2 Peter 2:5

Authorized King James Version

And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἀρχαίου
G744
the old
original or primeval
#3
κόσμῳ
G2889
upon the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#4
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#5
ἐφείσατο
G5339
spared
to be chary of, i.e., (subjectively) to abstain or (objectively) to treat leniently
#6
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#7
ὄγδοον
G3590
the eighth
the eighth
#8
Νῶε
G3575
Noah
no, (i.e., noch), a patriarch
#9
δικαιοσύνης
G1343
of righteousness
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
#10
κήρυκα
G2783
person a preacher
a herald, i.e., of divine truth (especially of the gospel)
#11
ἐφύλαξεν
G5442
saved
to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid
#12
κατακλυσμὸν
G2627
the flood
an inundation
#13
κόσμῳ
G2889
upon the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#14
ἀσεβῶν
G765
of the ungodly
irreverent, i.e., (by extension) impious or wicked
#15
ἐπάξας
G1863
bringing in
to superinduce, i.e., inflict (an evil), charge (a crime)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing righteousness contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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