King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 3:15 Mean?

2 Peter 3:15 in the King James Version says “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisd...” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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;”

2 Peter 3:15 · KJV

SalvationWisdom

Context

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;

16

As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

17

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

Read 2 Peter 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 3, verse 15 - 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

τὴν2 of 22
G3588

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

τοῦ3 of 22
G3588

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

κυρίου4 of 22

“Lord”

G2962

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

ἡμῶν5 of 22

“of our”

G2257

of (or from) us

μακροθυμίαν6 of 22

“that the longsuffering”

G3115

longanimity, i.e., (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude

σωτηρίαν7 of 22

“is salvation”

G4991

rescue or safety (physically or morally)

ἡγεῖσθε8 of 22

“account”

G2233

to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider

καθὼς9 of 22

“even as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ10 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ11 of 22
G3588

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

ἀγαπητὸς12 of 22

“beloved”

G27

beloved

ἡμῶν13 of 22

“of our”

G2257

of (or from) us

ἀδελφὸς14 of 22

“brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

Παῦλος15 of 22

“Paul”

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

κατὰ16 of 22

“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)

τὴν17 of 22
G3588

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

αὐτῷ18 of 22

“unto 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

δοθεῖσαν19 of 22

“given”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

σοφίαν20 of 22

“the wisdom”

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

ἔγραψεν21 of 22

“hath written”

G1125

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

ὑμῖν22 of 22

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

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 3:15 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 3:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 2:41 Timothy 1:162 Peter 3:91 Peter 3:20James 3:17Luke 21:15

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