2 Peter 1:17
For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 27
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
παρὰ
from
G3844
παρὰ
from
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
3 of 27
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 27
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πατρὸς
the Father
G3962
πατρὸς
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
5 of 27
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τιμὴν
honour
G5092
τιμὴν
honour
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
6 of 27
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δόξης
glory
G1391
δόξης
glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
8 of 27
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
φωνῆς
a voice
G5456
φωνῆς
a voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
9 of 27
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
ἐνεχθείσης
when there came
G5342
ἐνεχθείσης
when there came
Strong's:
G5342
Word #:
10 of 27
to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)
αὐτῷ
to him
G846
αὐτῷ
to him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὑπὸ
from
G5259
ὑπὸ
from
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
13 of 27
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μεγαλοπρεποῦς
the excellent
G3169
μεγαλοπρεποῦς
the excellent
Strong's:
G3169
Word #:
15 of 27
befitting greatness or magnificence (majestic)
δόξης
glory
G1391
δόξης
glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
16 of 27
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
οὗτός
This
G3778
οὗτός
This
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
17 of 27
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱός
Son
G5207
υἱός
Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
20 of 27
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
24 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Mark 9:7And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.Matthew 17:5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.Matthew 3:17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.Luke 3:22And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.Mark 1:11And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.Matthew 12:18Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.John 3:35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.Isaiah 42:1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.John 5:26For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;2 John 1:3Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
Historical Context
The first-century church faced unique challenges from both pagan Greco-Roman culture and Jewish opposition, while also contending with internal threats from false teachers who distorted apostolic doctrine. Peter writes in the shadow of Nero's persecution (AD 64-68) and his own approaching martyrdom, making this letter his urgent final testament to the churches. Early Gnostic influences promoting secret knowledge, antinomian ethics, and denial of Christ's physical return created the specific heresies Peter addresses.
Understanding the social, religious, and philosophical context of the Roman Empire illuminates Peter's concerns and arguments. The delay of Christ's parousia created pastoral challenges as expectations of imminent return gave way to questions about timing and certainty. Jewish apocalyptic literature, Greco-Roman moral philosophy, and mystery religions all influenced how different groups understood salvation, ethics, and eschatology, requiring apostolic clarification to maintain orthodox Christianity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse challenge compromises you might be tempted to make for cultural acceptance or personal comfort?
- What practices would help you grow in discernment to recognize and resist false teaching in its contemporary forms?
- How should the certainty of Christ's return and judgment shape your priorities, relationships, and use of time and resources?
Analysis & Commentary
Chapter 1, verse 17 - Comprehensive theological analysis. Peter continues his urgent apostolic warning about the dangers facing the church. This verse contributes crucial insights to understanding false teachers' characteristics, God's judgment patterns, and believers' proper response. The Greek terminology reveals theological precision in Peter's argument, emphasizing both divine sovereignty in salvation and human responsibility in sanctification.
The immediate context connects to Peter's broader argument about maintaining doctrinal purity and moral integrity while awaiting Christ's return. Greek word studies illuminate the specific nature of the threats Peter identifies and the resources God provides for perseverance. This passage resonates with Old Testament prophetic warnings, Jesus' teaching about false prophets, and Paul's pastoral instructions, demonstrating biblical theology's consistency across testaments and authors.
Christ-centered interpretation reveals how this verse ultimately points to Jesus as the standard for truth, the source of power for godly living, and the coming Judge who will vindicate the faithful and condemn the wicked. The eschatological dimension reminds believers that present struggles occur within the larger framework of redemptive history culminating in Christ's glorious return and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth.