2 Peter 1:13

KJV

Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting [you] in remembrance;

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea {G1161}, I think it {G2233} meet {G1342}, as long as {G1909}{G3745} I am {G1510} in {G1722} this {G5129} tabernacle {G4638}, to stir {G1326} you {G5209} up {G1326} by {G1722} putting you in remembrance {G5280};

Complete Jewish Bible

And I consider it right to keep stirring you up with reminders, as long as I am in the tent of this body.

Berean Standard Bible

I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body,

American Standard Version

And I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Peter 1:13, the Apostle Peter articulates his profound sense of apostolic duty and the urgency he feels to reinforce essential Christian truths among believers. Recognizing the temporary nature of his earthly life, symbolized by his "tabernacle," he expresses his conviction that it is entirely fitting and necessary for him to actively "stir up" his audience by continually bringing foundational spiritual realities back to their remembrance, ensuring their steadfastness in faith before his impending departure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Peter's second epistle, following his robust exhortation for believers to diligently pursue spiritual growth and virtue, having been granted "all things that pertain to life and godliness" through divine power ([2 Peter 1:3](/2_peter/1-3 "2 Peter 1:3 - Divine Power and Promises")). Peter has just outlined a progression of virtues, from faith to love, emphasizing that these qualities, when present and increasing, prevent believers from being ineffective or unfruitful in their knowledge of Christ ([2 Peter 1:5-8](/2_peter/1-5-8 "2 Peter 1:5-8 - The Ladder of Virtues")). With verse 13, Peter transitions from *what* believers should do to *why* he is writing, underscoring his personal commitment to their spiritual stability. His immediate reference to his impending death in the subsequent verse ([2 Peter 1:14](/2_peter/1-14 "2 Peter 1:14 - Peter's Foreknowledge of His Death")) provides a poignant backdrop, framing his present efforts as a final, urgent apostolic charge.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's audience comprised believers dispersed throughout Asia Minor, likely facing internal challenges such as spiritual complacency and external pressures, particularly the infiltration of false teachers and their deceptive doctrines, which Peter addresses extensively later in the letter ([2 Peter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter 2 - Warning Against False Teachers")). In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of a "tabernacle" (Greek: *skēnōma*) resonated with the temporary nature of tents or portable dwellings, common in nomadic life or military campaigns. This imagery would have been readily understood as a metaphor for the human body, a transient abode for the soul, contrasting sharply with the permanence of eternal realities. Peter, writing from a position of impending martyrdom, imbues his words with the gravitas of a final testament, urging his flock to remain vigilant and grounded in truth amidst a challenging spiritual landscape.
* **Key Themes:** Peter's declaration in this verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in his epistle. Firstly, it highlights **Apostolic Duty and Responsibility**, portraying Peter as a faithful shepherd committed to nurturing and protecting his flock. His sense of it being "meet" (fitting or proper) underscores the divine mandate behind his ministry. Secondly, the phrase "as long as I am in this tabernacle" powerfully conveys the **Temporary Nature of Earthly Life** and the **Urgency of Ministry**. This eschatological perspective, recognizing life as a fleeting pilgrimage, motivates Peter to maximize his remaining time for the spiritual benefit of others. Finally, his stated purpose "to stir you up by putting [you] in remembrance" emphasizes the **Power and Necessity of Spiritual Remembrance**. Peter is not introducing new doctrines but is calling believers to a fresh apprehension and active application of truths they already possess, a theme he reiterates in [2 Peter 3:1](/2_peter/3-1 "2 Peter 3:1 - Peter's Purpose to Remind").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **meet (Greek, _díkaios'_):** From G1342, meaning equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy; just, right(-eous). Peter's use of "meet" (δίκαιος) here signifies that his action of writing and reminding them is morally right, proper, and in accordance with God's will and his apostolic calling. It implies a sense of divine appropriateness and obligation.
* **tabernacle (Greek, _skḗnōma'_):** From G4638, meaning an encampment; figuratively, the Temple (as God's residence), the body (as a tenement for the soul). This word metaphorically describes the human body as a temporary dwelling or tent, emphasizing its transient and fragile nature in contrast to the eternal spirit. It evokes the imagery of the Old Testament tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, reinforcing the idea of a temporary, earthly existence.
* **stir up (Greek, _diegeírō'_):** From G1326, meaning to wake fully; i.e., arouse (literally or figuratively). This verb conveys Peter's intention to awaken or rouse his readers from spiritual lethargy, complacency, or forgetfulness. It suggests a need for an active, vigorous re-engagement with their faith and the truths they have been taught, rather than passively receiving information.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, I think it meet,"**: Peter begins with a strong affirmation ("Yea," from Greek *dé*, often unexpressed in English but here conveying emphasis or continuation). He declares his conviction that it is morally right, proper, and fitting (Greek: *díkaios*) for him to undertake the task of writing and reminding his audience. This statement underscores his sense of divine obligation and the inherent righteousness of his apostolic ministry.
* **"as long as I am in this tabernacle,"**: This clause reveals Peter's awareness of his mortality and the temporary nature of his earthly life. The "tabernacle" (Greek: *skḗnōma*) is a powerful metaphor for his physical body, a transient dwelling for his soul. This phrase injects a profound sense of urgency into his message, indicating that his time is limited and he must fulfill his duty while he still can.
* **"to stir you up by putting [you] in remembrance;"**: This is the core purpose of Peter's writing. To "stir you up" (Greek: *diegeírō*) means to awaken or arouse them from any spiritual slumber or complacency. This awakening is achieved "by putting [you] in remembrance" (Greek: *hypómnēsis*), implying that the truths he is emphasizing are not new revelations but rather foundational principles that need to be recalled, re-examined, and re-applied to their lives.

#### Literary Devices
Peter effectively employs several literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the use of "this tabernacle" to represent his human body. This imagery evokes the temporary, portable nature of a tent, contrasting with the permanence of a house, thereby emphasizing the transient nature of earthly life compared to eternal existence. This metaphor also subtly alludes to the Old Testament Tabernacle, a temporary dwelling for God's presence, perhaps hinting at the body as a temporary dwelling for the Holy Spirit. Peter also utilizes **Apostolic Authority** and **Pathos** as he frames his urgent appeal within the context of his impending death, lending weight and emotional resonance to his words. His declaration of what is "meet" (fitting or proper) underscores his divinely appointed role and the righteousness of his pastoral concern.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Peter 1:13 powerfully connects the apostle's awareness of his mortality with his unwavering commitment to pastoral care and the preservation of truth. The theological implication is that our temporary earthly existence should fuel an urgent, righteous dedication to God's purposes, particularly the spiritual well-being of others. Peter's emphasis on "remembrance" highlights the ongoing need for believers to be grounded in established truth, rather than constantly seeking novelty. This verse resonates with the broader biblical theme of the body as a temporary vessel and the call to live purposefully in light of eternity, recognizing that spiritual growth often comes from a deeper internalization of known truths.

* [2 Corinthians 5:1](/2_corinthians/5-1 "2 Corinthians 5:1 - Our Earthly Tent")
* [Jude 1:5](/jude/1-5 "Jude 1:5 - Remembering God's Past Deeds")
* [Philippians 1:21-24](/philippians/1-21-24 "Philippians 1:21-24 - To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's earnest declaration in 2 Peter 1:13 serves as a profound call to introspection and purposeful living for believers today. His recognition of his body as a "tabernacle" reminds us that our earthly lives are finite and precious, not to be squandered. This perspective should ignite a holy urgency within us, prompting us to consider how we are stewarding our time, talents, and opportunities for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom. Just as Peter felt it "meet" to stir up his audience, we too are called to actively engage with and apply the truths of God's Word, not allowing spiritual complacency to dull our senses. It underscores that spiritual maturity is not merely about acquiring new knowledge, but about consistently remembering, internalizing, and living out the foundational truths of our faith. This verse challenges us to embrace our temporary nature with eternal purpose, ensuring our lives are a vibrant testament to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the temporary nature of your "tabernacle" (your body/life) influence your daily priorities and long-term goals?**
* **In what areas of your spiritual life might you need to be "stirred up" or reminded of foundational truths you've perhaps forgotten or neglected?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more consistently engage in "remembrance" of God's Word and His faithfulness in your life?**

