2 Peter 3:5

Authorized King James Version

For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λανθάνει
G2990
are ignorant of
to lie hid (literally or figuratively); often used adverbially, unwittingly
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
αὐτοὺς
G846
they
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
#4
τοῦτο
G5124
this
that thing
#5
θέλοντας
G2309
willingly
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#6
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#7
οὐρανοὶ
G3772
the heavens
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#8
ἦσαν
G2258
were
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#9
ἔκπαλαι
G1597
of old
long ago, for a long while
#10
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
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)
#12
ἐξ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#13
ὕδατος
G5204
the water
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#14
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
δι'
G1223
in
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#16
ὕδατος
G5204
the water
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#17
συνεστῶσα
G4921
standing out
to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co
#18
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#21
λόγῳ
G3056
by the word
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

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