King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 3:6 Mean?

2 Peter 3:6 in the King James Version says “Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Peter 3:6 · KJV

Context

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:

7

But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

Read 2 Peter 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 3, verse 6 - 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 · 8 words
δι'1 of 8

“Whereby”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ὧν2 of 8
G3739

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

ὁ3 of 8
G3588

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

τότε4 of 8

“that then was”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

κόσμος5 of 8

“the world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

ὕδατι6 of 8

“with water”

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

κατακλυσθεὶς7 of 8

“being overflowed”

G2626

to dash (wash) down, i.e., (by implication) to deluge

ἀπώλετο·8 of 8

“perished”

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), 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 3:6 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 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 24:38-392 Peter 2:5Luke 17:27Genesis 7:10-23Job 12:15Genesis 9:15

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