2 Peter 1:19

Authorized King James Version

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἔχομεν
G2192
We have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#3
βεβαιότερον
G949
a more sure
stable (literally or figuratively)
#4
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
προφητικὸν
G4397
of prophecy
pertaining to a foreteller ("prophetic")
#6
λόγον
G3056
word
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#7
οὗ
G3739
whereunto
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#8
καλῶς
G2573
well
well (usually morally)
#9
ποιεῖτε
G4160
ye do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#10
προσέχοντες
G4337
that ye take heed
(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to
#11
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#12
λύχνῳ
G3088
unto a light
a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)
#13
φαίνοντι
G5316
that shineth
to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
#14
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
αὐχμηρῷ
G850
a dark
properly, dirty, i.e., (by implication) obscure
#16
τόπῳ
G5117
place
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
#17
ἕως
G2193
until
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#18
οὗ
G3739
whereunto
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#19
ἡμέρα
G2250
the day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#20
διαυγάσῃ
G1306
dawn
to glimmer through, i.e., break (as day)
#21
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
φωσφόρος
G5459
the day star
light-bearing ("phosphorus"), i.e., (specially), the morning-star (figuratively)
#23
ἀνατείλῃ
G393
arise
to (cause to) arise
#24
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#25
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
καρδίαις
G2588
hearts
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
#27
ὑμῶν
G5216
your
of (from or concerning) you

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Peter, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to 2 Peter's theological argument.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection