King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 3:2 Mean?

2 Peter 3:2 in the King James Version says “That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apos...” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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:”

2 Peter 3:2 · KJV

Salvation

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,

4

And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Read 2 Peter 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 3, verse 2 - 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
μνησθῆναι1 of 18

“That ye may be mindful”

G3415

to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish

τῶν2 of 18
G3588

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

προειρημένων3 of 18

“which were spoken before”

G4280

used as alternate of g4277; to say already, predict

ῥημάτων4 of 18

“of the words”

G4487

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

ὑπὸ5 of 18

“by”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τῶν6 of 18
G3588

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

ἁγίων7 of 18

“the holy”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

προφητῶν8 of 18

“prophets”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

καὶ9 of 18

“and”

G2532

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

τῆς10 of 18
G3588

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

τῶν11 of 18
G3588

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

ἀποστόλων12 of 18

“the apostles”

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

ἡμῶν13 of 18

“of us”

G2257

of (or from) us

ἐντολῆς14 of 18

“of the commandment”

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

τοῦ15 of 18
G3588

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

κυρίου16 of 18

“of the Lord”

G2962

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

καὶ17 of 18

“and”

G2532

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

σωτῆρος18 of 18

“Saviour”

G4990

a deliverer, i.e., god or christ

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 3:2 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 3:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jude 1:17Luke 1:702 Peter 2:212 Peter 1:19-21Luke 24:441 Peter 1:10-12

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