2 Peter 1:16

Authorized King James Version

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
σεσοφισμένοις
G4679
cunningly devised
to render wise; in a sinister acceptation, to form "sophisms", i.e., continue plausible error
#4
μύθοις
G3454
fables
a tale, i.e., fiction ("myth")
#5
ἐξακολουθήσαντες
G1811
followed
to follow out, i.e., (figuratively) to imitate, obey, yield to
#6
ἐγνωρίσαμεν
G1107
when we made known
to make known; subjectively, to know
#7
ὑμῖν
G5213
unto you
to (with or by) you
#8
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
κυρίου
G2962
Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#11
ἡμῶν
G2257
of our
of (or from) us
#12
Ἰησοῦ
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#13
Χριστοῦ
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#14
δύναμιν
G1411
the power
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
#15
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
παρουσίαν
G3952
coming
a being near, i.e., advent (often, return; specially, of christ to punish jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect
#17
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#18
ἐπόπται
G2030
eyewitnesses
a looker-on
#19
γενηθέντες
G1096
were
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#20
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ἐκείνου
G1565
of his
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#22
μεγαλειότητος
G3168
majesty
superbness, i.e., glory or splendor

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Peter. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Peter Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection