King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 3:13 Mean?

2 Peter 3:13 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Peter 3:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 3, verse 13 - 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 · 15 words
καινὴν1 of 15

“a new”

G2537

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

δὲ2 of 15

“Nevertheless”

G1161

but, and, etc

οὐρανοὺς3 of 15

“heavens”

G3772

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

καὶ4 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

γῆν5 of 15

“earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

καινὴν6 of 15

“a new”

G2537

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

κατὰ7 of 15

“according to”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὸ8 of 15
G3588

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

ἐπάγγελμα9 of 15

“promise”

G1862

a self-committal (by assurance of conferring some good)

αὐτοῦ10 of 15

“his”

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

προσδοκῶμεν11 of 15

“look for”

G4328

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

ἐν12 of 15

“wherein”

G1722

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

οἷς13 of 15
G3739

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

δικαιοσύνη14 of 15

“righteousness”

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

κατοικεῖ15 of 15

“dwelleth”

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

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 3:13 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 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 65:17Revelation 21:1Isaiah 66:22Revelation 21:27Isaiah 60:21

Test Your Knowledge

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

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