King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 1:17 Mean?

2 Peter 1:17 in the King James Version says “For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This... — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

2 Peter 1:17 · KJV


Context

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.

19

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 1, verse 17 - 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 · 27 words
λαβὼν1 of 27

he received

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

γὰρ2 of 27

For

G1063

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

παρὰ3 of 27

from

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

θεοῦ4 of 27

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

πατρὸς5 of 27

the Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

τιμὴν6 of 27

honour

G5092

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

καὶ7 of 27

and

G2532

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

δόξης8 of 27

glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

φωνῆς9 of 27

a voice

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

ἐνεχθείσης10 of 27

when there came

G5342

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

αὐτῷ11 of 27

to him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τοιᾶσδε12 of 27

such

G5107

such-like then, i.e., so great

ὑπὸ13 of 27

from

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τῆς14 of 27
G3588

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

μεγαλοπρεποῦς15 of 27

the excellent

G3169

befitting greatness or magnificence (majestic)

δόξης16 of 27

glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

οὗτός17 of 27

This

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστιν18 of 27

is

G2076

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

19 of 27
G3588

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

υἱός20 of 27

Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

μου21 of 27

my

G3450

of me

22 of 27
G3588

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

ἀγαπητός23 of 27

beloved

G27

beloved

εἰς24 of 27

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὃν25 of 27

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐγὼ26 of 27

I

G1473

i, me

εὐδόκησα27 of 27

am well pleased

G2106

to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)


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 1:17 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 1:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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