2 Peter 1:12

KJV

¶ Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know [them], and be established in the present truth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1352} I will {G272} not {G3756} be negligent {G272} to put {G5279} you {G5209} always {G104} in remembrance {G5279} of {G4012} these things {G5130}, though {G2539} ye know {G1492} them, and {G2532} be established {G4741} in {G1722} the present {G3918} truth {G225}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For this reason, I will always remind you about these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you already have.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have.

American Standard Version

Wherefore I shall be ready always to put you in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the truth which is with you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Peter 1:12, the Apostle Peter articulates his resolute commitment to consistently remind his readers of fundamental spiritual truths, despite acknowledging their existing knowledge and establishment in these very principles. This verse serves as a pivotal statement of Peter's pastoral diligence, underscoring the ongoing necessity of spiritual reinforcement and remembrance for believers to persevere and grow in their faith amidst the challenges of their present reality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a crucial bridge within Peter's letter, connecting the preceding exhortations to spiritual growth and divine promises (found in [2 Peter 1:3-11](/2_peter/1-3-11 "2 Peter 1:3-11 - Divine Power, Precious Promises, and Spiritual Growth")) with his subsequent emphasis on the certainty of the apostolic message and the warning against false teachers (which becomes more prominent from [2 Peter 1:16](/2_peter/1-16 "2 Peter 1:16 - The Eyewitness Account of Christ's Majesty") onwards, and throughout [2 Peter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter 2 - Warnings Against False Teachers")). Having just outlined the virtues that believers are to diligently add to their faith to ensure their calling and election ([2 Peter 1:5-10](/2_peter/1-5-10 "2 Peter 1:5-10 - Adding Virtues to Your Faith")), Peter now declares his unwavering intention to keep these truths fresh in their minds. This commitment is particularly poignant given his awareness of his impending death, which he explicitly mentions a few verses later in [2 Peter 1:14](/2_peter/1-14 "2 Peter 1:14 - Peter's Foreknowledge of His Death"), adding a sense of urgency and finality to his pastoral charge.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter is writing to believers, likely a mix of Jewish and Gentile Christians, scattered throughout Asia Minor (as implied by [1 Peter 1:1](/1_peter/1-1 "1 Peter 1:1 - Peter's Greeting to the Exiles")). These early Christian communities faced various pressures, including internal struggles, external persecution, and the rising threat of false teachers who distorted the Gospel message. In such an environment, spiritual stability and discernment were paramount. The emphasis on "present truth" suggests a contrast with speculative teachings or outdated legalistic interpretations, highlighting the immediate and practical relevance of the Gospel for their daily lives. Peter, as a foundational apostle, understood his responsibility to equip the church to stand firm against these challenges, reinforcing the authentic teachings passed down from Christ Himself.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes in [2 Peter 1](/2_peter/1 "2 Peter 1 - Growth in Godliness") that this verse contributes to include **Apostolic Diligence and Responsibility**, as Peter explicitly states his determined effort to fulfill his pastoral duty. It also highlights **The Enduring Value of Remembrance and Repetition** in spiritual formation, suggesting that true growth involves not just acquiring new knowledge but deeply internalizing and applying existing truths. Furthermore, the phrase "established in the present truth" underscores the theme of **Spiritual Stability and Perseverance**, emphasizing that while believers may be grounded, their faith requires continuous cultivation and reinforcement to remain steadfast against error and apostasy, a theme that resonates throughout the entire book of [2 Peter](/2_peter/1 "2 Peter - Warnings Against False Teachers and Exhortations to Godliness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **negligent (Greek, _ameléō'_):** This word, from which we get "neglect," means "to be careless of," "to disregard," or "to make light of." Peter's emphatic declaration, "I will not be negligent," highlights his deliberate and committed intention to fulfill his pastoral duty with utmost seriousness and diligence, contrasting sharply with any casual or indifferent approach to spiritual leadership.
* **always (Greek, _aeí'_):** Derived from a root implying continued duration, "always" signifies a perpetual or regular action. Peter's use of this adverb emphasizes the continuous, ongoing nature of his commitment to remind his readers. It's not a one-time instruction but a persistent, ever-present effort to keep the essential truths at the forefront of their minds.
* **established (Greek, _stērízō'_):** This verb means "to set fast," "to fix," or "to confirm." It implies a state of being firmly rooted or grounded. When Peter says they are "established in the present truth," he acknowledges their firm foundation in Christian doctrine. However, the need for continued remembrance suggests that even a well-established faith requires ongoing reinforcement to maintain its stability and prevent spiritual drift.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore I will not be negligent":** Peter begins with a strong declaration of his resolve. "Wherefore" (G1352, _dió_) links this statement to the preceding verses, indicating that in light of the precious promises and the call to spiritual diligence (2 Peter 1:3-11), his response is to act decisively. His commitment "not to be negligent" (G272, _ameléō_) reveals a proactive and responsible pastoral heart, determined to fulfill his duty to the flock.
* **"to put you always in remembrance of these things":** This clause reveals the specific nature and continuous scope of Peter's ministry. "To put you in remembrance" (G5279, _hypomimnḗskō_) signifies a gentle, persistent prompting of memory, not teaching new doctrines but recalling what is already known. The adverb "always" (G104, _aeí_) underscores the perpetual nature of this task, indicating that such spiritual reinforcement is not a one-time event but an ongoing necessity for believers. "These things" (G5130, _toútōn_) refers directly to the virtues and promises detailed in [2 Peter 1:3-11](/2_peter/1-3-11 "2 Peter 1:3-11 - The Foundation of Godliness").
* **"though ye know [them], and be established in the present truth":** This final clause acknowledges the spiritual maturity of Peter's audience. "Though ye know [them]" (G2539, _kaíper_ + G1492, _eídō_) indicates their existing understanding and intellectual grasp of the truths. Furthermore, they are "established" (G4741, _stērízō_) or firmly grounded "in the present truth" (G1722, _en_ + G3918, _páreimi_ + G225, _alḗtheia_), meaning the body of revealed Christian doctrine that is currently active, relevant, and applicable to their lives. This acknowledgment makes Peter's commitment to remind them even more profound, highlighting that even established believers need constant reinforcement to prevent complacency and guard against error.

#### Literary Devices
Peter's statement in 2 Peter 1:12 employs several literary devices that enhance its impact and meaning. The use of **Apostolic Authority** is clear, as Peter, a foundational apostle, speaks with a declarative and resolute tone ("I will not be negligent"). This conveys the weight and importance of his pastoral responsibility. There is also a subtle **Paradox** or **Antithesis** at play: Peter states he will remind them *though* they already know and are established. This highlights the dynamic nature of faith—it's not a static acquisition but requires continuous cultivation and vigilance. The phrase "put you always in remembrance" employs **Emphasis through Repetition**, underscoring the ongoing, persistent nature of spiritual instruction and the human tendency to forget or drift. Finally, the overall tone is one of **Pastoral Care and Urgency**, reflecting Peter's deep concern for the spiritual well-being and perseverance of his flock, especially as he anticipates his departure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological significance of 2 Peter 1:12 lies in its profound insights into the nature of spiritual growth, the role of truth, and the responsibility of spiritual leadership. It underscores that Christian maturity is not a static destination but a dynamic process requiring continuous engagement with foundational truths. Even those "established in the present truth" are susceptible to forgetfulness, complacency, or the insidious influence of false teachings, necessitating constant remembrance. This "present truth" refers to the revealed Gospel, which is not merely historical fact but a living, active reality that shapes daily life and provides the framework for discerning error. Peter's commitment highlights the divine design for spiritual nourishment through consistent teaching and reinforcement, ensuring believers remain grounded in the unadulterated message of Christ.

* [Jude 1:5](/jude/1-5 "Jude 1:5 - I will therefore put you in remembrance")
* [Philippians 3:1](/philippians/3-1 "Philippians 3:1 - To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.")
* [Hebrews 5:12](/hebrews/5-12 "Hebrews 5:12 - For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's unwavering commitment in 2 Peter 1:12 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today: spiritual growth is an ongoing journey that demands active engagement with God's truth, not passive reception. Even if we consider ourselves well-versed in Christian doctrine, the human tendency to forget, to grow complacent, or to be swayed by worldly influences necessitates a continuous return to foundational principles. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of humility and teachability, recognizing that we always have more to learn and more deeply internalize the truths we already know. It encourages diligence in spiritual disciplines such as consistent Bible study, prayer, and active participation in a community where sound teaching is regularly reinforced. Our spiritual stability in a rapidly changing world depends not on acquiring novel insights but on being firmly rooted and continually refreshed in the "present truth" of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively "put myself in remembrance" of core Christian truths, even those I feel I already know?**
* **How does Peter's diligence challenge my own approach to spiritual growth and the ongoing need for biblical instruction?**
* **What are the "present truths" that I need to be particularly established in and reminded of in my current life context?**

### FAQ
**What is "the present truth" that Peter refers to?**

Answer: "The present truth" (Greek: _parousa alḗtheia_) refers to the body of Christian doctrine and revelation that was actively present and applicable to the lives of the believers at that time. It encompasses the teachings of Jesus, the apostolic witness, and the foundational truths of the Gospel concerning salvation, sanctification, and the nature of God. It is "present" in the sense that it is immediately relevant, active, and the truth by which they are to live and stand firm, contrasting with outdated shadows of the law or speculative future prophecies not yet fulfilled. It is the living, empowering truth that enables them to partake in the divine nature and resist worldly corruption, as discussed earlier in [2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partaking in the Divine Nature").

**Why does Peter need to remind them if they already "know" and are "established" in the truth?**

Answer: Peter's need to remind them, despite their knowledge and establishment, highlights several crucial aspects of spiritual life. Firstly, human memory is fallible, and even well-known truths can fade or lose their impact without regular reinforcement. Secondly, spiritual growth is not a static state but a dynamic process; being "established" means having a firm foundation, but this foundation still requires ongoing cultivation to prevent erosion or complacency. Thirdly, the presence of false teachers (a major theme later in [2 Peter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter 2 - Warnings Against False Teachers")) necessitated constant vigilance and a clear reiteration of authentic doctrine to inoculate believers against error. Peter understood that deep internalization and practical application of truth often require repetition and fresh perspective, ensuring that believers not only know the truth intellectually but live it out consistently and remain steadfast in their faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
At its heart, Peter's commitment to continually remind believers of "these things" and "the present truth" finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the embodiment of all truth, declaring, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The "present truth" Peter refers to is ultimately the Gospel message, centered on Christ's redemptive work—His life, atoning death, resurrection, and ascension—which is the power of God for salvation ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). Peter's pastoral diligence mirrors Christ's own shepherding heart, as Jesus commissioned His disciples to "[teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised, is sent to "[bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit's Role in Remembrance")" ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit's Role in Remembrance")), ensuring that the "present truth" of Christ remains alive and active in the hearts and minds of believers. Thus, Peter's mission is a continuation of Christ's own work, establishing and confirming believers in the reality of the Risen Lord, who is the unchanging truth for all generations ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 2:21

I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

Philippians 3:1

¶ Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed [is] not grievous, but for you [it is] safe.

Romans 15:14

¶ And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

Romans 15:15

Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

Colossians 2:7

Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Jude 1:5

I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

2 John 1:2

For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.