King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 3:9 Mean?

2 Peter 3:9 in the King James Version says “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing ...” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

2 Peter 3:9 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

11

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

Read 2 Peter 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This verse addresses the delay in Christ's return that scoffers mockingly noted (3:4). "The Lord is not slack" (ou bradynei kyrios, οὐ βραδύνει κύριος) means He doesn't delay or procrastinate "concerning his promise" of return. What appears to be delay from human perspective is divine patience from God's perspective.

"But is longsuffering to us-ward" (alla makrothymei eis hymas, ἀλλὰ μακροθυμεῖ εἰς ὑμᾶς)—God extends patient forbearance. The reason: "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (mē boulomenos tinas apolesthai alla pantas eis metanoian chōrēsai). This raises important theological questions about divine will and election.

"Not willing" (mē boulomenos, μὴ βουλόμενος) uses boulomai, often denoting deliberate intention or desire. "Any" (tinas) and "all" (pantas) require interpretation: Does this mean every individual human without exception, or all types/classes of people? Reformed theology typically understands "us-ward" and context to indicate God's patience toward the elect, not willing that any of His chosen people should perish before being brought to repentance. Arminian theology sees universal scope—God desires all individuals to be saved but respects human free will. Both agree God's patience provides opportunity for repentance before final judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

God's patience before judgment is a recurring biblical theme (Gen 15:16; Rom 2:4; 9:22; 1 Pet 3:20). The delay between promise and fulfillment tested faith throughout redemptive history—patriarchs waiting for promises, Israel awaiting deliverance, prophets expecting Messiah. Early Christians expected imminent return of Christ, creating tension when it delayed. Peter addresses this, reframing delay as divine mercy providing opportunity for repentance.

The theological tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, between God's electing will and universal gospel offer, has occupied Christian theology throughout church history. Peter's statement contributes to this discussion without resolving all questions. What's clear: God's patience is purposeful (providing opportunity for repentance), temporary (judgment will come), and merciful (extending grace rather than immediate judgment).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God's delay as patience rather than slackness change your perspective on unanswered prayer or unfulfilled promises?
  2. What specific individuals might be experiencing God's patient provision of opportunity for repentance through your witness?
  3. How can churches maintain both confidence in God's sovereign purposes and urgency in evangelistic mission?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
οὐ1 of 23

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

βραδύνει2 of 23

“is”

G1019

to delay

ὁ3 of 23
G3588

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

κύριος4 of 23

“The Lord”

G2962

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

τῆς5 of 23
G3588

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

ἐπαγγελίας6 of 23

“concerning his promise”

G1860

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

ὥς7 of 23

“as”

G5613

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

τινας8 of 23

“some men”

G5100

some or any person or object

βραδύτητα9 of 23

“slackness”

G1022

tardiness

ἡγοῦνται10 of 23

“count”

G2233

to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider

ἀλλὰ11 of 23

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

μακροθυμεῖ12 of 23

“is longsuffering”

G3114

to be long-spirited, i.e., (objectively) forbearing or (subjectively) patient

εἰς13 of 23

“to”

G1519

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

ἡμᾶς,14 of 23

“us-ward”

G2248

us

μὴ15 of 23

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

βουλόμενός16 of 23

“willing”

G1014

to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing

τινας17 of 23

“some men”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἀπολέσθαι18 of 23

“should perish”

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

ἀλλὰ19 of 23

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

πάντας20 of 23

“that all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

εἰς21 of 23

“to”

G1519

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

μετάνοιαν22 of 23

“repentance”

G3341

(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)

χωρῆσαι23 of 23

“should come”

G5562

to be in (give) space, i.e., (intransitively) to pass, enter, or (transitively) to hold, admit (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 3:9 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 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 2:4Romans 2:4Habakkuk 2:3Psalms 86:15Isaiah 30:18Revelation 2:21

Test Your Knowledge

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

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