King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 3:1 Mean?

2 Peter 3:1 in the King James Version says “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:”

2 Peter 3:1 · KJV

Context

1

This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

2

That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:

3

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

Read 2 Peter 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance. Peter identifies this as his "second epistle" (deuteran hymin graphō epistolēn, δευτέραν ὑμῖν γράφω ἐπιστολήν), referencing 1 Peter written to the same general audience—believers in Asia Minor. The affectionate address "beloved" (agapētoi, ἀγαπητοί) appears frequently in this letter (3:1, 8, 14, 17), contrasting the warm pastoral tone with stern warnings against false teachers.

His purpose in both letters: "I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance" (diegeirō hymōn en hypomnēsei tēn eilikrinē dianoian, διεγείρω ὑμῶν ἐν ὑπομνήσει τὴν εἰλικρινῆ διάνοιαν). "Stir up" (diegeirō) means "arouse" or "awaken"—active stimulation of spiritual alertness. "Pure minds" (eilikrinē dianoian, εἰλικρινῆ διάνοιαν) denotes sincere, unmixed thinking—minds uncorrupted by false teaching, devoted solely to truth.

"By way of remembrance" (en hypomnēsei) again emphasizes memory's importance (1:12-13, 15). Peter doesn't introduce novelty but reminds of established truth. Faithful ministry involves constant rehearsal of foundational truths, counteracting human tendency toward forgetfulness and drift. This pastoral emphasis on reminder guards against both innovation (claiming new revelation) and neglect (forgetting core truths).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The identification as "second epistle" provides important canonical evidence. Early church debated 2 Peter's authorship due to stylistic differences from 1 Peter and late attestation in patristic writings. However, internal claims to Petrine authorship (1:1, 14, 16-18) and early acceptance in some regions eventually led to canonical recognition. The reference to 1 Peter helps establish literary unity despite stylistic variation, likely due to different secretarial assistance (1 Peter possibly through Silvanus, 1 Pet 5:12).

Both Petrine epistles address suffering and false teaching but with different emphases. 1 Peter focuses on enduring external persecution with hope; 2 Peter addresses internal doctrinal corruption with warning. Together they provide comprehensive pastoral guidance for churches under pressure—how to suffer faithfully and how to discern truth from error. Peter's ministry model of repeated reminder parallels Paul's approach (Phil 3:1; 2 Tim 2:14) and Jesus' teaching method, recognizing that people need truth reinforced repeatedly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance pursuing depth in familiar biblical truth versus breadth in covering new material?
  2. What practices help keep your mind 'pure' from corrupt thinking and focused on apostolic truth?
  3. How can churches resist cultural pressure for novelty while faithfully repeating core biblical teaching?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Ταύτην1 of 16
G3778

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

ἤδη2 of 16

“now”

G2235

even now

ἀγαπητοί3 of 16

“beloved”

G27

beloved

δευτέραν4 of 16

“second”

G1208

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

ὑμῖν5 of 16

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

γράφω6 of 16

“I”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ἐπιστολήν7 of 16

“epistle”

G1992

a written message

ἐν8 of 16

“by way”

G1722

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

αἷς9 of 16

“both which”

G3739

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

διεγείρω10 of 16

“I stir up”

G1326

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

ὑμῶν11 of 16

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐν12 of 16

“by way”

G1722

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

ὑπομνήσει13 of 16

“of remembrance”

G5280

a reminding or (reflexively) recollection

τὴν14 of 16
G3588

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

εἰλικρινῆ15 of 16

“pure”

G1506

judged by sunlight, i.e., tested as genuine (figuratively)

διάνοιαν16 of 16

“minds”

G1271

deep thought, properly, the faculty (mind or its disposition), by implication, its exercise

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 3:1 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 3:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Timothy 1:62 Peter 1:12-15Psalms 24:41 Timothy 5:221 Peter 1:1-2Matthew 5:8

Test Your Knowledge

2 Peter 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Peter Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Peter 3 with CommentaryAll 2 Peter ChaptersComplete 2 Peter QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes