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2 Peter 1:21

2 Peter 1:21 in Multiple Translations

For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.

For these words did not ever come through the impulse of men: but the prophets had them from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.

for no prophecy originated in human ideas, but prophets spoke for God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

For the prophecie came not in olde time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moued by the holy Ghost.

for not by will of man did ever prophecy come, but by the Holy Spirit borne on holy men of God spake.

For no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.

For prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

For prophecy came not by the will of man at any time: but the holy men of God spoke, inspired by the Holy Ghost.

because no human beings decided to make those prophecies. On the contrary, those who spoke messages from God did that because it was the Holy Spirit who caused them to do it, and therefore the Spirit must help us to interpret/understand their meaning.

No. They didn’t write down their own ideas. The Holy Spirit worked inside them and told them God’s messages. Those words came from God, and they wrote them down in his book.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Peter 1:21

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2 Peter 1:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ου γαρ θεληματι ανθρωπου ηνεχθη ποτε προφητεια αλλ υπο πνευματος αγιου φερομενοι ελαλησαν αγιοι θεου ανθρωποι
ου ou G3756 no Particle-N
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
θεληματι thelēma G2307 will/desire Noun-DSN
ανθρωπου anthrōpos G444 a human Noun-GSM
ηνεχθη pherō G5342 to bear/lead Verb-API-3S
ποτε pote G4218 once/when Particle
προφητεια prophēteia G4394 prophecy Noun-NSF
αλλ alla G235 but Conj
υπο hupo G5259 by/under: by Prep
πνευματος pneuma G4151 spirit/breath: spirit Noun-GSN
αγιου hagios G40 holy Adj-GSN
φερομενοι pherō G5342 to bear/lead Verb-PPP-NPM
ελαλησαν laleō G2980 to speak Verb-AAI-3P
αγιοι hagios G40 holy Adj-NPM
θεου theos G2316 God Noun-GSM
ανθρωποι anthrōpos G444 a human Noun-NPM
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Greek Word Reference — 2 Peter 1:21

ου ou G3756 "no" Particle-N
This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.
Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.
γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
θεληματι thelēma G2307 "will/desire" Noun-DSN
Will or desire refers to a person's choice or intention, like God's will in Matthew 18:14 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18. It can also mean a decree or purpose, like God's plan for our lives.
Definition: θέλημα, -τος, τό (θέλω), [in LXX chiefly for חָפֵץ, also for רָצוֹן, etc. ;] will, __(a) objectively = that which is willed: Mat.18:14, Luk.12:47, Jhn.5:30, 1Co.7:37, 1Th.5:18, 2Ti.2:26, Heb.10:10, Rev.4:11; θ. τ. θεοῦ, Act.22:14, Rom.2:18 12:2, Eph.1:9, Col.1:9 4:12, 1Pe.4:2; τ. κυρίου, Eph.5:17; pl., of precepts, Mrk.3:35, WH, mg., Act.13:22 (LXX); ἐστιν τὸ θ., with genitive of person(s), before ἵνα, Jhn.6:39-40, 1Co.16:12; with inf., 1Pe.2:15; with accusative and inf., 1Th.4:3 __(b) subjectively = τὸ θέλειν (cf. θέλησις): Luk.23:25, Jhn.1:13, 1Pe.3:17, 2Pe.1:21; ποιεῖν, Mat.7:21 12:50 21:31, Mrk.3:35 (pl., WH, mg., see supr.), Jhn.4:34 6:38 7:17 9:31, Eph.6:6, Heb.10:7, 9 10:36 13:21, 1Jn.2:17; γίνεσθαι, Mat.6:10 26:42, Luk.22:42, Act.21:14; ἡ εὐδοκία ( βουλὴ) τοῦ θ., Eph.1:5, 11; ἐν τῷ θ. τοῦ θεοῦ, Rom.1:10; διὰ θ. θεοῦ, Rom.15:32, 1Co.1:1, 2Co.1:1 8:5, Eph.1:1, Col.1:1, 2Ti.1:1; κατὰ τὸ θ. τ. θεοῦ, Gal.1:4, 1Pe.4:19, 1Jn.5:14; pl., Eph.2:3 (Cremer, 728).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 60 NT verses. KJV: desire, pleasure, will See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:15.
ανθρωπου anthrōpos G444 "a human" Noun-GSM
This word means a human being, and is used in the Bible to describe people, like in John 16:21 and Romans 7:1.
Definition: ἄνθρωπος, -ου, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for אִישׁ ,אָדָם, also for אֱנוֹשׁ, etc. ;] man: __1. generically, a human being, male or female (Lat. homo): Jhn.16:21; with art., Mat.4:4 12:35, Mrk.2:27, Jhn.2:25, Rom.7:1, al; disting. from God, Mat.19:6, Jhn.10:33, Col.3:23, al.; from animals, etc., Mat.4:19, Luk.5:10, Rev.9:4, al.; implying human frailty and imperfection, 1Co.3:4; σοφία ἀνθρώπων, 1Co.2:5; ἀνθρώπων ἐπιθυμίαι, 1Pe.4:2; κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖν, 1Co.3:3; κατὰ ἄ. λέγειν (λαλεῖν), Rom.3:5, 1Co.9:8; κατὰ ἄ- λέγειν, Gal.3:15 (cf. 1Co.15:32, Gal.1:11); by meton., of man's nature or condition, ὁ ἔσω (ἔξω) ἄ., Rom.7:22, Eph.3:16, 2Co.4:16 (cf. 1Pe.3:4); ὁ παλαιὸς, καινὸς, νέος ἄ., Rom.6:6, Eph.2:15 4:22, 24 Col.3:9, 10; joined with another subst., ἄ. ἔμπορος, a merchant, Mat.13:45 (WH, txt. om. ἄ.); οἰκοδεσπότης, Mat.13:52; βασιλεύς, 18:23; φάγος, 11:19; with name of nation, Κυρηναῖος, Mat.27:32; Ἰουδαῖος, Act.21:39; Ῥωμαῖος, Act.16:37; pl. οἱ ἄ., men, people: Mat.5:13, 16 Mrk.8:24, Jhn.4:28; οὐδεὶς ἀνθρώπων, Mrk.11:2, 1Ti.6:16. __2. Indef., ἄ. = τις, some one, a man: Mat.17:14, Mrk.12:1, al.; τις ἄ., Mat.18:12, Jhn.5:5, al.; indef. one (Fr. on), Rom.3:28, Gal.2:16, al.; opposite to women, servants, etc., Mat.10:36 19:10, Jhn.7:22, 23. __3. Definitely, with art., of some particular person; Mat.12:13, Mrk.3:5, al.; οὗτος ὁ ἄ., Luk.14:30; ὁ ἄ οὗτος, ἐκεῖνος, Mrk.14:71, Mat.12:45; ὁ ἄ. τ. ἀνομίας, 2Th.2:3; ἄ τ. θεοῦ (of Heb. אִישׁ אֱלֹהִים), 1Ti.6:11, 2Ti.3:17, 2Pe.1:21; ὁ υἰὸς τοῦ ἀ., see: υἱός. SYN.: ἀνήρ, which see (and cf. MM, VGT, 44; Cremer, 103, 635). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 503 NT verses. KJV: certain, man See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Acts 22:25; 1 Peter 1:24.
ηνεχθη pherō G5342 "to bear/lead" Verb-API-3S
To bear or lead, meaning to carry or support something or someone, as seen in Luke 23:26 and Hebrews 1:3. It can also mean to endure or bring something forward. This word is used in various contexts, including physical and mental support.
Definition: φέρω [in LXX chiefly for בּוֹא. hi., also for נָשָׂא, etc. ;] to bear; __1. to bear, carry: with accusative, Luk.23:26 24:1, Jhn.19:39, Heb.1:3 (see Westc., in l); pass., Act.2:2 27:15, 17 Heb.6:1, 2Pe.1:17-18; of the mind, 2Pe.1:21. __2. to bear, endure: with accusative of thing(s), Heb.12:20 13:13; with accusative of person(s), Rom.9:22. __3. to bring, bring forward: with accusative of person(s), Act.5:16; id. before πρός, Mrk.1:32 2:3 9:17, 19-20; ἐπί, Luk.5:18; with dative, Mrk.7:32 8:22; with accusative of thing(s), Mrk.6:27 11:2 12:15, Luk.15:23, Act.4:34, 37 5:2, 2Ti.4:13; id. before πρός, Mrk.11:7; εἰς, Rev.21:24, 26; ἐπί, Mat.14:11, Mrk.6:28; ἀπό, Jhn.21:10; with dative, Mrk.12:15, Jhn.2:8; id. before ὧδε, Mat.14:18 17:17; before φαγεῖν (sc. τι), Jhn.4:33; τ. δάκτυλον (χεῖρα), Jhn.20:27; pass., ἡ χάρις, 1Pe.1:13; διδαχήν, II Jn 10; θάνατον (cf. Field, Notes, 230), Heb.9:16; κρίσιν, 2Pe.2:11; κατηγορίαν, Jhn.18:29; αἰτίαν, Act.25:18; αἰτιώματα, Act.25:7, Rec. __4. to bear, produce, bring forth: καρπόν, Mat.7:18, Mrk.4:8, Jhn.12:24 15:2, 4-5 15:8, 16. __5. to bring, lead: Mrk.15:22, Jhn.21:18, Act.14:13; metaphorically, of a gate (ὁδός, cl.), Seq. εἰς, Act.12:10 (cf. ἀνα-, ἀπο-, δια-, εἰσ-, παρ-εισ-, ἐκ-, ἐπι-, κατα-, -παρα-, περι-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, ὑπο-φέρω).† SYN: φορέω, which expresses habitual and continuous bearing as distinct from (φέρω) that which is accidental and temporary (cf. Mat.11:8, al., see word φορέω, and see Tr., Syn., § lviii) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 58 NT verses. KJV: be, bear, bring (forth), carry, come, + let her drive, be driven, endure, go on, lay, lead, move, reach, rushing, uphold See also: 1 Peter 1:13; John 15:16; Hebrews 1:3.
ποτε pote G4218 "once/when" Particle
This word means once or when, referring to a time in the past or future. Paul used it in Romans 7:9 and Galatians 1:13 to talk about his life before meeting Jesus. It can also mean ever or at some point.
Definition: ποτέ enclitic particle, __1. once, formerly, sometime: of the past, Jhn.9:13 Rom.7:9 11:30, Gal.1:13, 23 2:6 (Lft., in l), Eph.2:2-3, 11 2:13 5:8, Col.1:21 3:7, 1Th.2:5, Tit.3:3, Phm 11, 1Pe.2:10 3:5 3:20; ἤδη ποτέ, now at length, Php.4:10; of the fut., Luk.22:32; εἴ πως ἤδη ποτέ, if sometime soon at length, Rom.1:10. __2. ever: after a neg., Eph.5:29, 2Pe.1:10 1:21; in a question, τίς π., 1Co.9:7, Heb.1:5, 13.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 28 NT verses. KJV: afore-(any, some-)time(-s), at length (the last), (+ n- )ever, in the old time, in time past, once, when See also: 1 Corinthians 9:7; Ephesians 5:29; 1 Peter 2:10.
προφητεια prophēteia G4394 "prophecy" Noun-NSF
Prophecy refers to the gift of interpreting God's will and purpose, as seen in Matthew 13:14 and 2 Peter 1:20-21. It involves predicting or speaking God's message.
Definition: προφητεία, -ας, ἡ (προψητεύω) [in LXX for נְבוּאָה, חָזוֹן ;] the gift (and its exercise) of interpreting the Divine will and purpose, prophecy, prophesying: of OT prophecy, Mat.13:14, 2Pe.1:20-21; of NT prophecy, Rom.12:6, 1Co.12:10 13:2 14:6 14:22, 1Ti.4:14, Rev.11:6 22:19; pl., 1Co.13:8, 1Th.5:20, 1Ti.1:18; οἱ λόγοι τῆς π., Rev.1:3 22:7, 10 22:18; τ. πνεῦμα τῆς π., Rev.19:10 (Luc., FlJ, LXX, π.; see Deiss., BS, 235 f.; MM, xxii).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 19 NT verses. KJV: prophecy, prophesying See also: 1 Corinthians 12:10; 2 Peter 1:21; Revelation 1:3.
αλλ alla G235 "but" Conj
But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.
Definition: ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146), adversative particle, stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Rom.3:31); __1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Mat.5:15, 17 Mrk.5:39, Jhn.7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mrk.9:37, Mat.10:20, Jhn.12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Mat.11:7-9, Act.19:2, 1Co.3:6 6:11 7:7, 2Co.7:1, Gal.2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Mat.24:6, 1Co.10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, Jhn.5:18, Rom.1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mrk.14:49, Jhn.1:8 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Mat.20:23, Mrk.4:22. __2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: Jhn.16:20 12:27, Gal.2:14; before commands or requests, Act.10:20 26:16, Mat.9:18, Mrk.9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2Co.7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mrk.14:29, 1Co.9:2, 2Co.4:16, Col.2:5, al.; after μέν, Act.4:17, Rom.14:20, 1Co.14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., Jhn.16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luk.23:15. __3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luk.24:21, 1Co.9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luk.12:51, 2Co.1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Php.3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 1:15.
υπο hupo G5259 "by/under: by" Prep
Under or by something, like under a person's authority, as in Matthew 8:9, or under a place, as in Luke 7:8.
Definition: ὑπό (before smooth breathing ὑπ᾽, Mat.8:9b, Luk.7:8b; before rough breathing ὑφ᾽, Rom.3:9; on the neglect of elision in Mt, Lk, ll. witha, Gal.3:22, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., iv), prep. with genitive, dative (not in NT), accusative __I. C. genitive, primarily of place, under, hence, metaphorically, of the efficient cause, by: after passive verbs, with genitive of person(s), Mat.1:22, Mrk.1:5, Luk.2:18, Jhn.14:21, Act.4:11, 1Co.1:11, Heb.3:4, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Mat.8:24, Luk.7:24, Rom.3:21, al.; with neut. verbs and verbs with pass, meaning, Mat.17:12, Mrk.5:26, 1Co.10:9, 10 1Th.2:14, al. __II. C. accusative, under; __1. of motion: Mat.5:15 8:8, Mrk.4:21, Luk.13:34; hence, metaphorically, of subjection, Rom.7:14, 1Co.15:27, Gal.3:22, 1Pe.5:6, al. __2. Of position: Jhn.1:49, Act.4:12, Rom.3:13, 1Co.10:1, al.; hence, metaphorically, under, subject to, Mat.8:9, Rom.3:9, 1Co.9:20, Gal.4:5, al. __3. Of time, about: Act.5:21. __III. In composition: under (ὑποδέω), hence, of subjection (ὑποτάσσω), compliance (ὑπακούω), secrecy (ὑποβάλλω), diminution (ὑποπνέω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 209 NT verses. KJV: among, by, from, in, of, under, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; Hebrews 2:3; 1 Peter 2:4.
πνευματος pneuma G4151 "spirit/breath: spirit" Noun-GSN
The Greek word for spirit or breath refers to the vital principle or mental disposition of a person, as seen in John 3:8 and 1 Corinthians 5:5. It can also mean a superhuman spirit, like the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:2.
Definition: πνεῦμα, -τος, τό, [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for רוּחַ ;] __1. of air in motion; __(a) wind: Jhn.3:8; pl., Heb.1:7 (LXX); __(b) breath: π. ζωῆς, Rev.11:11; π. τοῦ στόματος, figuratively, 2Th.2:8 (cf. Ps 32 (33)6). __2. Of the vital principle, the spirit (Arist., Polyb., al.): Luk.8:55, Jhn.19:30, Act.7:59, al.; opposite to σάρξ, Mat.26:41, Mrk.14:38, 1Co.5:5, al.; to σῶμα, Rom.8:10, 1Co.6:17 7:34, 1Pe.4:6; to ψυχή, Php.1:27, Heb.4:12; τὸ π. καὶ ἡ ψ. καὶ τ. σῶμα, 1Th.5:23 (M, Th., in l.); dative, τῷ π., in spirit, Mrk.2:8 8:12, Jhn.11:33 13:21, Act.18:25, Rom.12:11, 1Co.7:34, 1Pe.3:18, al.; of the human spirit of Christ, Rom.1:4, 1Ti.3:16. __3. spirit, i.e. frame of mind, disposition, influence: Luk.1:17, Rom.8:15, 1Co.4:21, Gal 6:1, Eph.2:2, 2Ti.1:7, 1Jn.4:6, al. __4. An incorporeal being, a spirit: Luk.24:37, 39 Act.23:8; π. ὁ θεός, God is spirit, Jhn.4:24; πατὴρ τῶν π., Heb.12:9; of disembodied human beings, Heb.12:23, 1Pe.3:19 (ICC, in l.; DB, iii, 795); of angels. Heb.1:14; of demons or evil spirits, Mat.8:16, Mrk.9:20, Luk.9:39, al.; π. πύθυωνα, Act.16:16; πνεύματα δαιμονίων, Rev.16:14; π. δαιμονίου ἀκαθάρτου, Luk.4:33; π. ἀσθενείας (Bl., §35, 5), Luk.13:11; π. ἀκάθαρτον, Mat.10:1, Mrk.1:23, Luk.4:36, Act.5:16; π. ἄλαλον (καὶ κωφόν), Mrk.9:17, 25; πονηρόν, Luk.7:21, Act.19:12, al. __5. Of the Holy Spirit, π. ἅγιον, τὸ ἅ. π., τὸ π. τὸ ἅ. τὸ π., π. (the article as a rule being used when the Spirit is regarded as a Person or a Divine Power, and omitted when the reference is to an operation, influence or gift of the Spirit; see WM, 151:5; Bl., §46, 7): anarth., Mat.1:18 3:11, 16 4:1, Mrk.1:8 (Swete, in l.), ib.10, Luk.1:15, Jhn.7:39, Act.19:2, Rom.5:5, 1Co.2:4, al.; with art., Mat.4:1 12:31, 32 Mrk.1:10 3:29, Luk.2:26, Jhn.7:36 14:26, Act.4:31 5:3, Rom.8:16, al.; (τὸ) π. (τοῦ) θεοῦ, Mat.3:16, Rom.8:9, Eph.3:16, 1Jn.4:2, al.; τὸ π. τ. πατρός, Mat.10:20; π. θεοῦ ζῶντος, 2Co.3:3; (τὸ) π. τοῦ κυρίου, Luk.4:18, Act.5:9 8:39; τὸ π. Ἰησοῦ, Act.16:7; Χριστοῦ, Rom.8:9; Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, Php.1:19; τὸ π. τ. ἀληθείας, Jhn.15:26 16:13, 1Jn.4:6; λείγει (μαρτυρεῖ) τὸ π. (τὸ ἅγιον), Act.21:11 28:25, 1Ti.4:1, Heb.3:7 10:15, Rev.14:13; before τ. ἐκκλησίαις, Rev.2:7, 11 17, 29, 3:6, 12, 22; ἐν τ. π., Luk.2:27; κατὰ πνεῦμα, Rom.8:4, 5; ἐξ ὕδατος καὶ π., Jhn.3:5, διὰ πνεύματος αἰωνίου, Heb.9:14; ἐν ἁγιασμῷ πνεύματος, 2Th.2:13, 1Pe.1:2; ἓν π., 1Co.12:13, Eph.2:18 4:4; ὁ δὲ κύριος τὸ π. ἐστιν, 2Co.3:17; of that which is effected or governed by the Spirit, opposite to γράμμα, Rom.2:29 7:6, 2Co.3:6. SYN.: νοῦς, which in NT is contrasted with π. as "the action of the understanding in man with that of the spiritual or ecstatic impulse" (DB, iv, 612); ψυχή — the usual term in cl. psychology—in NT, "expresses man as apart from God, a separate individual, π. expresses man as drawing his life from God" (DB, 1-vol., 872). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 350 NT verses. KJV: ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind See also: 1 Corinthians 2:4; Acts 7:59; 1 Peter 1:2.
αγιου hagios G40 "holy" Adj-GSN
In the Bible, this word means holy or set apart, describing God and things dedicated to Him. It appears in Luke 1:49 and John 17:11, highlighting God's purity and majesty.
Definition: ἅγιος, -α, ον (τό ἅγός, religious awe; ἅζω, to venerate), [in LXX chiefly for קֹ֫דֶשׁ ;] primarily, dedicated to the gods, sacred (Hdt.; rare in Att., never in Hom., Hes. and Trag., who use ἁγνός), hence, holy, characteristic of God, separated to God, worthy of veneration. __1. Its highest application is to God himself, in his purity, majesty, and glory: Luk.1:49, Jhn.17:11, Rev.4:8. Hence __(a) of things and places which have a claim to reverence as sacred to God, e.g. the Temple: Mat.24:15, Heb.9:1; __(b) of persons employed by him, as angels: 1Th.3:13; prophets, Luk.1:70; apostles, Eph.3:5. __2. Applied to persons as separated to God's service: __(a) of Christ, Mrk.1:24, Jhn.6:69, Act.4:30; __(b) of Christians, Act.9:13, Rom.1:7, Heb.6:10, Rev.5:8. __3. In the moral sense of sharing God's purity: Mrk.6:20, Jhn.17:11, Act.3:14, Rev.3:7. __4. Of pure, clean sacrifices and offerings: 1Co.7:14, Eph.1:4. SYN.: ἁγνός, pure, both in ceremonial and spiritual sense; ἱερός (sacer), sacred, that which is inviolable because of its (external) relation to God; ὅσιος (sanctus as opposite to nefas), that which is based on everlasting ordinances of right. (Cf. Tr., Syn., §lxxxviii; DB, ii, 399 f.; Cremer, 34, 594-601; MM, VGT, see word) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 228 NT verses. KJV: (most) holy (one, thing), saint See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Colossians 1:26; 1 Peter 1:12.
φερομενοι pherō G5342 "to bear/lead" Verb-PPP-NPM
To bear or lead, meaning to carry or support something or someone, as seen in Luke 23:26 and Hebrews 1:3. It can also mean to endure or bring something forward. This word is used in various contexts, including physical and mental support.
Definition: φέρω [in LXX chiefly for בּוֹא. hi., also for נָשָׂא, etc. ;] to bear; __1. to bear, carry: with accusative, Luk.23:26 24:1, Jhn.19:39, Heb.1:3 (see Westc., in l); pass., Act.2:2 27:15, 17 Heb.6:1, 2Pe.1:17-18; of the mind, 2Pe.1:21. __2. to bear, endure: with accusative of thing(s), Heb.12:20 13:13; with accusative of person(s), Rom.9:22. __3. to bring, bring forward: with accusative of person(s), Act.5:16; id. before πρός, Mrk.1:32 2:3 9:17, 19-20; ἐπί, Luk.5:18; with dative, Mrk.7:32 8:22; with accusative of thing(s), Mrk.6:27 11:2 12:15, Luk.15:23, Act.4:34, 37 5:2, 2Ti.4:13; id. before πρός, Mrk.11:7; εἰς, Rev.21:24, 26; ἐπί, Mat.14:11, Mrk.6:28; ἀπό, Jhn.21:10; with dative, Mrk.12:15, Jhn.2:8; id. before ὧδε, Mat.14:18 17:17; before φαγεῖν (sc. τι), Jhn.4:33; τ. δάκτυλον (χεῖρα), Jhn.20:27; pass., ἡ χάρις, 1Pe.1:13; διδαχήν, II Jn 10; θάνατον (cf. Field, Notes, 230), Heb.9:16; κρίσιν, 2Pe.2:11; κατηγορίαν, Jhn.18:29; αἰτίαν, Act.25:18; αἰτιώματα, Act.25:7, Rec. __4. to bear, produce, bring forth: καρπόν, Mat.7:18, Mrk.4:8, Jhn.12:24 15:2, 4-5 15:8, 16. __5. to bring, lead: Mrk.15:22, Jhn.21:18, Act.14:13; metaphorically, of a gate (ὁδός, cl.), Seq. εἰς, Act.12:10 (cf. ἀνα-, ἀπο-, δια-, εἰσ-, παρ-εισ-, ἐκ-, ἐπι-, κατα-, -παρα-, περι-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, ὑπο-φέρω).† SYN: φορέω, which expresses habitual and continuous bearing as distinct from (φέρω) that which is accidental and temporary (cf. Mat.11:8, al., see word φορέω, and see Tr., Syn., § lviii) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 58 NT verses. KJV: be, bear, bring (forth), carry, come, + let her drive, be driven, endure, go on, lay, lead, move, reach, rushing, uphold See also: 1 Peter 1:13; John 15:16; Hebrews 1:3.
ελαλησαν laleō G2980 "to speak" Verb-AAI-3P
To speak or talk, as in Matthew 9:33 and 12:46, where Jesus speaks to the crowds. It can also mean to utter words, like in Revelation 4:1. This word is often translated as preach, say, or tell in the KJV.
Definition: λαλέω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for דּבר pi., also for אמר, etc. ;] __1. to utter: of inanimate things, Rev.4:1 10:4; metaphorically, Heb.11:4 12:24. __2. to talk, speak, say: absol., Mat.9:33 12:46, Mrk.5:35, Luk.8:49; before ὡς, 1Co.13:11, Rev.13:11; εἰς, 1Co.14:9; ἐκ, Mat.12:34; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.10:19, Mrk.11:32, Jhn.8:30, al.; with dative of person(s), Mat.12:46, Luk.24:6, Rom.7:1, al.; with accusative of thing(s) and dative of person(s), Mat.9:18, Jhn.10:6, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, Mrk.6:50, Luk.1:19 2:33, al.; ἐν, ἐξ, ἀπό, Mat.13:3, Jhn.12:49 14:10, al.; λ. τ. λόγον, Mrk.8:32, al.; before orat. dir. (not cl.), Mrk.14:31, Heb.5:5 11:18; Hebraistically (Dalman, Words, 25f.), ἐλάλησε λέγων, Mat.14:27, Jhn.8:12, Act.8:26, al. SYN.: see: λέγω. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 269 NT verses. KJV: preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter See also: 1 Corinthians 2:6; Acts 23:18; 1 Peter 3:10.
αγιοι hagios G40 "holy" Adj-NPM
In the Bible, this word means holy or set apart, describing God and things dedicated to Him. It appears in Luke 1:49 and John 17:11, highlighting God's purity and majesty.
Definition: ἅγιος, -α, ον (τό ἅγός, religious awe; ἅζω, to venerate), [in LXX chiefly for קֹ֫דֶשׁ ;] primarily, dedicated to the gods, sacred (Hdt.; rare in Att., never in Hom., Hes. and Trag., who use ἁγνός), hence, holy, characteristic of God, separated to God, worthy of veneration. __1. Its highest application is to God himself, in his purity, majesty, and glory: Luk.1:49, Jhn.17:11, Rev.4:8. Hence __(a) of things and places which have a claim to reverence as sacred to God, e.g. the Temple: Mat.24:15, Heb.9:1; __(b) of persons employed by him, as angels: 1Th.3:13; prophets, Luk.1:70; apostles, Eph.3:5. __2. Applied to persons as separated to God's service: __(a) of Christ, Mrk.1:24, Jhn.6:69, Act.4:30; __(b) of Christians, Act.9:13, Rom.1:7, Heb.6:10, Rev.5:8. __3. In the moral sense of sharing God's purity: Mrk.6:20, Jhn.17:11, Act.3:14, Rev.3:7. __4. Of pure, clean sacrifices and offerings: 1Co.7:14, Eph.1:4. SYN.: ἁγνός, pure, both in ceremonial and spiritual sense; ἱερός (sacer), sacred, that which is inviolable because of its (external) relation to God; ὅσιος (sanctus as opposite to nefas), that which is based on everlasting ordinances of right. (Cf. Tr., Syn., §lxxxviii; DB, ii, 399 f.; Cremer, 34, 594-601; MM, VGT, see word) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 228 NT verses. KJV: (most) holy (one, thing), saint See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Colossians 1:26; 1 Peter 1:12.
θεου theos G2316 "God" Noun-GSM
This word simply means God, referring to the one true deity. It is used throughout the New Testament, including in Matthew 27:46 and Acts 14:11, to describe the supreme being and creator of the universe.
Definition: θεός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (Act.19:37 only; see M, Pr., 60, 244), late voc., θεέ (Mat.27:46; cf. Deu.3:24, al.), [in LXX chiefly for אֱלֹהִים, also for אֵל and other cognate forms, יהוה, etc. ;] a god or deity, God. __1. In polytheistic sense, a god or deity: Act.28:6, 1Co.8:4, 2Th.2:4, al.; pl., Ac. 14:11 19:26, Gal.4:8, al. __2. Of the one true God; __(a) anarthrous: Mat.6:24, Luk.20:38, al.; esp. with prep. (Kühner 3, iii, 605), ἀπὸ θ., Jhn.3:2; ἐκ, Act.5:39, 2Co.5:1, Php.3:9; ὑπό, Rom.13:1; παρὰ θεοῦ, Jhn.1:6; παρὰ θεῷ, 2Th.1:6, 1Pe.2:4; κατὰ θεόν, Rom.8:27, 2Co.7:9, 10; also when in genitive dependent on an anarth. noun (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.27:43, Luk.3:2, Rom.1:17, 1Th.2:13; as pred., Lk 20:38, Jhn.1:1, and when the nature and character rather than the person of God is meant, Act.5:29, Gal.2:6, al. (M, Th., 14); __(b) more freq., with art.: Mat.1:23, Mrk.2:7, al. mult.; with prep., ἀπὸ τ. θ., Luk.1:26; ἐκ, Jhn.8:42, al.; παρὰ τοῦ θ., Jhn.8:40; π. τῷ θ., Rom.9:14; ἐν, Col.3:3; ἐπὶ τῷ θ., Luk.1:47; ἐπὶ τὸν θ., Act.15:19; εἰς τ. θ., Act.24:15; πρὸς τ. θ., Jhn.1:2; with genitive of person(s), Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:26, 27, Luk.20:37, Jhn.20:17, al.; ὁ θ. μου, Rom.1:8, Php 1:3, al.; ὁ θ. καὶ πατήρ κ. τ. λ., Rom.15:6, Eph.1:3, Phi 4:20, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Rom.15:5, 13, 33, 2Co.1:3, 1Th.5:23; τὰ τ. θεοῦ, Mat.16:23, Mrk.12:17, 1Co.2:11; τὰ πρὸς τὸν θ., Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; τ. θεῷ, as a superl. (LXX, Jos.3:3), Act.7:20, 2Co.10:4; Hebraistically, of judges (Psa.81(82):6), Jhn.10:34" (LXX), 35. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.
ανθρωποι anthrōpos G444 "a human" Noun-NPM
This word means a human being, and is used in the Bible to describe people, like in John 16:21 and Romans 7:1.
Definition: ἄνθρωπος, -ου, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for אִישׁ ,אָדָם, also for אֱנוֹשׁ, etc. ;] man: __1. generically, a human being, male or female (Lat. homo): Jhn.16:21; with art., Mat.4:4 12:35, Mrk.2:27, Jhn.2:25, Rom.7:1, al; disting. from God, Mat.19:6, Jhn.10:33, Col.3:23, al.; from animals, etc., Mat.4:19, Luk.5:10, Rev.9:4, al.; implying human frailty and imperfection, 1Co.3:4; σοφία ἀνθρώπων, 1Co.2:5; ἀνθρώπων ἐπιθυμίαι, 1Pe.4:2; κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖν, 1Co.3:3; κατὰ ἄ. λέγειν (λαλεῖν), Rom.3:5, 1Co.9:8; κατὰ ἄ- λέγειν, Gal.3:15 (cf. 1Co.15:32, Gal.1:11); by meton., of man's nature or condition, ὁ ἔσω (ἔξω) ἄ., Rom.7:22, Eph.3:16, 2Co.4:16 (cf. 1Pe.3:4); ὁ παλαιὸς, καινὸς, νέος ἄ., Rom.6:6, Eph.2:15 4:22, 24 Col.3:9, 10; joined with another subst., ἄ. ἔμπορος, a merchant, Mat.13:45 (WH, txt. om. ἄ.); οἰκοδεσπότης, Mat.13:52; βασιλεύς, 18:23; φάγος, 11:19; with name of nation, Κυρηναῖος, Mat.27:32; Ἰουδαῖος, Act.21:39; Ῥωμαῖος, Act.16:37; pl. οἱ ἄ., men, people: Mat.5:13, 16 Mrk.8:24, Jhn.4:28; οὐδεὶς ἀνθρώπων, Mrk.11:2, 1Ti.6:16. __2. Indef., ἄ. = τις, some one, a man: Mat.17:14, Mrk.12:1, al.; τις ἄ., Mat.18:12, Jhn.5:5, al.; indef. one (Fr. on), Rom.3:28, Gal.2:16, al.; opposite to women, servants, etc., Mat.10:36 19:10, Jhn.7:22, 23. __3. Definitely, with art., of some particular person; Mat.12:13, Mrk.3:5, al.; οὗτος ὁ ἄ., Luk.14:30; ὁ ἄ οὗτος, ἐκεῖνος, Mrk.14:71, Mat.12:45; ὁ ἄ. τ. ἀνομίας, 2Th.2:3; ἄ τ. θεοῦ (of Heb. אִישׁ אֱלֹהִים), 1Ti.6:11, 2Ti.3:17, 2Pe.1:21; ὁ υἰὸς τοῦ ἀ., see: υἱός. SYN.: ἀνήρ, which see (and cf. MM, VGT, 44; Cremer, 103, 635). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 503 NT verses. KJV: certain, man See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Acts 22:25; 1 Peter 1:24.

Study Notes — 2 Peter 1:21

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Timothy 3:15–17 From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.
2 1 Peter 1:11 trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.
3 2 Samuel 23:2 The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.
4 Luke 1:70 as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past,
5 Acts 1:16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus.
6 Acts 3:18 But in this way God has fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Christ would suffer.
7 Hebrews 10:15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First He says:
8 Mark 12:36 Speaking by the Holy Spirit, David himself declared: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’
9 Revelation 19:10 So I fell at his feet to worship him. But he told me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who rely on the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
10 Hebrews 3:7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice,

2 Peter 1:21 Summary

[This verse tells us that the prophecies in the Bible did not come from people's own ideas or thoughts, but from God Himself, as men were guided by the Holy Spirit. This means that the Bible is a very special book, one that is inspired by God and can be trusted completely, just like it says in Psalm 119:160. The Holy Spirit helped the writers of the Bible to write down exactly what God wanted them to say, so we can have confidence in its message and authority, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of prophecy according to 2 Peter 1:21?

According to 2 Peter 1:21, prophecy does not originate from the will of man, but rather from God as men are carried along by the Holy Spirit, as also seen in Ezekiel 2:2 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

How do we know that the Bible is not just a collection of human writings?

We know that the Bible is not just a collection of human writings because 2 Peter 1:21 tells us that the prophecies in Scripture were spoken by men as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit, confirming the divine inspiration of Scripture as also stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

What role does the Holy Spirit play in the writing of Scripture?

According to 2 Peter 1:21, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the writing of Scripture, carrying men along as they spoke from God, ensuring that the words they wrote were divinely inspired, as also seen in Acts 1:16 and Hebrews 3:7-8.

How can we be confident in the authority of the Bible?

We can be confident in the authority of the Bible because it is not a product of human imagination or interpretation, but rather the result of men speaking from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit, as stated in 2 Peter 1:21 and supported by Psalm 119:160 and Matthew 5:18.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be 'carried along by the Holy Spirit' and how can I experience this in my own life?
  2. How does the divine inspiration of Scripture impact my understanding of its authority and reliability?
  3. In what ways can I trust that the Bible is not just a human book, but a divine message from God?
  4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in my own life and how can I surrender to His leading and guidance?
  5. How can I apply the truth of 2 Peter 1:21 to my daily reading and study of Scripture?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Peter 1:21

For the prophecy,.... The whole Scripture, all the prophetic writings; so the Jews call the Scriptures הנבואה, "the prophecy" (g), by way of eminence, and from the subject matter of the sacred word:

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Peter 1:21

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Peter 1:21

The prophecy; the prophetical writings, or word of prophecy, . Came not in old time by the will of man; the prophets spake not of themselves what and when they pleased. But holy men of God; prophets, called men of God, 9:6 , and elsewhere. They are here called holy, not only because of their lives, wherein they were examples to others, but because they were the special instruments of the Holy Ghost, who sanctified them to the work of preaching, and penning what he dictated to them. Spake as they were moved; or, carried out, or acted, i.e. elevated above their own natural abilities. This may imply the illumination of their minds with the knowledge of Divine mysteries, the gift of infallibility, that they might not err, of prophecy, to foretell things to come, and a peculiar instinct of the Holy Ghost, whereby they were moved to preach or write.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Peter 1:21

21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Ver. 21. As they were moved] φερομενοι. Forcibly moved, acted, carried out of themselves to say and do what God would have them.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Peter 1:21

(21) For the prophecy came not in old time.—Rather, For prophecy was never sent, or brought. Wiclif and Rheims alone have “brought”; all the rest “came.” The verb is the same as that used of the voice from heaven (2 Peter 1:17-18), and also in this verse for “moved,” so that there is a telling antithesis, difficult to preserve in English. Prophecy was not brought in by men; but men were brought to utter it by the Spirit. (Comp. 2 John 1:10.) The rendering in the margin is right—“not at any time” rather than “not in old time.” “Not at any time”—“never,” which both Tyndale and Cranmer have; Wiclif has “not ony time.” The erroneous “in old time” comes from Geneva. But holy men of God . . .—The Greek is uncertain. A reading of very high authority would give us, But men spoke from God moved by the Holy Ghost. This is probably to be preferred. Men spoke not out of their own hearts, but as commissioned by God; not “by the will of man,” but under the influence of the Holy Spirit. (Comp. St. Peter’s speech at the election of Matthias, and again in Solomon’s Porch, Acts 1:16; Acts 3:18.) The word for “moved” is a strong one, meaning “borne along,” as a ship before the wind (Acts 27:16-17). Theophilus of Antioch (Autolycus, II. ix.) writes “men of God, moved (or, filled) by the Holy Ghost, and becoming prophets, inspired and made wise by God Himself, became taught of God.” Here, again, the parallel is too slight to be relied on as evidence that Theophilus was acquainted with this Epistle. (See above, third Note on 2 Peter 1:19.) The same may be said of a passage in Hippolytus (Antichrist, 2), “These fathers were furnished with the Spirit and largely honoured by the Word Himself. . . . and when moved by Him the Prophets announced what God willed. For they spake not of their own power, neither did they declare what pleased themselves, &c. &c.” Some have fancied that these last three verses (2 Peter 1:19-21) savour of Montanism, and are evidence of the late origin of the Epistle. But what is said here of the gift of prophecy is not more than we find elsewhere in the New Testament (Matthew 1:22; Matthew 2:15; Acts 1:16; Acts 3:18); and in the Old Testament (Numbers 11:17; Numbers 11:25; Numbers 11:29; 1 Samuel 10:6; 1 Samuel 10:10; 1 Samuel 19:20; 1 Samuel 19:23; Jeremiah 1:5-7). Montanists used much stronger language, as readers of Tertullian know. With them prophecy was ecstasy and frenzy; prophets ceased to be men—their reason left them, and they became mere instruments on which the Spirit played. The wording of these verses points to an age previous to Montanism. A Montanist would have said more; an opponent of Montanism would have guarded himself against Montanist misconstruction.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Peter 1:21

Verse 21. For the prophecy came not in old time] That is, in any former time, by the will of man-by a man's own searching, conjecture, or calculation; but holy men of God-persons separated from the world, and devoted to God's service, spake, moved by the Holy Ghost. So far were they from inventing these prophetic declarations concerning Christ, or any future event, that they were φερομενοι, carried away, out of themselves and out of the whole region, as it were, of human knowledge and conjecture, by the Holy Ghost, who, without their knowing any thing of the matter, dictated to them what to speak, and what to write; and so far above their knowledge were the words of the prophecy, that they did not even know the intent of those words, but searched what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. See 1 Peter 1:11-12, and the notes there. 1. As the writer of this epistle asserts that he was on the holy mount with Christ when he was transfigured, he must be either Peter, James, or John, for there was no other person present on that occasion except Moses and Elijah, in their glorious bodies. The epistle was never attributed to James nor John; but the uninterrupted current, where its Divine inspiration was granted, gave it to Peter alone. See the preface. 2. It is not unfrequent for the writers of the New Testament to draw a comparison between the Mosaic and Christian dispensations; and the comparison generally shows that, glorious as the former was, it had no glory in comparison of the glory that excelleth. St. Peter seems to touch here on the same point; the Mosaic dispensation, with all the light of prophecy by which it was illustrated, was only as a lamp shining in a dark place. There is a propriety and delicacy in this image that are not generally noticed: a lamp in the dark gives but a very small portion of light, and only to those who are very near to it; yet it always gives light enough to make itself visible, even at a great distance; though it enlightens not the space between it and the beholder, it is still literally the lamp shining in a dark place. Such was the Mosaic dispensation; it gave a little light to the Jews, but shone not to the Gentile world, any farther than to make itself visible. This is compared with the Gospel under the emblem of daybreak, and the rising of the sun. When the sun is even eighteen degrees below the horizon daybreak commences, as the rays of light begin then to diffuse themselves in our atmosphere, by which they are reflected upon the earth.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Peter 1:21

21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man] More accurately, For prophecy was not sent (or borne) at any time by the will of man. The article before “prophecy” in the Greek simply gives to the noun the generic sense which is better expressed in English by the absence of the article. The word for “came” is the same as that used of the “voice” in 2 Peter 1:17-18, and is, as there shewn, characteristic of St Peter. That for “old time” is wider in its range than the English words, and takes in the more recent as well as the more distant past, and is therefore applicable to the prophecies of the Christian no less than to those of the Jewish Church. In the phrase “by the will of men” we have a parallelism with John 1:13.but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost] Better, but being borne on (the same word as the “came” of the previous verse, and therefore used with an emphasis which cannot well be reproduced in English) by the Holy Ghost, men spake from God. Some of the better MSS. have the preposition “from” instead of the adjective “holy.” The words assert in the fullest sense the inspiration of all true prophets. Their workdid not originate in their own will. They felt impelled by a Spirit mightier than their own. The mode and degree of inspiration and its relation to the prophet’s cooperating will and previous habits of thought are left undefined. The words lend no support to a theory of an inspiration dictating the very syllables uttered by the prophet, still less do they affirm anything as to the nature of the inspiration of the writers of the books of the Old Testament who were not prophets. If we retain the Received Text, we have in it an example of the use of the term “man of God” (i.e. called and sent by Him) as equivalent to “prophet,” parallel to what we find in Deuteronomy 33:1; 2 Kings 4:9; 2 Kings 4:16; 2 Kings 5:8, and probably in 1 Timothy 6:11.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Peter 1:21

For the prophecy came not in old time - Margin, or, “at any.” The Greek word (ποτὲ pote) will bear either construction.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Peter 1:21

21. Not… of man—The Scripture prophecy had no human author. It was not borne to the prophet or to men by the will of himself or of any man. He was simply the instrument in delivering it.

Sermons on 2 Peter 1:21

SermonDescription
Major Ian Thomas Major Ian Thomas - Part 1 by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word and its ability to uphold all things in the universe. He highlights the importance of understanding the Gospel of Lu
Chuck Missler Jude #8 - Lessons and Conclusions by Chuck Missler In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a three-dimensional image and its analogy to the word of God. He explains that a hologram, with its ability to be viewed from d
Leonard Ravenhill Monday Night (2 Peter 1-21) - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that it is not a decision, but a mental flip that occurs when the
J. Vernon McGee (Guidelines) Inspiration Ii by J. Vernon McGee J. Vernon McGee emphasizes the concept of verbal plenary inspiration, asserting that every word of the Scriptures is divinely inspired and authoritative. He references early Church
Leonard Ravenhill Go Hide Thyself - Elijah, God's Man by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking eternal things rather than being consumed by the temporal. He expresses gratitude for the holy men of God who were
Leonard Ravenhill Monday Night (2 Peter 1-21) - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible. He highlights how Samson, who was once a powerful and mighty warrior, is now imprisoned and bound with ch
Willie Mullan (Demonology) Lucifer the Leader by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of angels and their rebellion against God. He mentions that some angels were cast down to hell and reserved for judgment because

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