King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 3:16 Mean?

2 Peter 3:16 in the King James Version says “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which the... — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

2 Peter 3:16 · KJV


Context

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.

18

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever . Amen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 3, verse 16 - 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 · 32 words
ὡς1 of 32

As

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

καὶ2 of 32

also

G2532

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

ἐν3 of 32

in

G1722

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

πάσαις4 of 32

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ταῖς5 of 32
G3588

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

ἐπιστολαῖς6 of 32

his epistles

G1992

a written message

λαλῶν7 of 32

speaking

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ἐν8 of 32

in

G1722

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

αὐτῶν9 of 32

them

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

περὶ10 of 32

of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τούτων11 of 32

these things

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

ἐν12 of 32

in

G1722

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

13 of 32

which

G3739

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

ἐστιν14 of 32

are

G2076

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

δυσνόητά15 of 32

hard to be understood

G1425

difficult of perception

τινα16 of 32

some things

G5100

some or any person or object

17 of 32

which

G3739

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

οἱ18 of 32
G3588

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

ἀμαθεῖς19 of 32

they that are unlearned

G261

ignorant

καὶ20 of 32

also

G2532

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

ἀστήρικτοι21 of 32

unstable

G793

unfixed, i.e., (figuratively) vacillating

στρεβλοῦσιν22 of 32

wrest

G4761

to wrench, i.e., (specially), to torture (by the rack), but only figuratively, to pervert

ὡς23 of 32

As

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

καὶ24 of 32

also

G2532

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

τὰς25 of 32
G3588

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

λοιπὰς26 of 32

the other

G3062

remaining ones

γραφὰς27 of 32

scriptures

G1124

a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

πρὸς28 of 32

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὴν29 of 32
G3588

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

ἰδίαν30 of 32

own

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

αὐτῶν31 of 32

them

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

ἀπώλειαν32 of 32

destruction

G684

ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal)


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 3:16 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 3:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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