2 Peter 3:12

Authorized King James Version

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
προσδοκῶντας
G4328
Looking for
to anticipate (in thought, hope or fear); by implication, to await
#2
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#3
σπεύδοντας
G4692
hasting
to "speed" ("study"), i.e., urge on (diligently or earnestly); by implication, to await eagerly
#4
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
παρουσίαν
G3952
unto the coming
a being near, i.e., advent (often, return; specially, of christ to punish jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect
#6
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#9
ἡμέρας
G2250
of 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
#10
δι'
G1223
wherein
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#11
ἣν
G3739
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#12
οὐρανοὶ
G3772
the heavens
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#13
πυρούμενοι
G4448
being on fire
to kindle, i.e., (passively) to be ignited, glow (literally), be refined (by implication), or (figuratively) to be inflamed (with anger, grief, lust)
#14
λυθήσονται
G3089
shall be dissolved
to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)
#15
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
στοιχεῖα
G4747
the elements
something orderly in arrangement, i.e., (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively)
#17
καυσούμενα
G2741
with fervent heat
to set on fire
#18
τήκεται
G5080
shall melt
to liquefy

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Peter. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection