2 Peter 3:3

Authorized King James Version

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τοῦτο
G5124
this
that thing
#2
πρῶτον
G4412
first
firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)
#3
γινώσκοντες
G1097
Knowing
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#4
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#5
ἐλεύσονται
G2064
there shall come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#6
ἐπ'
G1909
in
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#7
ἐσχάτου
G2078
the last
farthest, final (of place or time)
#8
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἡμερῶν
G2250
days
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
ἐμπαῖκται
G1703
scoffers
a derider, i.e., (by implication) a false teacher
#11
κατὰ
G2596
after
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#12
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἰδίας
G2398
own
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
#14
αὐτῶν
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
#15
ἐπιθυμίας
G1939
lusts
a longing (especially for what is forbidden)
#16
πορευόμενοι
G4198
walking
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Peter, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Peter.

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