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2 Peter 3:17

2 Peter 3:17 in Multiple Translations

Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing.

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

Ye therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware lest, being carried away with the error of the wicked, ye fall from your own stedfastness.

For this reason, my loved ones, having knowledge of these things before they take place, take care that you are not turned away by the error of the uncontrolled, so falling from your true faith.

My friends, since you already know this, make sure that these errors of the wicked don't lead you astray, and you don't fall from your firm position.

Ye therefore beloued, seeing ye know these thinges before, beware, lest ye be also plucked away with the errour of the wicked, and fall from your owne stedfastnesse.

Ye, then, beloved, knowing before, take heed, lest, together with the error of the impious being led away, ye may fall from your own stedfastness,

You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness.

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.

You therefore, brethren, knowing these things before, take heed, lest being led aside by the error of the unwise, you fall from your own steadfastness.

Therefore, dear friends, since you already know about those who teach what is false, ◄guard against them/beware►. Do not let those wicked people deceive you by telling you things that are wrong, with the result that you yourselves begin to doubt what you now firmly believe.

But, my friends, you know these things already. So be very careful. Don’t believe the lies that those bad people say. Don’t let them lead you away from God. If you listen to them, you might stop being sure about the true things.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Peter 3:17

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Word Study

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2 Peter 3:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK υμεις ουν αγαπητοι προγινωσκοντες φυλασσεσθε ινα μη τη των αθεσμων πλανη συναπαχθεντες εκπεσητε του ιδιου στηριγμου
υμεις su G4771 you Pron-2NP
ουν oun G3767 therefore/then Conj
αγαπητοι agapētos G27 beloved Adj-VPM
προγινωσκοντες proginōskō G4267 to know/choose Verb-PAP-NPM
φυλασσεσθε phulassō G5442 to keep/guard: observe Verb-PMM-2P
ινα hina G2443 in order that/to Conj
μη G3361 not Particle-N
τη ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSF
των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPM
αθεσμων athesmos G113 lawless Adj-GPM
πλανη planē G4106 error Noun-DSF
συναπαχθεντες sunapagō G4879 to lead away with Verb-APP-NPM
εκπεσητε ekpiptō G1601 to fall out Verb-2AAS-2P
του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM
ιδιου idios G2398 one's own/private Adj-GSM
στηριγμου stērigmos G4740 security Noun-GSM
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 2 Peter 3:17

υμεις su G4771 "you" Pron-2NP
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
ουν oun G3767 "therefore/then" Conj
This word means therefore or then, showing a consequence. It appears in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 5:9 to connect ideas and events.
Definition: οὖν, particle expressing consequence or simple sequence (never standing first in a sentence), wherefore, therefore, then: Mat.3:10, Luk.3:9, Jhn.8:38, Act.1:21, Rom.5:9, al.; in exhortations, Mat.3:8, Luk.11:35, Act.3:19, Rom.6:12, al.; in questions, Mat.13:28, Mrk.15:12, Jhn.8:[5], Rom.6:1, al.; continuing a narrative or resuming it after a digression, Mat.1:17, Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:22 2:18 (and very frequently in this Gospel), Act.26:22, al.; ἄρα οὖν (see: ἄρα); ἐπεὶ οὖν, Heb.2:14; οὖν with ptcp. (= ἐπεὶ οὖν), Act.2:30, Rom.5:1, al.; ἐὰν οὖν (where οὖν rather in sense belongs to the apodosis), Mat.5:23, Luk.4:7, Jhn.6:62, Rom.2:26, al.; ὡς οὖν, Jhn.4:1, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 515 NT verses. KJV: and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore See also: 1 Corinthians 3:5; Acts 23:15; 1 Peter 2:1.
αγαπητοι agapētos G27 "beloved" Adj-VPM
Beloved means to be loved or cherished by someone, like God or a friend, as seen in Matthew 3:17 and Romans 1:7. This word describes a sense of affection or fondness. It is often translated as 'beloved' or 'dearly loved' in the KJV Bible.
Definition: ἀγαπητός, -ή, -όν (ἀγαπάω), [in LXX chiefly for יָתִיד, יָדִיד ;] beloved (see M, Pr., 221); __(a) by God: of Christ, Mat.3:17; of men, Rom.1:7; __(b) by Christians, of one another: 1Co.4:14; frequently as form of address, ib. 10:14; opposite to ἐχθρός, Rom.11:28 (see AR, Eph., 229; Cremer, 17; MM, VGT, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 61 NT verses. KJV: (dearly, well) beloved, dear See also: 1 Corinthians 4:14; Colossians 4:14; 1 Peter 2:11.
προγινωσκοντες proginōskō G4267 "to know/choose" Verb-PAP-NPM
To know or choose something before it happens, like God foreseeing events in Romans 8:29 and 1 Peter 1:20.
Definition: προ-γινώσκω [in LXX: Wis.6:13 8:8 18:6 * ;] to know beforehand, foreknow: 2Pe.3:17; with accusative of person(s), Act.26:5; of the Divine foreknowledge, Rom.8:29 11:2, 1Pe.1:20.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: foreknow (ordain), know (before) See also: 1 Peter 1:20; Acts 26:5; Romans 8:29.
φυλασσεσθε phulassō G5442 "to keep/guard: observe" Verb-PMM-2P
To watch or guard something, like keeping a promise or protecting someone, as seen in Luke 2:8 and John 17:12.
Definition: φυλάσσω [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for שָׁמַר, also for נָצַר, etc. ;] to guard, watch; __(a) to guard or watch: with cogn. accusative, φυλακάς, Luk.2:8; with accusative of person(s), Act.12:4 28:16; pass., Luk.8:29, Act.23:35; with accusative of thing(s), Act.22:20; __(b) to guard or protect: with accusative, Luk.11:21, Jhn.12:25 17:12, 2Th.3:3, 1Ti.6:20, 2Ti.1:12 1:14, 2Pe.2:5; ἑαυτὸν ἀπό, 1Jn.5:21 (Westc., in l); metaphorically of law, precept, etc., to keep, preserve, observe: Mat.19:20, Luk.11:28 18:21, Jhn.12:47, Act.7:53 16:4 21:24, Rom.2:26, Gal.6:13, 1Ti.5:21. Mid., to be on one's guard (against), keep oneself from, beware of: with accusative, Act.21:25, 2Ti.4:15; before ἀπό., Luk.12:15; ἵνα μή, 2Pe.3:17; as in LXX (Exo.12:17, Lev.18:4, al.), of laws, etc., to keep, observe: ταῦτα πάντα, Mrk.10:20 (cf. δια-φυάσσω).† SYN.: τηρέω, q.v (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 30 NT verses. KJV: beward, keep (self), observe, save See also: 1 John 5:21; Acts 23:35; Romans 2:26.
ινα hina G2443 "in order that/to" Conj
This word means 'in order that' or 'to', showing purpose or result, as seen in Acts 19:4 and Romans 11:31. It's used to express a goal or outcome. In Ephesians 1:17, it's used to describe a purpose.
Definition: ἵνα, __I. adverb (poët., Hom., al.), __1. of place, where, whither. __2. of circumstance, when. __II. Conjunction, __1. prop., final, denoting purpose or end (cl.), that, in order that, usually the first word in the clause, but sometimes (cl. also) preceded by an emphatic word (Act.19:4, Rom.11:31 (?), Gal.2:10, al.); __(a) with optative (so in cl. after historic tenses): after a pres., Eph.1:17 (but WH, mg., subjc.; see Burton, §225, Rem., 2); __(b) with subjc.: after a pres., Mrk.4:21, Luk.6:34, Jhn.3:15, Act.2:25, Rom.1:11, al.; after a pf., Mat.1:22, Jhn.5:23 1Co.9:22, al.; after an imperat. (present or aor.), Mat.7:1, Mrk.11:25, Jhn.10:38, 1Co.7:5, al.; after a delib. subjc., Mrk.1:38, al.; after a fut., Luk.16:4, Jhn.14:3, 1Co.15:28, al.; after historic tenses (where optative in cl.; WM, 359f.; M, Pr., 196f.), Mrk.6:41 (impf.), Jhn.4:8 (plpf.), Mrk.3:14 (aor.), al.; __(with) in late writers (M, Pr., 35; Burton, §§198, 199), with indic., fut: Luk.20:10, 1Pe.3:1, al.; __(d) as often in eccl. writers (Thayer, see word), with indic. pres.: 1Co.4:6, Gal.4:17, al. (?; but V. Burton, §198, Rem.); __(e) εἰς (διὰ) τοῦτο, ἵνα: Jhn.18:37, 1Ti.1:16, al.; τούτου χάριν, Tit.1:5; __(f) elliptical constructions: omission of the principal verb, Jhn.1:8, 2Th.3:9, 1Jn.2:19, al.; of the final verb, Rom.4:16, 2Co.8:13, al. __2. In late writers, definitive, = inf. (WM, 420; Bl, §69, 1), that; __(a) after verbs of wishing, caring, striving, etc.: θέλω, Mat.7:12, al.; ζητῶ, 1Co.4:2 14:12; ζηλόω, 1Co.14:1, al.; __(b) after verbs of saying, asking, exhorting: εἰπεῖν, Mat.4:3, al.; ἐρωτῶ, Mrk.7:26, al.; παρακαλῶ, Mat.14:36, 1Co.1:10, al., etc.; __(with) after words expressing expediency, etc.: συμφέρει, Mat.18:6, Jhn.11:50, al.; ἱκανός, Mat.8:8, Luk.7:6; χρείαν ἔχω, Jhn.2:25, al, etc.; __(d) after substantives, adding further definition: ὥρα, Jhn.12:23 13:1; χρόνος, Rev.2:21; συνήθεια, Jhn.18:39; μισθός, 1Co.9:18. __3. In late writers, ecbatic, denoting the result, = ὥστε, that, so that (M, Pr., 206ff.; WM, 572; Bl., §69, 3; Burton, §223): Rom.11:11, 1Co.7:29, 1Th.5:4, al. (but see Thayer, see word); so with the formula referring to the fulfilment of prophecy, ἵνα πληρωθῇ, Mat.1:22 2:14, Jhn.13:18, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 626 NT verses. KJV: albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Timothy 5:20; 1 Peter 1:7.
μη G3361 "not" Particle-N
Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.
Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.
τη ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
αθεσμων athesmos G113 "lawless" Adj-GPM
This word describes someone who is lawless or wicked. In 2 Peter 2:7 and 3:17, it refers to those who reject God's laws and follow their own desires.
Definition: ἄθεσμος, -ον (θεσμός, law, custom), [in LXX: 3Ma.5:12 6:26 * ;] lawless, esp. of those who violate the law of nature and conscience (cf. MM, VGT, see word): 2Pe.2:7 3:17.† SYN.: ἀθέμιτος, ἄνομος, κακός, πονηρός, φαῦλος (see Tr., Syn., §lxxiv; DCG, ii, 821b). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: wicked See also: 2 Peter 2:7; 2 Peter 3:17.
πλανη planē G4106 "error" Noun-DSF
Error or deceit, as in Matthew 27:64 where the Pharisees were worried about Jesus' disciples stealing his body. This word refers to straying from what is right or true.
Definition: πλάνη, -ης, ἡ [in LXX: Pro.14:8 (מִרְמָה), Wis.1:12, al ;] a wandering. Metaphorical, a going astray, an error (in NT always with respect to morals or religion): Mat.27:64, Rom.1:27, Eph.4:14, 1Th.2:3, 2Th.2:11, Jas.5:20, 2Pe.2:18 3:17 3:1-18; 1Jn.4:6, Ju 11.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: deceit, to deceive, delusion, error See also: 1 John 4:6; Ephesians 4:14; James 5:20.
συναπαχθεντες sunapagō G4879 "to lead away with" Verb-APP-NPM
To lead away with someone, as in being carried away by false teachings, or to condescend to someone, as in Romans 12:16 where we are told to accommodate others.
Definition: συν-απ-άγω [in LXX: Exo.14:6 (לָקַח) * ;] to lead away with or together (Ex, l.with). Pass., metaphorically (as συμπεριφέρομαι, see LS, see word), to be carried away with: with dative, Gal.2:13, 2Pe.3:17; of accommodating one­self to (EV, condescend to) things or persons (on the meaning, see ICC, in I.; Field, Notes, 163), Rom.12:16.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: carry (lead) away with, condescend See also: 2 Peter 3:17; Galatians 2:13; Romans 12:16.
εκπεσητε ekpiptō G1601 "to fall out" Verb-2AAS-2P
To fall out or away from something, like a ship driven off course. In Acts 12:7, it describes chains falling away from Peter's hands. It can also mean to lose or become inefficient, like withering flowers in James 1:11.
Definition: ἐκ-πίπτω [in LXX: Isa.40:8 28:1, 4 (הֶבֶל), Job.14:2 (מָלַל, see RV. mg), Job.15:30 (סוּר), Job.15:33 (שָׁלַךְ hi.), etc. ;] to fall out of, fall from, fall off: before ἐκ τ. χειρῶν, Act.12:7; absol., Act.27:32; of the withering of flowers (as LXX, ll with), Jas.1:11, 1Pe.1:24" (LXX) ; of navigators falling off from a straight course, Act.27:17, 26 27:29 Metaphorical, with genitive of thing(s): Gal.5:4, 2Pe.3:17; absol., fall from its place, fail, perish: Rom.9:6.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 12 NT verses. KJV: be cast, fail, fall (away, off), take none effect See also: 1 Corinthians 13:8; Acts 27:29; 1 Peter 1:24.
του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
ιδιου idios G2398 "one's own/private" Adj-GSM
Something that is one's own is private or personal, like in Matthew where Jesus is alone with his disciples.
Definition: ἴδιος, -α, -ον (in Attic usually -ος, -ον), [in LXX chiefly for of person(s) suff., also for לָהֶם, etc.; (τὰ ἴ.) בֵּיתוֹ ;] __1. one's own; __(a) of that which is private and personal (in cl. opposite to κοινός, δημόσιος; cf. infr. 3); __(b) of property, friends, home, country, etc. (in cl. opposite to ἀλλότριος; in late writers often, like ἑαυτοῦ, with weakened sense, see M, Pr., 87ff.; Deiss., BS, 123f.): Luk.6:41, Jhn.1:42 5:43, Act.2:6 20:28, 1Co.11:21, Gal.6:5, 2Ti.1:9, Heb.7:27, Ju 6, al.; πράσσειν τὰ ἴ., 1Th.4:11; κατὰ τὰς ἰ. ἐπιθυμίας, 2Ti.4:3; οἱ ἴδιοι, Jhn.1:11 (M, Pr., 90f.; Field, Notes, 84) 13:1, Act.4:23, 1Ti.5:8; τὰ ἴδια, one's home (Field, Notes, l.with), Luk.18:28, Jhn.1:11 16:32 19:27. __2. peculiar, distinct, appropriate, proper: τὸ ἴ. σῶμα, 1Co.15:38; ἐν τ. ἰ. τάγματι, 1Co.15:23; εἰς τ. τόπον τ. ἴ., Act.1:25; = αὐτοῦ (see Deiss., ut. supr.), Mat.22:5, Jhn.1:42 (cf. Wis.10:1). __3. Adverbially (see supr., 1 (a); and cf. WM, 739:2); __(a) ἰδίᾳ, severally, separately: 1Co.12:11; __(b) κατ᾽ ἰδίαν, apart, privately, in private: Mat.14:13, 23 20:17, Mrk.4:34 7:33, Luk.10:23, Act.23:19, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 109 NT verses. KJV: X his acquaintance, when they were alone, apart, aside, due, his (own, proper, several), home, (her, our, thine, your) own (business), private(-ly), proper, severally, their (own) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:8; Galatians 6:5; 1 Peter 3:1.
στηριγμου stērigmos G4740 "security" Noun-GSM
Security or stability that comes from being firmly grounded, like the steadfastness mentioned in 2 Peter 3:17.
Definition: στηριγμός, -οῦ, ὁ (στηρίζω), [in Sm.: Isa.3:1 * ;] __1. a setting firmly, supporting. __2. fixedness, firmness, steadfastness: 2Pe.3:17.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: stedfastness See also: 2 Peter 3:17.

Study Notes — 2 Peter 3:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Hebrews 3:14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first.
2 Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.
3 2 Corinthians 11:13–15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.
4 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
5 Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
6 Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.
7 1 Corinthians 10:12 So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.
8 2 Peter 2:18–22 With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”
9 2 Corinthians 11:3 I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.
10 2 Peter 1:10–12 Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have.

2 Peter 3:17 Summary

[This verse, 2 Peter 3:17, is a warning to believers to be careful not to be led astray by false teachings that go against God's laws and principles. We need to be on our guard and remember what we have learned from the Bible, just like it says in 2 Timothy 2:15. By staying grounded in God's Word and growing in our knowledge of Jesus Christ, we can avoid falling away from our secure position in Him, which is rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:1-2. As we walk with the Lord, we must be mindful of the potential for deception and remain vigilant, as 1 Peter 5:8 warns us to be alert and watchful.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'carried away by the error of the lawless' in 2 Peter 3:17?

This phrase refers to being led astray by false teachings that reject God's laws and principles, as seen in Jude 1:4, which warns about certain individuals who pervert the grace of God into a license for immorality.

What is our 'secure standing' that we might fall from, according to 2 Peter 3:17?

Our secure standing refers to our position in Christ, which is described in Ephesians 2:6 as being seated with Him in the heavenly realms, and is rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:1-2.

How can we avoid being 'carried away by the error of the lawless'?

To avoid being led astray, we must be grounded in the truth of God's Word, as emphasized in 2 Timothy 2:15, and continually grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, as encouraged in 2 Peter 3:18.

What role does vigilance play in maintaining our spiritual stability?

Vigilance is crucial in maintaining our spiritual stability, as seen in 1 Peter 5:8, which warns us to be alert and watchful because our adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some potential 'errors of the lawless' that could threaten my faith, and how can I guard against them?
  2. In what ways can I 'be on my guard' against false teachings, and what role does prayer play in this process?
  3. How does my understanding of God's patience, as mentioned in 2 Peter 3:15, impact my response to the warning in 2 Peter 3:17?
  4. What are some practical steps I can take to 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ', as encouraged in 2 Peter 3:18, in order to strengthen my secure standing in Him?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Peter 3:17

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know [these things] before,.... As that there will be such mockers and scoffers in the last days, and such unlearned and unstable men that will deprave the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Peter 3:17

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Peter 3:17

Seeing ye know these things, which I have been now writing to you of, viz. That the Judge will certainly come; or, that heretics, deceivers, and scoffers will come; or both may be comprehended. Beware lest ye also; as well as others have been. Fall from your own stedfastness; the stedfastness of your faith. This admonition he gives them, not to discourage them with fear of apostacy, but to awaken them to that holy care which would be a means to prevent it; and so to keep them from security, and trust in themselves, not to weaken their faith, and reliance on the promise.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Peter 3:17

17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. Ver. 17. Beware lest] Cavebis autem si pavebis. Let him that stands take heed lest he fall. Be not high minded, but fear. Fear a snake under every flower, a snare under every new truth. Try the spirits whether they be of God or not, because many false prophets are abroad, who deceive the hearts of the simple, and make them fall from their own stedfastness. Try therefore before ye trust; look before ye leap. Alioqui saliens antequam videas, casuals es antequam debeas, i.e. If ye look not before ye leap, ye will fall before ye would. (Bernard.) Therefore walk circumspectly, tread gingerly, step warily, lift not up one foot till ye have found sure footing for the other, as those, Psalms 35:6. Take the apostle’ s counsel here: never more needed than today, quando facta est fided Evangeliorum fides temporum. Nam aut scrb buntur tides ut volumus; aut, ut volumus intelliguntur, as Hilary complains of those better times, It is grown a witty thing now among such variety of opinions to hold the truth, and to be a sound believer, as Erasmus once said. Beware therefore (every man for himself) lest ye also, swimming down the stream of the times, "and led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness." And (for a sovereign preservative) "grow in grace, and in the knowledge," &c.: grow downward howsoever; grow in humility, and God will both teach and "save the humble person," Psalms 25:1-22 Job 22:2. Fall] As leaves fall from the trees in autumn. Hil. ad Constant. in libro, quem illi exhibuit.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Peter 3:17

(17) Know these things before.—Seeing that I have forewarned you of the certain appearance, conduct, and success of these false teachers and scoffers. “Forewarned, forearmed.” Being led away with.—The Greek word occurs only thrice in the New Testament—here, Romans 12:16, and Galatians 2:13. In Romans 12:16 its meaning is a good deal different (see Note there). In Galatians 2:13 it has the same meaning as here; and, strangely enough, it is of Barnabas being “carried away with” the dissimulation of Peter and his associates. The error of the wicked.—Better, the error of the lawless (2 Peter 2:7), but not “the seduction” or “deceit of the lawless,” as some would render it. It is the same word as occurs at the end of 2 Peter 2:18, and it implies wandering from the path, but not leading others astray. The context, not the word itself, shows that there was seduction. “The lawless” are the false teachers and scoffers. Fall from your own stedfastness.—Referring back to 2 Peter 1:10-12, just as 2 Peter 3:18 refers back to 2 Peter 1:5-8; showing how complete is the coherence between the beginning and ending of the Epistle. (Comp. Galatians 5:4.) This “steadfastness” will be based on belief in Christ’s coming, and on the hope of entering into His kingdom, and thus will be in marked contrast to the unbelief of the “unstable” in 2 Peter 3:16. The word for “steadfastness” occurs nowhere else. The entire absence of directions—which St. Jude gives rather elaborately—as to how these evil men and their victims are to be treated by sound Christians is in favour of the priority of this Epistle. When evil men begin to arise, the first impulse is to avoid them and their ways, and to this course St. Peter exhorts his readers. When such men have established themselves and gained proselytes, people begin to consider how to deal with the seducers and to win back the seduced, and to these points St. Jude directs his readers.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Peter 3:17

Verse 17. Seeing ye know - before] Seeing that by prophets and apostles you have been thus forewarned, beware, φυλασσεσθε, keep watch, be on your guard; cleave to God and the word of his grace, lest ye be led away from the truth delivered by the prophets and apostles, by the error of the wicked, αθεσμων, of the lawless- those who wrest the Scriptures to make them countenance their lusts, exorbitant exactions, and lawless practices. Fall from your own steadfastness.] From that faith in Christ which has put you in possession of that grace which establishes the heart.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Peter 3:17

17. beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked] Better, of the lawless ones, as in chap. 2 Peter 2:7. It is noticeable that while St Paul had used the word for being “led away” of Barnabas as being influenced by the Judaizing teachers at Antioch (Galatians 2:13), St Peter here applies it to those who were persuaded by teachers at the opposite pole of error. Comp. note on chap. 2 Peter 2:1. The word for “error” is prominent in the Epistles to which St Peter has referred in the preceding verses (Ephesians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 2:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:11).fall from your own stedfastness] The “steadfastness” of the readers of the Epistle as contrasted with the unstable or unsteadfast of 2 Peter 3:16 is acknowledged; but they are warned that it requires care and watchfulness to preserve it. He does not assume any indefectible grace of perseverance. The tense of the verb in “lest ye fall” indicates that it would be a single and decisive act.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Peter 3:17

Seeing that ye know these things before - Being aware of this danger, and knowing that such results may follow.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Peter 3:17

17. Know… before—The same as knowing this first, of 2 Peter 3:3; namely, the law by which the judgment-day time is to be interpreted. Ye also—Like the scoffers of 2 Peter 3:3.

Sermons on 2 Peter 3:17

SermonDescription
Neil Rhodes Do We Need Grace Today? by Neil Rhodes In this sermon, Pastor David emphasizes the importance of grace in the book of Revelation. He highlights that the book begins and ends with grace, emphasizing its significance in t
J. Glyn Owen Sermon on the Mount: Good for Nothing by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not taking the grace, wisdom, and power of God for granted. He highlights the need for individuals and nations to address
David Cooper The Grace of Jesus in Delaying Judgment by David Cooper In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes that God is not slack in fulfilling his promises, but rather patient and long-suffering towards humanity. He desires that all people come t
John Gill 1 Peter 5:12 by John Gill John Gill emphasizes the role of Silvanus as a faithful brother and minister in delivering Peter's message, highlighting the importance of integrity in preaching the Gospel. He ass
Nathan Bangs An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church by Nathan Bangs Nathan Bangs preaches about the historical significance of Methodism in the country, detailing the transition of Methodist societies into an independent church. John Wesley's initi
John Gill 2 Peter 3:17 by John Gill John Gill emphasizes the importance of vigilance among believers in light of the warnings about mockers and false teachers in the last days. He urges the congregation to be aware o
B.A. Cundiff Second Theory -- Entire Sanctification, or Holiness, Is Obtained by Growth in Grace by B.A. Cundiff B.A. Cundiff preaches on the importance of growth in grace and sanctification, drawing parallels from the lives of John the Baptist and Jesus as examples of unhindered growth due t

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