2 Peter 2:21

Authorized King James Version

For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
κρεῖττον
G2909
better
stronger, i.e., (figuratively) better, i.e., nobler
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ἦν
G2258
it had been
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#4
αὐτοῖς
G846
for them
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
#5
μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#6
ἐπιγνοῦσιν
G1921
after they have known
to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge
#7
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ὁδὸν
G3598
the way
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
#9
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
δικαιοσύνης
G1343
of righteousness
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
#11
ἢ
G2228
than
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#12
ἐπιγνοῦσιν
G1921
after they have known
to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge
#13
ἐπιστρέψαι
G1994
it to turn
to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)
#14
ἐκ
G1537
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#15
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
παραδοθείσης
G3860
delivered
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
#17
αὐτοῖς
G846
for them
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
#18
ἁγίας
G40
the holy
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#19
ἐντολῆς
G1785
commandment
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Peter. The concept of righteousness reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection