{"collection":"Bible & Christianity","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/bib/cmt/vws/pe2001.htm","path":"bib/cmt/vws/pe2001.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/bib/cmt/vws/pe2001.htm","text":"Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent, [1886]\nSimon Peter\nNote the addition of Simon, and see on Pe1 1:1. The best-attested orthography is Symeon, which is the form of his name in Act 15:14, where the account probably came from him. This also is the Hebraic form of the name found in the Septuagint, Genesis 29:33, and elsewhere. Compare Rev 7:7; Luk 2:25, Luk 2:34; Luk 3:30; Act 13:1. The combined name, Simon Peter, is found Luk 5:8; Joh 13:6; Joh 20:2; Joh 21:15, and elsewhere, though in these instances it is given as Simon; Symeon occurring only in Act 15:14. While his name is given with greater familiarity than in the first epistle, his official title, servant and apostle, is fuller. This combination, servant and apostle, occurs in no other apostolic salutation. The nearest approach to it is Tit 1:1.\nOf Jesus Christ\nThe word Christ never occurs in the second epistle without Jesus; and only in this instance without some predicate, such as Lord, Saviour.\nTo them that have obtained (\u03c4\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c2 \u03bb\u03b1\u03c7\u03bf\u1fe6\u03c3\u03b9\u03bd)\nLit., obtained by lot. So Luk 1:9; Joh 19:24. In the sense which it has here it is used by Peter (Act 1:17) of Judas, who had obtained part of this ministry. In this sense it occurs only in that passage and here.\nLike precious (\u1f30\u03c3\u03cc\u03c4\u03b9\u03bc\u03bf\u03bd)\nOnly here in New Testament. The word should be written like precious. Compare precious in Pe1 1:7, Pe1 1:19; Pe1 2:4, Pe1 2:6, Pe1 2:7. Not the same in measure to all, but having an equal value and honor to those who receive it, as admitting them to the same Christian privileges.\nWith us\nMost probably the Jewish Christians, of whom Peter was one. Professor Salmond remarks, \"There is much to show how alien it was to primitive Christian thought to regard Gentile Christians as occupying in grace the self-same platform with Christians gathered out of the ancient church of God.\" See Act 11:17; Act 15:9-11.\nSaviour\nFrequently applied to Christ in this epistle, but never in the first.\nIn the knowledge (\u1f10\u03bd \u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03b3\u03bd\u03ce\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9)\nThe compound expressing full knowledge, and so common in Paul's writings.\nOur Lord (\u03ba\u03c5\u03c1\u03af\u03bf\u03c5 \u1f21\u03bc\u1ff6\u03bd)\nThee word Lord in the second epistle is always used of God, unless Christ or Saviour is added.\nHath granted (\u03b4\u03b5\u03b4\u03c9\u03c1\u03b7\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03b7\u03c2)\nThis is the only word which Peter and Mark alone have in common in the New Testament; a somewhat singular fact in view of their intimate relations, and of the impress of Peter upon Mark's gospel: yet it tells very strongly against the theory of a forgery of this epistle. The word is stronger than the simple \u03b4\u03af\u03b4\u03c9\u03bc\u03b9, to give, meaning to grant or bestow as a gift. Compare Mar 15:45.\nGodliness (\u03b5\u1f50\u03c3\u03ad\u03b2\u03b5\u03b9\u03b1\u03bd)\nUsed only by Peter (Act 3:12), and in the Pastoral Epistles. It is from \u03b5\u1f50, well, and \u03c3\u03ad\u03b2\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9, to worship, so that the radical idea is worship rightly directed. Worship, however, is to be understood in its etymological sense, worth-ship, or reverence paid to worth, whether in God or man. So Wycliffe's rendering of Mat 6:2, \"that they be worshipped of men;\" and \"worship thy father and thy mother,\" Mat 19:19. In classical Greek the word is not confined to religion, but means also piety in the fulfilment of human relations, like the Latin pietas. Even in classical Greek, however, it is a standing word for piety in the religious sense, showing itself in right reverence; and is opposed to \u03b4\u03c5\u03c3\u03c3\u03ad\u03b2\u03b5\u03b9\u03b1, ungodliness, and \u1f00\u03bd\u03bf\u03c3\u03b9\u03cc\u03c4\u03b7\u03c2, profaness. \"The recognition of dependence upon the gods, the confession of human dependence, the tribute of homage which man renders in the certainty that he needs their favor - all this is \u03b5\u1f50\u03c3\u03ad\u03b2\u03b5\u03b9\u03b1, manifest in conduct and conversation, in sacrifice and prayer\" (Ngelsbach, cited by Cremer). This definition may be almost literally transferred to the Christian word. It embraces the confession of the one living and true God, and life corresponding to this knowledge. See on Pe2 1:2.\nCalled (\u03ba\u03b1\u03bb\u03ad\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2)\nAlso used of the divine invitation, Pe1 2:9, Pe1 2:21; Pe1 3:9; Pe1 5:10.\nTo glory and virtue (\u1f30\u03b4\u03af\u1fb3 \u03b4\u03cc\u03be\u1fc3 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f00\u03c1\u03b5\u03c4\u1fc7)\nLit., and properly, by his own glory and virtue, though some read \u03b4\u03b9\u1f70 \u03b4\u03cc\u03be\u03b7\u03c2 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f00\u03c1\u03b5\u03c4\u1fc6\u03c2, through glory and virtue. Rev. adopts the former. The meaning is much the same in either case.\nHis own (\u1f30\u03b4\u03af\u1fb3)\nOf frequent occurrence in Peter, and not necessarily with an emphatic force, since the adjective is sometimes used merely as a possessive pronoun, and mostly so in Peter (Pe1 3:1, Pe1 3:5; Pe2 2:16, Pe2 2:22, etc.).\nVirtue\nSee on Pe1 2:9. Used by Peter only, with the exception on Phi 4:8. The original classical sense of the word had no special moral import, but denoted excellence of any kind - bravery, rank, nobility; also, excellence of land, animals, things, classes of persons. Paul seems to avoid the term, using it only once.\nOn glory and virtue Bengel says, \"the former indicates his natural, the latter his moral, attributes.\"\nWhereby (\u03b4\u1f30 \u1f67\u03bd)\nLit., through which; viz., his glory and virtue. Note the three occurrences of \u03b4\u03b9\u03ac, through, in Pe2 1:3, Pe2 1:4.\nAre given (\u03b4\u03b5\u03b4\u03ce\u03c1\u03b7\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9)\nMiddle voice; not passive, as A. V. Hence Rev., correctly, he hath granted. See on Pe2 1:3.\nExceeding great and precious promises\nRev., his exceeding great, etc., by way of rendering the definite article, \u03c4\u1f70.\nPrecious (\u03c4\u03af\u03bc\u03b9\u03b1)\nThe word occurs fourteen times in the New Testament. In eight instances it is used of material things, as stones, fruit, wood. In Peter it occurs three times: Pe1 1:7, of tried faith; Pe1 1:19, of the blood of Christ; and here, of God's promises.\nPromises (\u1f10\u03c0\u03b1\u03b3\u03b3\u03ad\u03bb\u03bc\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1)\nOnly in this epistle. In classical Greek the distinction is made between \u1f10\u03c0\u03b1\u03b3\u03b3\u03ad\u03bb\u03bc\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1, promises voluntarily or spontaneously made, and \u1f51\u03c0\u03bf\u03c3\u03c7\u03ad\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9\u03c2, promises made in response to a petition.\nMight be partakers (\u03b3\u03ad\u03bd\u03b7\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5 \u03ba\u03bf\u03b9\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd\u03bf\u1f76)\nRev., more correctly, may become, conveying the idea of a growth. See note on \u03ba\u03bf\u03b9\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd\u1f78\u03c2, partaker, Pe1 5:1; and compare Heb 12:10.\nHaving escaped (\u1f00\u03c0\u03bf\u03c6\u03c5\u03b3\u03cc\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c2)\nOnly in this epistle. To escape by flight.\nThrough lust (\u1f10\u03bc \u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03b8\u03c5\u03bc\u03af\u1fb3)\nRev. renders by lust, as the instrument of the corruption. Others, in lust, as the sphere of the corruption, or as that in which it is grounded.\nBeside this (\u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1f78 \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6\u03c4\u03bf)\nWrong. Render, for this very cause, as Rev. Lit., this very thing. Just as \u03c4\u03af, what? has come to mean why? So the strengthened demonstrative acquires the meaning of wherefore, for this very cause.\nGiving all diligence (\u03c3\u03c0\u03bf\u03c5\u03b4\u1f74\u03bd \u03c0\u1fb6\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b5\u03b9\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03ad\u03b3\u03ba\u03b1\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c2)\nThe verb occurs only here in New Testament, and means, literally, to bring in by the side of: adding your diligence to the divine promises. So Rev., adding on your part.\nAdd to your faith, etc\nThe A. V. is entirely wrong. The verb rendered add (\u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03c7\u03bf\u03c1\u03b7\u03b3\u03ae\u03c3\u03b1\u03c4\u03b5) is derived from \u03c7\u03bf\u03c1\u03cc\u03c2 a chorus, such as was employed in the representation of the Greek tragedies. The verb originally means to bear the expense of a chorus, which was done by a person selected by the state, who was obliged to defray all the expenses of training and maintenance. In the New Testament the word has lost this technical sense, and is used in the general sense of supplying or providing. The verb is used by Paul (Co2 9:10; Gal 3:5; Col 2:19), and is rendered minister (A. V.), supply (Rev.); and the simple verb \u03c7\u03bf\u03c1\u03b7\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9, minister, occurs Pe1 4:11; Co2 9:10. Here the Rev., properly, renders supply.\nTo your faith (\u1f10\u03bd \u03c4\u1fc7 \u03c0\u03af\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03b9)\nThe A. V. exhorts to add one virtue to another; but the Greek, to develop one virtue in the exercise of another: \"an increase by growth, not by external junction; each new grace springing out of, attempting, and perfecting the other.\" Render, therefore, as Rev. In your faith supply virtue, and in your virtue knowledge, etc.\nSee on Pe2 1:3, and Pe1 2:9. Not in the sense of moral excellence, but of the energy which Christians are to exhibit, as God exerts his energy upon them. As God calls us by his own virtue (Pe2 1:3), so Christians are to exhibit virtue or energy in the exercise of their faith, translating it into vigorous action.\nTemperance (\u1f10\u03b3\u03ba\u03c1\u03b1\u03c4\u03b5\u03af\u03b1)\nSelf-control; holding the passions and desires in hand. See Co1 9:25.\nPatience (\u1f51\u03c0\u03bf\u03bc\u03bf\u03bd\u03ae\u03bd)\nLit., remaining behind or staying, from \u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03c9, to wait. Not merely endurance of the inevitable, for Christ could have relieved himself of his sufferings (Heb 12:2, Heb 12:3; compare Mat 26:53); but the heroic, brave patience with which a Christian not only bears but contends. Speaking of Christ's patience, Barrow remarks, \"Neither was it out of a stupid insensibility or stubborn resolution that he did thus behave himself; for he had a most vigorous sense of all those grievances, and a strong (natural) aversation from under going them;...but from a perfect submission to the divine will, and entire command over his passions, an excessive charity toward mankind, this patient and meek behavior did spring.\" The same writer defines patience as follows: \"That virtue which qualifieth us to bear all conditions and all events, by God's disposal incident to us, with such apprehensions and persuasions of mind, such dispositions and affections of heart, such external deportment and practices of life as God requireth and good reason directeth (Sermon XLII., \"On Patience\").\nGodliness\nSee on Pe2 1:3. The quality is never ascribed to God.\nBrotherly kindness (\u03c6\u03b9\u03bb\u03b1\u03b4\u03b5\u03bb\u03c6\u03af\u03b1\u03bd)\nRev. renders, literally, love of the brethren.\nCharity (\u1f00\u03b3\u03ac\u03c0\u03b7\u03bd)\nThere seems at first an infelicity in the rendering of the Rev., in your love of the brethren love. But this is only apparent. In the former word Peter contemplates Christian fellow-believers as naturally and properly holding the first place in our affections (compare Gal 6:10, \"Especially unto them which are of the household of faith\"). But he follows this with the broader affection which should characterize Christians, and which Paul lauds in Co1 13:1-13, the love of men as men. It may be remarked here that the entire rejection by the Rev. of charity as the rendering of \u1f00\u03b3\u03ac\u03c0\u03b7 is wholesome and defensible. Charity has acquired two peculiar meanings, both of which are indeed included or implied in love, but neither of which expresses more than a single phase of love - tolerance and beneficence. The A. V. in the great majority of cases translates love; always in the Gospels, and mostly elsewhere. There is no more reason for saying \"charity suffereth long,\" than for saying, \"the charity of God is shed abroad in our hearts,\" or \"God is charity.\"\nBe in you (\u1f51\u03c0\u03ac\u03c1\u03c7\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1)\nRev., are yours; following the sense of possession which legitimately belongs to the verb; as Mat 19:21, that thou hast; Co1 13:3, goods. In the sense of being the verb is stronger than the simple \u03b5\u1f36\u03bd\u03b1\u03b9, to be; denoting being which is from the beginning, and therefore attaching to a person as a proper characteristic; something belonging to him, and so running into the idea of rightful possession as above.\nBarren (\u1f00\u03c1\u03b3\u03bf\u1f7a\u03c2)\nFrom \u1f00, not, and \u1f14\u03c1\u03b3\u03bf\u03bd, work. Hence, more correctly, as Rev., idle. Compare \"idle word\" (Mat 12:36); \"standing idle\" (Mat 20:3, Mat 20:6); also, Ti1 5:13. The tautology, barren and unfruitful, is thus avoided.\nIn the knowledge (\u03b5\u1f30\u03c2)\nRev., more correctly, unto. The idea is not idleness in the knowledge, but idleness in pressing on and developing toward and finally reaching the knowledge. With this agrees the compound \u1f10\u03c0\u03af\u03b3\u03bd\u03c9\u03c3\u03b9\u03bd, the constantly increasing and finally full knowledge.\nBut (\u03b3\u1f70\u03c1)\nWrong. Render as Rev., for.\nHe that lacketh these things (\u1fa7 \u03bc\u1f74 \u03c0\u03ac\u03c1\u03b5\u03c3\u03c4\u03b9\u03bd \u03c4\u03b1\u1fe6\u03c4\u03b1)\nLit., to whom these things are not present. Note that a different word is used here from that in Pe2 1:8, are yours, to convey the idea of possession. Instead of speaking of the gifts as belonging to the Christian by habitual, settled possession, he denotes them now as merely present with him.\nBlind (\u03c4\u03c5\u03c6\u03bb\u03cc\u03c2)\nIllustrating Peter's emphasis on sight as a medium of instruction. See Introduction.\nAnd cannot see afar off (\u03bc\u03c5\u03c9\u03c0\u03ac\u03b6\u03c9\u03bd)\nOnly here in New Testament. From \u03bc\u03cd\u03c9, to close, and \u1f64\u03c8, the eye. Closing or contracting the eyes like short-sighted people. Hence, to be short-sighted. The participle being short-sighted is added to the adjective blind, defining it; as if he had said, is blind, that is, short-sighted spiritually; seeing only things present and not heavenly things. Compare Joh 9:41. Rev. renders, seeing only what is near.\nAnd hath forgotten (\u03bb\u03ae\u03b8\u03b7\u03bd \u03bb\u03b1\u03b2\u1f7c\u03bd)\nLit., having taken forgetfulness. A unique expression, the noun occurring only here in the New Testament. Compare a similar phrase, Ti2 1:5, \u1f51\u03c0\u03cc\u03bc\u03bd\u03b7\u03c3\u03b9\u03bd \u03bb\u03b1\u03b2\u1f7c\u03bd, having taken remembrance: A. V., when I call to remembrance: Rev., having been reminded of. Some expositors find in the expression a suggestion of a voluntary acceptance of a darkened condition. This is doubtful, however. Lumby thinks that it marks the advanced years of the writer, since he adds to failure of sight the failure of memory, that faculty on which the aged dwell more than on sight.\nThat he was purged (\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03ba\u03b1\u03b8\u03b1\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03bc\u03bf\u1fe6)\nRev., more literally, the cleansing.\nThe rather (\u03bc\u1fb6\u03bb\u03bb\u03bf\u03bd)\nThe adverb belongs rather with the verb give diligence. Render, as Rev., give the more diligence.\nBrethren (\u1f00\u03b4\u03b5\u03bb\u03c6\u03bf\u03af)\nThe only instance of this form of address in Peter, who commonly uses beloved.\nFall (\u03c0\u03c4\u03b1\u03af\u03c3\u03b7\u03c4\u03b5)\nLit., stumble, and so Rev. Compare Jam 3:2.\nShall be ministered abundantly (\u03c0\u03bb\u03bf\u03c5\u03c3\u03af\u03c9\u03c2 \u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03c7\u03bf\u03c1\u03b7\u03b3\u03b7\u03b8\u03ae\u03c3\u03b5\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9)\nOn the verb see Pe2 1:5. Rev., shall be richly supplied. We are to furnish in our faith: the reward shall be furnished unto us. Richly, indicating the fulness of future blessedness. Professor Salmond observes that it is the reverse of \"saved, yet so as by fire\" (Co1 3:15).\nEverlasting kingdom (\u03b1\u1f30\u03ce\u03bd\u03b9\u03bf\u03bd \u03b2\u03b1\u03c3\u03b9\u03bb\u03b5\u03af\u03b1\u03bd)\nIn the first epistle, Peter designated the believer's future as an inheritance; here he calls it a kingdom. Eternal, as Rev., is better than everlasting, since the word includes more than duration of time.\nI will not be negligent\nThe A. V. follows the reading \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f00\u03bc\u03b5\u03bb\u03ae\u03c3\u03c9, which it renders correctly. The better reading, however, is \u03bc\u03b5\u03bb\u03bb\u03ae\u03c3\u03c9 I intend, or, as often in classical Greek, with a sense of certainty - I shall be sure, which Rev. adopts, rendering I shall be ready. The formula occurs in but one other passage, Mat 24:6, where it is translated by the simple future, ye shall hear, with an implied sense, as ye surely will hear.\nYe know (\u03b5\u1f30\u03b4\u03cc\u03c4\u03b1\u03c2)\nLit., knowing. Compare Pe1 1:18.\nEstablished (\u1f10\u03c4\u03b7\u03c1\u03b9\u03b3\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2)\nSee on Pe1 5:10. Perhaps the exhortation, \"strengthen thy brethren,\" may account for his repeated use of this word and its derivatives. Thus, unstable (\u1f00\u03c3\u03c4\u03ae\u03c1\u03b9\u03ba\u03c4\u03bf\u03b9); steadfastness (\u03c3\u03c4\u03b7\u03c1\u03b9\u03b3\u03bc\u03bf\u1fe6), Pe2 3:16, Pe2 3:17.\nIn the present truth (\u1f10\u03bd \u03c4\u1fc7 \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03bf\u03cd\u03c3\u1fc3 \u1f00\u03bb\u03b7\u03b8\u03b5\u03af\u1fb3)\ni.e., the truth which is present with you through the instruction of your teachers; not the truth at present under consideration. See on Pe2 1:9; and compare the same phrase in Col 1:6, rendered, is come unto you.\nTabernacle (\u03c3\u03ba\u03b7\u03bd\u03ce\u03bc\u03b1\u03c4\u03b9)\nA figurative expression for the body, used also by Paul, Co2 5:1, Co2 5:4, though he employs the shorter kindred word \u03c3\u03ba\u1fc6\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2. Peter also has the same mixture of metaphors which Paul employs in that passage, viz., building and clothing. See next verse. Peter's use of tabernacle is significant in connection with his words at the transfiguration, \"Let us make three tabernacle (Mat 17:4). The word, as well as the entire phrase, carries the idea of brief duration - a frail tent, erected for a night. Compare Pe2 1:14.\nTo stir you up by putting you in remembrance (\u03b4\u03b9\u03b5\u03b3\u03b5\u03af\u03c1\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd \u1f51\u03bc\u1fb6\u03c2 \u1f10\u03bd \u1f51\u03c0\u03bf\u03bc\u03bd\u03ae\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9)\nLit., to stir you up in reminding. See the same phrase in Pe2 3:1.\nShortly I must put off this my tabernacle (\u03c4\u03b1\u03c7\u03b9\u03bd\u03ae \u1f10\u03c3\u03c4\u03b9\u03bd \u1f21 \u1f00\u03c0\u03cc\u03b8\u03b5\u03c3\u03b9\u03c2 \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03c3\u03ba\u03b7\u03bd\u03ce\u03bc\u03b1\u03c4\u03cc\u03c2 \u03bc\u03bf\u03c5)\nLit., quick is the putting off of my tabernacle. Rev., the putting off of my tabernacle cometh swiftly. Possibly in allusion to his advanced age. Putting off is a metaphor, from putting off a garment. So Paul, Co2 5:3, Co2 5:4, being clothed, unclothed, clothed upon. The word occurs, also, Pe1 3:21, and is used by Peter only. Cometh swiftly, implying the speedy approach of death; though others understand it of the quick, violent death which Christ prophesied he should die. \"Even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me.\" See Joh 21:18, Joh 21:19. Compare, also Joh 13:36, and note the word follow in both passages. \"Peter had now learnt the full force of Christ's sayings, and to what end the following of Jesus was to bring him\" (Lumby).\nHath shewed (\u1f10\u03b4\u03ae\u03bb\u03c9\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd)\nBut the tense is the aorist, pointing back to a definite act at a past time (Joh 21:18). Hence, shewed me, or, as Rev., signified. Compare Pe1 1:11 did signify.\nYe may be able (\u1f14\u03c7\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd \u1f51\u03bc\u1fb6\u03c2)\nLit., that you may have it. A similar use of have, in the sense of to be able, occurs Mar 14:8. The same meaning is also foreshadowed in Mat 18:25, had not to pay; and Joh 8:6, have to accuse.\nDecease (\u1f14\u03be\u03bf\u03b4\u03bf\u03bd)\nExodus is a literal transcript of the word, and is the term used by Luke in his account of the transfiguration. \"They spake of his decease.\" It occurs only once elsewhere, Heb 11:22, in the literal sense, the departing or exodus of the children of Israel. \"It is at least remarkable,\" says Dean Alford, \"that, with the recollection of the scene on the mount of transfiguration floating in his mind, the apostle should use so close together the words which were there also associated, tabernacle and decease. The coincidence should not be forgotten in treating of the question of the genuineness of the epistle.\"\nCall to remembrance (\u03bc\u03bd\u03ae\u03bc\u03b7\u03bd \u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c3\u03b8\u03b1\u03b9)\nThe phrase occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. In classical Greek, to make mention of. An analogous expression is found, Rom 1:9, \u03bc\u03bd\u03b5\u03af\u03b1\u03bd \u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03bf\u1fe6\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9, I make mention. See, also, Eph 1:16; Th1 1:2; Plm 1:4. Some render it thus here, as expressing Peter's desire to make it possible for his readers to report these things to others. Rev., to call these things to remembrance.\nWe have not followed (\u03bf\u1f50 \u1f10\u03be\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u03bb\u03bf\u03c5\u03b8\u03b7\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c2)\nA strong compound, used only here and Pe2 2:2, Pe2 2:15. The \u1f10\u03be gives the force of following out; pursuance of; closely.\nCunningly devised (\u03c3\u03b5\u03c3\u03bf\u03c6\u03b9\u03c3\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9\u03c2)\nOnly here and Ti2 3:15, in which latter passage it has a good sense, to make thee wise. Here, in a bad sense, artfully framed by human cleverness (\u03c3\u03bf\u03c6\u03af\u03b1). Compare feigned words, Pe2 2:3.\nFables (\u03bc\u03cd\u03b8\u03bf\u03b9\u03c2)\nThis word, which occurs only here and in the Pastoral Epistles, is transcribed in the word myth. The reference here may be to the Jewish myths, rabbinical embellishments of Old-Testament history; or to the heathen myths about the descent of the gods to earth, which might be suggested by his remembrance of the transfiguration; or to the Gnostic speculations about aeons or emanations, which rose from the eternal abyss, the source of all spiritual existence, and were named Mind, Wisdom, Power, Truth, etc.\nComing (\u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03bf\u03c5\u03c3\u03af\u03b1\u03bd)\nOr presence. Compare Pe2 3:4. Another word, \u1f00\u03c0\u03bf\u03ba\u03ac\u03bb\u03c5\u03c8\u03b9\u03c2, revelation, is used in Pe1 1:7, Pe1 1:13; Pe1 4:13, to describe the appearing of Christ.\nEye-witnesses (\u1f10\u03c0\u03cc\u03c0\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9)\nSee on behold, Pe1 2:12. Only here in New Testament. Compare the different word in Luk 1:2, \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03cc\u03c0\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9, eye-witnesses.\nMajesty (\u03bc\u03b5\u03b3\u03b1\u03bb\u03b5\u03b9\u03cc\u03c4\u03b7\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2)\nUsed in only two passages besides this: Luk 9:43, of the mighty power (Rev., majesty) of God, as manifested in the healing of the epileptic child; and Act 19:27, of the magnificence of Diana.\nWhen there came (\u1f10\u03bd\u03b5\u03c7\u03b8\u03b5\u03af\u03c3\u03b7\u03c2)\nLit., having been borne. Compare come (Rev., Pe2 1:18); moved (Pe2 1:21); and rushing wind, lit., a wind borne along (Act 2:2).\nFrom (\u1f51\u03c0\u1f78)\nLit., by.\nExcellent (\u03bc\u03b5\u03b3\u03b1\u03bb\u03bf\u03c0\u03c1\u03b5\u03c0\u03bf\u1fe6\u03c2)\nOr sublime. Only here in New Testament. In Septuagint (Deuteronomy 33:26), as an epithet of God, excellency. The phrase excellent glory refers to the bright cloud which overshadowed the company on the transfiguration mount, like the shekinah above the mercy-seat.\nVoice (\u03c6\u03c9\u03bd\u1f74\u03bd)\nNote the same word in the account of Pentecost (Act 2:6), where the A. V. obscures the meaning by rendering, when this was noised abroad; whereas it should be when this voice was heard.\nWhich came (\u1f10\u03bd\u03b5\u03c7\u03b8\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd)\nLit., having been borne. See on Pe2 1:17. Rev., This voice we ourselves (\u1f21\u03bc\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c2, we, emphatic) heard come (better, borne) out of heaven.\nHoly mount\nIt is scarcely necessary to notice Davidson's remark that this expression points to a time when superstitious reverence for places had sprung up in Palestine. \"Of all places to which special sanctity would be ascribed by Christ's followers, surely that would be the first to be so marked where the most solemn testimony was given to the divinity of Jesus. To the Jewish Christian this would rank with Sinai, and no name would be more fitly applied to it than that which had so constantly been given to a place on which God first revealed himself in his glory. The 'holy mount of God' (Eze 28:14 :) would now receive another application, and he would see little of the true continuity of God's revelation who did not connect readily the old and the new covenants, and give to the place where the glory of Christ was most eminently shown forth the same name which was applied so oft to Sinai\" (Lumby).\nWe have also a more sure word of prophecy (\u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f14\u03c7\u03bf\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd \u03b2\u03b5\u03b2\u03b1\u03b9\u03cc\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1\u03bf\u03bd \u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03c6\u03b7\u03c4\u03b9\u03ba\u1f78\u03bd \u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03bf\u03bd)\nThe A. V is wrong, since more sure is used predicatively, and word has the definite article. We may explain either (a) as Rev., we have the word of prophecy made more sure, i.e., we are better certified than before as to the prophetic word by reason of this voice; or (b) we have the word of prophecy as a surer confirmation of God's truth than what we ourselves saw, i.e., Old-Testament testimony is more convincing than even the voice heard at the transfiguration. The latter seems to accord better with the words which follow. \"To appreciate this we must put ourselves somewhat in the place of those for whom St. Peter wrote. The New Testament, as we have it, was to them non-existent. Therefore we can readily understand how the long line of prophetic scriptures, fulfilled in so many ways in the life of Jesus, would be a mightier form of evidence than the narrative of one single event in Peter's life\" (Lumby). \"Peter knew a sounder basis for faith than that of signs and wonders. He had seen our Lord Jesus Christ receive honor and glory from God the Father in the holy mount; he had been dazzled and carried out of himself by visions and voices from heaven; but, nevertheless, even when his memory and heart are throbbing with recollections of that sublime scene, he says, 'we have something surer still in the prophetic word.'...It was not the miracles of Christ by which he came to know Jesus, but the word of Christ as interpreted by the spirit of Christ\" (Samuel Cox).\nOnto a light (\u03bb\u03cd\u03c7\u03bd\u1ff3)\nMore correctly, as Rev., a lamp.\nIn a dark place (\u1f10\u03bd \u03b1\u1f50\u03c7\u03bc\u03b7\u03c1\u1ff7 \u03c4\u03cc\u03c0\u1ff3)\nA peculiar expression. Lit., a dry place. Only here in New Testament. Rev. gives squalid, in margin. Aristotle opposes it to bright or glistering. It is a subtle association of the idea of darkness with squalor, dryness, and general neglect.\nDawn (\u03b4\u03b9\u03b1\u03c5\u03b3\u03ac\u03c3\u1fc3)\nOnly here in New Testament. Compare the different word in Mat 28:1, and Luk 23:54, \u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03c6\u03ce\u03c3\u03ba\u03c9. The verb is compounded of \u03b4\u03b9\u03ac, through, and \u03b1\u1f50\u03b3\u03ae, sunlight, thus carrying the picture of light breaking through the gloom.\nThe day-star (\u03c6\u03c9\u03c3\u03c6\u03cc\u03c1\u03bf\u03c2)\nOf which our word phosphorus is a transcript. Lit., light-bearer, like Lucifer, front lux, light, and fero, to bear. See Aeschylus, \"Agamemnon,\" 245.\nIs (\u03b3\u03af\u03bd\u03b5\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9)\nMore literally, arises or originates.\nPrivate (\u1f30\u03b4\u03af\u03b1\u03c2)\nSee on Pe2 1:3. His own. Rev., special, in margin.\nInterpretation (\u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03bb\u03cd\u03c3\u03b5\u03c9\u03c2)\nOnly here in New Testament. Compare the cognate verb expounded (Mar 4:34 :) and determined (Act 19:39). The usual word is \u1f11\u03c1\u03bc\u03b7\u03bd\u03b5\u03af\u03b1 (Co1 12:10; Co1 14:26). Literally, it means loosening, untying, as of hard knots of scripture.\nCame (\u1f20\u03bd\u03ad\u03c7\u03b8\u03b7)\nLit., was borne or brought. See on Pe2 1:17, Pe2 1:18.\nHoly men of God (\u1f05\u03b3\u03b9\u03bf\u03b9 \u03b8\u03b5\u03bf\u1fe6 \u1f04\u03bd\u03b8\u03c1\u03c9\u03c0\u03bf\u03b9)\nThe best texts omit holy, and read \u1f00\u03c0\u1f78 \u03b8\u03b5\u03bf\u1fe6, from God. Render, as Rev., men spake from God.\nMoved (\u03c6\u03b5\u03c1\u03cc\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9)\nThe same verb as came. Lit., being borne along. It seems to be a favorite word with Peter, occurring six times in the two epistles.","title":"Vincent's Word Studies: 2 Peter: 2 Peter Chapter 1","type":"page"}