2 Peter 3:4

Authorized King James Version

And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

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
λέγοντες
G3004
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#3
Ποῦ
G4226
Where
as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality
#4
ἐστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#5
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἐπαγγελία
G1860
the promise
an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)
#7
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
παρουσίας
G3952
coming
a being near, i.e., advent (often, return; specially, of christ to punish jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect
#9
αὐτοῦ
G846
of his
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
#10
ἀπ'
G575
as they were from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#11
ἧς
G3739
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#12
γὰρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#13
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
πατέρες
G3962
the fathers
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#15
ἐκοιμήθησαν
G2837
fell asleep
to put to sleep, i.e., (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease
#16
πάντα
G3956
all things
all, any, every, the whole
#17
οὕτως
G3779
continue
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#18
διαμένει
G1265
to stay constantly (in being or relation)
#19
ἀπ'
G575
as they were from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#20
ἀρχῆς
G746
the beginning
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
#21
κτίσεως
G2937
of the creation
original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection