King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 3:4 Mean?

2 Peter 3:4 in the King James Version says “And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from...” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

2 Peter 3:4 · KJV

Context

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.

5

For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: standing: Gr. consisting

6

Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 3, verse 4 - 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 · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

λέγοντες2 of 21

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ποῦ3 of 21

“Where”

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

ἐστιν4 of 21

“is”

G2076

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

ἡ5 of 21
G3588

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

ἐπαγγελία6 of 21

“the promise”

G1860

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

τῆς7 of 21
G3588

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

παρουσίας8 of 21

“coming”

G3952

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

αὐτοῦ9 of 21

“of 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

ἀπ'10 of 21

“as they were from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἧς11 of 21
G3739

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

γὰρ12 of 21

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

οἱ13 of 21
G3588

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

πατέρες14 of 21

“the fathers”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἐκοιμήθησαν15 of 21

“fell asleep”

G2837

to put to sleep, i.e., (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease

πάντα16 of 21

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οὕτως17 of 21

“continue”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

διαμένει18 of 21
G1265

to stay constantly (in being or relation)

ἀπ'19 of 21

“as they were from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἀρχῆς20 of 21

“the beginning”

G746

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

κτίσεως21 of 21

“of the creation”

G2937

original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, 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 3:4 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 3:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 17:15Malachi 2:17Jeremiah 5:12-13Luke 12:45Isaiah 5:18-19Ecclesiastes 8:11

Test Your Knowledge

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

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