King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 3:12 Mean?

2 Peter 3:12 in the King James Version says “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the...” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? hasting: or, hasting the coming”

2 Peter 3:12 · KJV

Context

10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

11

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

12

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? hasting: or, hasting the coming

13

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Read 2 Peter 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 3, verse 12 - 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
προσδοκῶντας1 of 18

“Looking for”

G4328

to anticipate (in thought, hope or fear); by implication, to await

καὶ2 of 18

“and”

G2532

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

σπεύδοντας3 of 18

“hasting”

G4692

to "speed" ("study"), i.e., urge on (diligently or earnestly); by implication, to await eagerly

τὴν4 of 18
G3588

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

παρουσίαν5 of 18

“unto the coming”

G3952

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

τῆς6 of 18
G3588

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

τοῦ7 of 18
G3588

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

θεοῦ8 of 18

“of God”

G2316

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

ἡμέρας9 of 18

“of the day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

δι'10 of 18

“wherein”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἣν11 of 18
G3739

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

οὐρανοὶ12 of 18

“the heavens”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

πυρούμενοι13 of 18

“being on fire”

G4448

to kindle, i.e., (passively) to be ignited, glow (literally), be refined (by implication), or (figuratively) to be inflamed (with anger, grief, lust)

λυθήσονται14 of 18

“shall be dissolved”

G3089

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

καὶ15 of 18

“and”

G2532

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

στοιχεῖα16 of 18

“the elements”

G4747

something orderly in arrangement, i.e., (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively)

καυσούμενα17 of 18

“with fervent heat”

G2741

to set on fire

τήκεται18 of 18

“shall melt”

G5080

to liquefy

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 3:12 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 3:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 3:10Isaiah 34:4Micah 1:4Titus 2:13Psalms 50:31 Corinthians 1:7-8

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