2 Peter 3:10

Authorized King James Version

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἥξει
G2240
will come
to arrive, i.e., be present (literally or figuratively)
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
ᾗ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
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
#5
κυρίου
G2962
of the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#6
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#7
κλέπτης
G2812
a thief
a stealer (literally or figuratively)
#8
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
νυκτὶ
G3571
the night
"night" (literally or figuratively)
#10
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#11
ἡ
G3739
the which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#12
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
οὐρανοὶ
G3772
the heavens
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#14
ῥοιζηδὸν
G4500
with a great noise
whizzingly, i.e., with a crash
#15
παρελεύσονται
G3928
shall pass away
to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert
#16
στοιχεῖα
G4747
the elements
something orderly in arrangement, i.e., (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively)
#17
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#18
καυσούμενα
G2741
with fervent heat
to set on fire
#19
λυθήσονται,
G3089
shall melt
to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)
#20
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
γῆ
G1093
the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#22
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#23
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#25
αὐτῇ
G846
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
#26
ἔργα
G2041
the works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#27
κατακαήσεται
G2618
shall be burned up
to burn down (to the ground), i.e., consume wholly

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection