King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 3:7 Mean?

2 Peter 3:7 in the King James Version says “But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of ...” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

2 Peter 3:7 · King James Version

Context

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.

9

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Read 2 Peter 3 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Chapter 3, verse 7 - 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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
οἱ1 of 22
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 22

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

νῦν3 of 22

“which are now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

οὐρανοὶ4 of 22

“the heavens”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καὶ5 of 22

“and”

G2532

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

ἡ6 of 22
G3588

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

γῆ7 of 22

“the earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

τῷ8 of 22
G3588

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

αὐτῷ9 of 22

“by the same”

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

λόγῳ10 of 22

“word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τεθησαυρισμένοι11 of 22

“kept in store”

G2343

to amass or reserve (literally or figuratively)

εἰσὶν12 of 22

“are”

G1526

they are

πυρί13 of 22

“unto fire”

G4442

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

τηρούμενοι14 of 22

“reserved”

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

εἰς15 of 22

“against”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἡμέραν16 of 22

“the day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

κρίσεως17 of 22

“of judgment”

G2920

decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

καὶ18 of 22

“and”

G2532

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

ἀπωλείας19 of 22

“perdition”

G684

ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal)

τῶν20 of 22
G3588

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

ἀσεβῶν21 of 22

“of ungodly”

G765

irreverent, i.e., (by extension) impious or wicked

ἀνθρώπων22 of 22

“men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

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 3:7 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 3:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 3:10Isaiah 51:62 Peter 3:12Revelation 21:1Matthew 24:352 Thessalonians 1:7-8

Test Your Knowledge

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

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