2 Peter 2:9

Authorized King James Version

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οἶδεν
G1492
knoweth
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#2
κύριος
G2962
The Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#3
εὐσεβεῖς
G2152
the godly
well-reverent, i.e., pious
#4
ἐκ
G1537
out of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#5
πειρασμοῦ
G3986
temptations
a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity
#6
ῥύεσθαι
G4506
how to deliver
compare g4511); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e., rescue
#7
ἀδίκους
G94
the unjust
unjust; by extension wicked; by implication, treacherous; specially, heathen
#8
δὲ
G1161
and
but, and, etc
#9
εἰς
G1519
unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#10
ἡμέραν
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
#11
κρίσεως
G2920
of judgment
decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)
#12
κολαζομένους
G2849
to be punished
properly, to curtail, i.e., (figuratively) to chastise (or reserve for infliction)
#13
τηρεῖν
G5083
to reserve
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

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 divine sovereignty 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