2 Peter 1:19

Context

Second Peter is a letter addressed to believers in the name of the apostle Peter. Church tradition holds that Peter wrote it himself, while some scholars regard it as a later work written under Peter's name. The letter warns against false teachers (chapter 2) and against those who scoff at the promise of the Lord's return (chapter 3).

In the immediately preceding verses, 1:16–18, the author states that the proclamation of Jesus' coming was not based on "cunningly devised fables." As evidence, he testifies that he personally saw Jesus' glory on the mountain and heard the voice from heaven. This is understood as a reference to the Transfiguration recorded in the Gospels. Verse 19 follows this testimony by appealing to the word of "prophecy." The verses that follow, 20–21, state that prophecy came not by the will of man but by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Interpretation

• The comparative reading: "More sure" is taken as a comparison with the Transfiguration experience. On this reading, the written word of prophecy is a surer foundation than even the apostle's own firsthand experience. The King James Version's "a more sure word of prophecy" follows this reading, and many Protestant commentators have traditionally understood the verse this way.
• The confirmatory reading: The verse is taken to mean that the word of prophecy has been made more sure, that is, confirmed, by the Transfiguration. Rather than setting experience against prophecy, this reading understands experience as supporting prophecy. Some modern English translations render the verse in this sense.
• The scope of "the word of prophecy": Many commentators take it to mean the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, or more broadly the Old Testament as a whole. Others hold that it also includes the apostolic testimony.
• "The day" and "the day star": Many interpreters read "until the day dawn" as referring to the day of Christ's Second Coming. The "day star" (Greek phōsphoros, "light-bearer") is taken to refer to Christ. Because of the phrase "in your hearts," some interpreters also see in the expression the illumination and assurance that arise in the believer's heart.

Points of Debate

This verse is not a major point of doctrinal dispute between denominations. Nevertheless, the emphasis shifts depending on which reading is adopted. Those who follow the comparative reading cite the verse to argue that Scripture, rather than personal visions or experiences, is the final standard of faith. Those who follow the confirmatory reading emphasize that experience and the word mutually support each other.

Interpreters also differ over the syntax of the original text. "In your hearts" is commonly read with "arise." A minority view, however, holds that it should be read with "take heed."

Related Passages

• 2 Peter 1:20–21
• Matthew 17:1–8
• Psalm 119:105
• Proverbs 6:23
• Revelation 22:16