2 Peter 3:15

Authorized King James Version

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

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
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
κυρίου
G2962
Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#5
ἡμῶν
G2257
of our
of (or from) us
#6
μακροθυμίαν
G3115
that the longsuffering
longanimity, i.e., (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude
#7
σωτηρίαν
G4991
is salvation
rescue or safety (physically or morally)
#8
ἡγεῖσθε
G2233
account
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
#9
καθὼς
G2531
even as
just (or inasmuch) as, that
#10
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἀγαπητὸς
G27
beloved
beloved
#13
ἡμῶν
G2257
of our
of (or from) us
#14
ἀδελφὸς
G80
brother
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#15
Παῦλος
G3972
Paul
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
#16
κατὰ
G2596
according to
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#17
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
αὐτῷ
G846
unto him
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
#19
δοθεῖσαν
G1325
given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#20
σοφίαν
G4678
the wisdom
wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)
#21
ἔγραψεν
G1125
hath written
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#22
ὑμῖν
G5213
unto you
to (with or by) you

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection