2 Peter 1:8

Authorized King James Version

For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ταῦτα
G5023
if these things
these things
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ὑμῖν
G5213
in you
to (with or by) you
#4
ὑπάρχοντα
G5225
be
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
#5
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
πλεονάζοντα
G4121
abound
to do, make or be more, i.e., increase (transitively or intransitively); by extension, to superabound
#7
οὐκ
G3756
you that ye shall neither
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#8
ἀργοὺς
G692
be barren
inactive, i.e., unemployed; (by implication) lazy, useless
#9
οὐδὲ
G3761
nor
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#10
ἀκάρπους
G175
unfruitful
barren (literally or figuratively)
#11
καθίστησιν
G2525
they make
to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy
#12
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#13
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
κυρίου
G2962
Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#16
ἡμῶν
G2257
of our
of (or from) us
#17
Ἰησοῦ
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#18
Χριστοῦ
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#19
ἐπίγνωσιν·
G1922
the knowledge
recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Peter, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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