman world, mythoi (myths) were religious narratives about gods and heroes, valued for moral or entertainment purposes but generally not considered literal history. Philosophers like Plato used myths allegorically; skeptics dismissed them as fictions. Sophisticated critics might view Christian proclamation of a crucified-and-risen Jewish carpenter as God incarnate as merely another myth among many.

Mystery religions popular in the Roman Empire offered salvation through secret knowledge and ritual participation in deity myths (Isis and Osiris, Dionysus, Mithras). These involved symbolic deaths and rebirths, mystical experiences, and claims to divine encounter. Christianity faced accusations of being simply another mystery cult. Peter sharply distinguishes apostolic testimony from such myths: the apostles didn't invent stories but witnessed historical events—Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and glorification.

The emphasis on eyewitness testimony (cf. Luke 1:2; John 1:14; Acts 1:21-22; 1 John 1:1-3) grounds Christian faith in verifiable history, not timeless myths or subjective experiences. This became crucial for the church's self-understanding as rooted in historical revelation, not philosophical speculation or mystical enlightenment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the historical grounding of Christian faith strengthen your confidence when feelings fluctuate or doubts arise?
  2. What difference does it make whether the gospel is historical fact versus inspiring myth or moral teaching?
  3. How can churches better communicate both the historical reliability and theological significance of biblical events?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Οὐ1 of 22

“not”

G3756

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

γὰρ2 of 22

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

σεσοφισμένοις3 of 22

“cunningly devised”

G4679

to render wise; in a sinister acceptation, to form "sophisms", i.e., continue plausible error

μύθοις4 of 22

“fables”

G3454

a tale, i.e., fiction ("myth")

ἐξακολουθήσαντες5 of 22

“followed”

G1811

to follow out, i.e., (figuratively) to imitate, obey, yield to

ἐγνωρίσαμεν6 of 22

“when we made known”

G1107

to make known; subjectively, to know

ὑμῖν7 of 22

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

τὴν8 of 22
G3588

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

τοῦ9 of 22
G3588

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

κυρίου10 of 22

“Lord”

G2962

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

ἡμῶν11 of 22

“of our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ12 of 22

“Jesus”

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ13 of 22

“Christ”

G5547

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

δύναμιν14 of 22

“the power”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

καὶ15 of 22

“and”

G2532

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

παρουσίαν16 of 22

“coming”

G3952

a being near, i.e., advent (often, return; specially, of christ to punish jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect

ἀλλ'17 of 22

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐπόπται18 of 22

“eyewitnesses”

G2030

a looker-on

γενηθέντες19 of 22

“were”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

τῆς20 of 22
G3588

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

ἐκείνου21 of 22

“of his”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

μεγαλειότητος22 of 22

“majesty”

G3168

superbness, i.e., glory or splendor

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 1:16 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 1:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 4:14John 1:141 Timothy 1:41 Corinthians 2:4Luke 9:28-321 John 1:1-3

Test Your Knowledge

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

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