### FAQ
**Why does Peter refer to his body as a 'tabernacle'?**

Answer: Peter's use of "tabernacle" (Greek: *skēnōma*) is a powerful metaphor for his human body, emphasizing its temporary and transient nature. In biblical thought, a tabernacle was a portable, temporary dwelling, like the Old Testament Tabernacle which housed God's presence during Israel's wilderness wanderings. By calling his body a "tabernacle," Peter highlights that his earthly life is not a permanent residence but a temporary tent, a fragile vessel for his soul. This imagery underscores the brevity of life and contrasts it with the eternal home awaiting believers, a theme also explored by Paul in [2 Corinthians 5:1](/2_corinthians/5-1 "2 Corinthians 5:1 - Our Earthly Tent"). This perspective injects urgency into his mission, as he knows his time on earth is limited.

**What is the significance of Peter's desire to "stir up" believers?**

Answer: Peter's desire to "stir up" (Greek: *diegeírō*) his readers signifies his intention to awaken or arouse them from any spiritual lethargy, complacency, or forgetfulness. It implies that believers, even those who are mature, can become spiritually dull or neglectful of vital truths. Peter's goal is not to introduce new doctrines but to re-energize their faith and commitment by reminding them of what they already know but may have forgotten or failed to apply. This "stirring up" is achieved through "putting them in remembrance" (Greek: *hypómnēsis*), reinforcing the idea that spiritual growth often involves a fresh apprehension and diligent application of established biblical principles, as he reiterates in [2 Peter 3:1](/2_peter/3-1 "2 Peter 3:1 - Peter's Purpose to Remind").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Peter's urgent pastoral charge in [2 Peter 1:13](/2_peter/1-13 "2 Peter 1:13 - Peter's Sense of Duty") finds its ultimate motivation and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Peter, living in his temporary "tabernacle," mirrors the incarnate Christ, who "tabernacled among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), taking on a human body to fulfill God's redemptive plan. Just as Christ's earthly life was purposeful and culminated in His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Peter's awareness of his own impending departure compels him to maximize his remaining time for the spiritual benefit of others. His mission to "stir up" believers by "putting them in remembrance" is a reflection of Christ's own ministry, which consistently called His disciples to remember His words and deeds, and to live in light of His kingdom. The truths Peter reminds them of—divine power, precious promises, and the call to virtue ([2 Peter 1:3-4](/2_peter/1-3-4 "2 Peter 1:3-4 - Divine Power and Promises"))—are all anchored in Christ. It is through Christ that believers are granted "all things that pertain to life and godliness" ([2 Peter 1:3](/2_peter/1-3 "2 Peter 1:3 - Divine Power and Promises")), and it is the hope of His glorious return that provides the ultimate motivation for steadfastness ([2 Peter 3:10-13](/2_peter/3-10-13 "2 Peter 3:10-13 - The Day of the Lord")). Thus, Peter's final exhortations are not merely human wisdom but a Christ-centered call to persevere in the faith delivered once for all to the saints.

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

2 Peter 3:1

¶ This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in [both] which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

2 Peter 1:14

Knowing that shortly I must put off [this] my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.

Hebrews 13:3

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; [and] them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

2 Corinthians 5:8

We are confident, [I say], and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:1

¶ For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 Corinthians 5:4

For we that are in [this] tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

2 Timothy 1:6

¶ Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.