2 Peter 3:8

Authorized King James Version

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
μία
G1520
of this one
one
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
τοῦτο
G5124
thing
that thing
#4
μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#5
λανθανέτω
G2990
be
to lie hid (literally or figuratively); often used adverbially, unwittingly
#6
ὑμᾶς
G5209
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#7
ἀγαπητοί
G27
beloved
beloved
#8
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#9
μία
G1520
of this one
one
#10
ἡμέρα
G2250
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
#11
παρὰ
G3844
is with
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
#12
κυρίῳ
G2962
the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#13
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#14
χίλια
G5507
a thousand
a thousand
#15
ἔτη
G2094
years
a year
#16
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
χίλια
G5507
a thousand
a thousand
#18
ἔτη
G2094
years
a year
#19
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#20
ἡμέρα
G2250
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
#21
μία
G1520
of this one
one

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

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 patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection