2 Peter 3:7

Authorized King James Version

But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
νῦν
G3568
which are now
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
#4
οὐρανοὶ
G3772
the heavens
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#5
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
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)
#8
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
αὐτῷ
G846
by the same
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
λόγῳ
G3056
word
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#11
τεθησαυρισμένοι
G2343
kept in store
to amass or reserve (literally or figuratively)
#12
εἰσὶν
G1526
are
they are
#13
πυρί
G4442
unto fire
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
#14
τηρούμενοι
G5083
reserved
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
#15
εἰς
G1519
against
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#16
ἡμέραν
G2250
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
#17
κρίσεως
G2920
of judgment
decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)
#18
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
ἀπωλείας
G684
perdition
ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal)
#20
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ἀσεβῶν
G765
of ungodly
irreverent, i.e., (by extension) impious or wicked
#22
ἀνθρώπων
G444
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being

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

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