TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ 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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Wherefore, I will not be negligent to put you alwayes in remembrance of these things, though that ye haue knowledge, and be stablished in the present trueth.
Young's Literal Translation
Wherefore, I will not be careless always to remind you concerning these things, though, having known them, and having been established in the present truth,
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 30,492 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Peter 1 verses 12–15
12 ¶ 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.
13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;
14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
I. The importance and advantage of progress and perseverance in grace and holiness made the apostle to be very diligent in doing the work of a minister of Christ, that he might thereby excite and assist them to be diligent in the duty of Christians. If ministers be negligent in their work, it can hardly be expected that the people will be diligent in theirs; therefore Peter will not be negligent (that is, at no time or place, in no part of his work, to no part of his charge), but will be exemplarily and universally diligent, and that in the work of a remembrancer. This is the office of the best ministers, even the apostles themselves; they are the Lord's remembrancers (Isa 62:6); they are especially bound to make mention of the promises, and put God in mind of his engagements to do good to his people; and they are the people's remembrancers, making mention of God's precepts, and putting them in mind of the doctrines and duties of Christianity, that they may remember God's commandments, to do them. And this the apostle does, though some persons might think it needless, inasmuch as they already knew those thing that he writes about, and were established in the very truth that he insists upon. Observe, 1. We need to be put in mind of what we already know to prevent our forgetting it, and to improve our knowledge, and reduce all to practice. 2. We must be established in the belief of the truth, that we may not be shaken by every wind of doctrine, and especially in that which is the present truth, the truth more peculiarly necessary for us to know in our day, that which belongs to our peace, and which is more especially opposed in our time. The great doctrines of the gospel, that Jesus is the Christ, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, that those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved, and all that believe in God must be careful to maintain good works - these are truths the apostles insisted on in their day; these are faithful sayings, and worthy of all acceptation in every age of the Christian church. And, as these must be constantly affirmed by ministers (Tit 3:8), so the people are to be well instructed and established therein, and yet must, after all their attainments in knowledge, be put in mind of such things as cannot be too clearly known nor too firmly believed. The most advanced Christians cannot, while in this world, be above ordinances, nor beyond the need of those means which God has appointed and does afford. And, if the people need teaching and exhortation while they are in the body, it is very meet and just that ministers should, as long as they are in this tabernacle, instruct and exhort them, and bring those truths to their remembrance that they have formerly heard, this being a proper means to stir them up to be diligent and lively in a course of gospel-obedience.
II. The apostle, being set upon the work, tells us (Pe2 1:14) what makes him earnest in this matter, even the knowledge he had, not only that he must certainly, but also that he must shortly, put off this tabernacle. Observe, 1. The body is but the tabernacle of the soul. It is a mean and movable structure, whose stakes can be easily removed, and its cords presently broken. 2. This tabernacle must be put off. We are not to continue long in this earthly house. AS at night we put off our clothes, and lay them by, so at death we must put off our bodies, and they musts be laid up in the grave till the morning of the resurrection. 3. The nearness of death makes the apostle diligent in the business of life. Our Lord Jesus had shown him that the time of his departure was at hand, and therefore he bestirs himself with greater zeal and diligence, because the time is short. He must soon be removed from those to whom he wrote; and his ambition being that they should remember the doctrine he had delivered to them, after he himself was taken away from them, he commits his exhortation to writing. The apostle had not any great opinion of oral tradition. This was not so proper a means to reach the end he was in pursuit of. He would have them always to remember these things, and not only to keep them in mind, but also to make mention of them, as the original words import. Those who fear the Lord make mention of his name, and talk of his loving-kindness. This is the way to spread the knowledge of the Lord and this the apostle had at heart: and those who have the written word of God are thereby put into a capacity to do this.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–15. Public domain.
Copy as
Hilary of ArlesAD 449
INTRODUCTORY COMMENTARY ON 2 PETER
The people to whom Peter is writing already know what he has to say because they have read his first letter. The truth which he has to share with them is the New Testament, for as Paul said: “The old has passed away, and all things are made new in Christ.”
Andreas of CaesareaAD 614
CATENA
Peter repeats what he has already said about virtue and the commandments consequent on it, through which we shall enter the kingdom of heaven with great assurance. Notice how, when speaking of the kingdom of heaven, Peter first goes over the things we should be afraid of and then over the good things, ending up with the judgment seat.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Catholic Epistles
Wherefore I will always begin to admonish you about these things, etc. Why does he want to always admonish them about good works, those whom he says have knowledge and are confirmed in the present truth? Unless perhaps it is so that the knowledge they have learned they may exercise in good works, and the truth of which they are confirmed in presence they may guard with a fixed mind, lest ever through teachers of error they fall from the simplicity and purity of faith, concerning which teachers he speaks more in the course of the Epistle. And this sentiment agrees with that of blessed John, who says: “I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it” (1 John 2). Therefore, the apostles write to those who know the truth, and admonish them so that they might observe what they know. Whence also John, speaking, adds shortly after: “Let that which you have heard from the beginning remain in you” (Ibid.).
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on 2 Peter
Therefore, I will not neglect to remind you always of these things, even though you know and are established in the present truth.
"even though you know." So that they are not seen to be continually admonished about the same things, as if rebuked for living in idleness, and thus become saddened, for this reason Peter adds: even though you know and are established in the present truth. Moreover, giving a reason for the continuous admonition, he added that he knew a release from this body would soon come.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying 2 Peter 1:12 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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.
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) 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). 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). 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). 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), 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).