2 Peter 1:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Knowing {G1492} that {G3754} shortly {G5031} I must {G2076} put off {G595} this my {G3450} tabernacle {G4638}, even {G2532} as {G2531} our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} hath shewed {G1213} me {G3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I know that I will soon lay aside this tent of mine, as our Lord Yeshua the Messiah has made clear to me.

Berean Standard Bible

because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.

American Standard Version

knowing that the putting off of my tabernacle cometh swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ signified unto me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Peter 1:14, the Apostle Peter articulates his profound and divinely revealed awareness of his imminent physical death, which he describes as the "putting off" of his earthly "tabernacle." This poignant declaration underscores his deep trust in the Lord Jesus Christ's foreknowledge and sovereign plan for his life and ministry, providing a final, urgent impetus for his epistle's exhortations to spiritual growth and steadfastness in truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Peter's second and final epistle, a letter characterized by its urgent tone and profound theological depth. Having just affirmed his commitment to remind his readers of essential truths "as long as I am in this tabernacle" ([2 Peter 1:13](/2_peter/1-13 "2 Peter 1:13 - Peter's Commitment to Ministry")), Peter immediately follows with the stark reality of his impending departure. This personal revelation serves to imbue his subsequent warnings against false teachers and his exhortations to spiritual diligence with an undeniable sense of finality and apostolic authority. His awareness of his limited time on earth underscores the critical importance of the truths he is imparting, urging believers to pursue a life of virtue and knowledge before his voice is silenced. The entire chapter of [2 Peter 1](/2_peter/1 "2 Peter 1 - The Call to Spiritual Growth") emphasizes the call to add to one's faith, culminating in Peter's urgent desire to ensure his readers remember these things after his decease ([2 Peter 1:15](/2_peter/1-15 "2 Peter 1:15 - Peter's Desire for Lasting Remembrance")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's statement reflects the historical reality of the early church under Roman persecution, particularly during the reign of Emperor Nero. Tradition holds that Peter was martyred in Rome around A.D. 64-68, likely by crucifixion. His reference to "putting off this my tabernacle" resonates with the ancient understanding of the body as a temporary dwelling for the soul, a common philosophical and religious idea in both Jewish and Hellenistic thought. For Jewish readers, the "tabernacle" (Greek: *skēnōma*) would evoke the portable tent of meeting in the wilderness, symbolizing God's temporary dwelling among His people before the permanent Temple. This imagery would powerfully convey the transient nature of earthly life compared to the eternal dwelling with God. Peter's calm acceptance of his death also reflects the early Christian ethos of martyrdom, where dying for Christ was seen not as a defeat but as a triumphant entry into eternal glory, a concept deeply rooted in the example of Christ's own sacrifice and resurrection.

* **Key Themes:** Peter's declaration in this verse contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout [2 Peter](/2_peter/1 "The Second Epistle of Peter"). Firstly, it highlights the **divine foreknowledge and sovereignty of God**, as Peter's death is not a random event but one "shewed" to him by Christ Himself, fulfilling a prior prophecy. Secondly, it emphasizes the **temporary nature of the earthly body and life**, contrasting it with the eternal hope that awaits believers. This theme is echoed in other New Testament writings, such as Paul's reflections on the earthly tent versus the heavenly dwelling in [2 Corinthians 5:1-4](/2_corinthians/5-1-4 "2 Corinthians 5:1-4 - The Earthly Tent and Heavenly Dwelling"). Thirdly, Peter's calm acceptance of his impending death underscores the **Christian's hope in resurrection and eternal life**, demonstrating a profound trust in God's ultimate plan even in the face of mortality. Finally, Peter's awareness of his limited time instills a **sense of urgency regarding spiritual truth and perseverance**, motivating his readers to "make your calling and election sure" ([2 Peter 1:10](/2_peter/1-10 "2 Peter 1:10 - Making Your Calling and Election Sure")) before the inevitable end.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knowing (Greek, _eídō'_):** This word (G1492) is a primary verb meaning "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." In this context, it signifies a deep, experiential, and certain knowledge, not mere intellectual assent. Peter possesses a profound, divinely imparted awareness of his imminent death, a certainty that shapes his final message.
* **put off (Greek, _apóthesis'_):** Derived from G595, this noun means "a laying aside (literally or figuratively)." It suggests the act of shedding or removing something, like taking off clothes. Here, it vividly portrays death not as an annihilation but as a deliberate act of divesting oneself of the earthly body, a temporary garment or dwelling.
* **tabernacle (Greek, _skḗnōma'_):** This noun (G4638) comes from a root meaning "to encamp" or "to dwell in a tent." It refers to "an encampment, i.e. (figuratively) the Temple (as God's residence), the body (as a tenement for the soul)." Peter's use of "tabernacle" for his body powerfully conveys its temporary, movable, and transient nature, contrasting with the permanent, eternal dwelling that awaits the believer.
* **shewed (Greek, _dēlóō'_):** From G1213, this verb means "to make plain (by words):--declare, shew, signify." It indicates a clear, explicit revelation or declaration. Peter's knowledge of his impending death is not a guess or a premonition, but a direct, unambiguous disclosure from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, highlighting divine communication and foreknowledge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Knowing that shortly I must put off [this] my tabernacle":** Peter begins with an affirmation of certain knowledge ("Knowing"), indicating a settled conviction rather than a speculative thought. The adverb "shortly" (G5031, *tachinós*) emphasizes the imminent and impending nature of this event, adding a sense of urgency to his message. The phrase "I must" (G2076, *estí*) conveys a divine necessity or appointed destiny, not a reluctant obligation. The core metaphor, "put off [this] my tabernacle," vividly describes his death as a deliberate removal or shedding of his physical body, which he likens to a temporary tent or dwelling place. This imagery underscores the transient nature of earthly life and the body as merely a temporary vessel for the soul.
* **"even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me":** This clause reveals the source of Peter's profound certainty: it was a direct, explicit revelation from Jesus Christ Himself. The conjunction "even as" (G2532, *kaí* and G2531, *kathṓs*) draws a direct parallel between Peter's present knowledge and a past divine disclosure. This directly references Jesus' prophecy to Peter in [John 21:18-19](/john/21-18-19 "John 21:18-19 - Jesus' Prophecy of Peter's Martyrdom"), where Christ foretold the manner of Peter's death, implying martyrdom. This divine revelation validates Peter's apostolic authority and adds immense weight to his final exhortations, as he speaks with the full awareness of his divinely appointed end.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where Peter refers to his body as a "tabernacle" (Greek: *skēnōma*). This imagery evokes a temporary, movable dwelling, contrasting sharply with the permanence of an eternal home and emphasizing the transient nature of earthly existence. This metaphor provides a profound theological statement about the body's role as a vessel for the soul during its earthly sojourn. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing** and **Prophecy Fulfillment**, as Peter's statement directly alludes to Jesus' prior prediction of his death in [John 21](/john/21 "John 21 - Jesus Appears to the Disciples"). This highlights the theme of divine foreknowledge and the certain fulfillment of Christ's words. Finally, Peter's declaration is a form of **Personal Testimony**, lending authenticity and urgency to his message. His calm acceptance of his divinely appointed end serves as a powerful example of faith and trust in God's sovereign plan, even in the face of death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Peter's declaration in 2 Peter 1:14 offers profound theological insights into the Christian understanding of life, death, and eternity. It underscores the biblical truth that physical death is not an ultimate end but a transition, a "putting off" of a temporary dwelling in anticipation of a more glorious, eternal reality. This perspective transforms death from a fearful unknown into a divinely ordained passage, known and appointed by Christ Himself. It speaks to the sovereignty of God over all aspects of human life, including its termination, and reinforces the certainty of Christ's words and prophecies. For the believer, this verse instills a sense of confident hope, knowing that even in death, they are in the hands of a Lord who has conquered death and prepared an eternal dwelling.

* [John 21:18-19](/john/21-18-19 "John 21:18-19 - Jesus' Prophecy of Peter's Martyrdom")
* [2 Corinthians 5:1-4](/2_corinthians/5-1-4 "2 Corinthians 5:1-4 - The Earthly Tent and Heavenly Dwelling")
* [Philippians 1:21-23](/philippians/1-21-23 "Philippians 1:21-23 - To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's serene acceptance of his impending death, rooted in divine revelation, provides a powerful model for believers facing their own mortality or the loss of loved ones. This verse encourages us to view our earthly lives and physical bodies as temporary, precious gifts for a season, rather than ultimate realities. Understanding that our time here is a brief sojourn should motivate us to live with intentionality and urgency, investing our lives in eternal values and the advancement of God's kingdom, rather than clinging to fleeting earthly comforts or pursuits. Peter's example of trust in God's sovereign plan, even concerning the circumstances of his death, invites us to cultivate a similar surrender and peace, knowing that our times are in His hands. This perspective fosters a spirit of readiness, not fear, enabling us to embrace each day as an opportunity to glorify God and prepare for the eternal dwelling He has promised.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Peter's perspective on his "tabernacle" influence your understanding of your own body and earthly life?**
* **In what ways does knowing the temporary nature of life impact your priorities and daily decisions?**
* **How can Peter's calm acceptance of his divinely "shewed" death strengthen your trust in God's sovereign plan for your own life, even in uncertain or difficult circumstances?**
* **What steps can you take to live with a greater sense of eternal purpose, as Peter did?**

### FAQ

**How did Jesus "shew" Peter that he must "put off his tabernacle"?**

Answer: The most direct and widely accepted interpretation is that Jesus "shewed" Peter his impending death through a specific prophecy recorded in [John 21:18-19](/john/21-18-19 "John 21:18-19 - Jesus' Prophecy of Peter's Martyrdom"). After His resurrection, Jesus told Peter, "Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go." The Gospel of John explicitly states, "This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God." This prophecy, traditionally understood as a prediction of Peter's crucifixion, was a direct, divine revelation that gave Peter certain knowledge of his future martyrdom.

**What does Peter mean by calling his body a "tabernacle"?**

Answer: By calling his body a "tabernacle" (Greek: *skēnōma*), Peter uses a powerful metaphor to convey its temporary and transient nature. A tabernacle is a tent or a temporary dwelling, like the portable tent of meeting used by the Israelites in the wilderness. This imagery emphasizes that the physical body is not our ultimate or permanent home; it is a temporary vessel for the soul during its earthly sojourn. This contrasts with the eternal, spiritual dwelling that awaits believers in heaven. The Apostle Paul uses similar imagery in [2 Corinthians 5:1](/2_corinthians/5-1 "2 Corinthians 5:1 - The Earthly Tent and Heavenly Dwelling"), referring to our earthly body as an "earthly house of this tabernacle" that will be "dissolved" to make way for "a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

**Why is Peter so calm and accepting about his impending death?**

Answer: Peter's calm and accepting demeanor regarding his imminent death stems from several profound theological convictions. Firstly, he "knows" it is a divinely appointed event, "shewed" to him by Christ Himself, signifying his trust in God's sovereign plan ([John 21:18-19](/john/21-18-19 "John 21:18-19 - Jesus' Prophecy of Peter's Martyrdom")). Secondly, his understanding of his body as a temporary "tabernacle" means death is not an end but a transition to a more glorious, eternal state. This aligns with the Christian hope of resurrection and eternal life with Christ ([1 Corinthians 15:53-54](/1_corinthians/15-53-54 "1 Corinthians 15:53-54 - The Victory Over Death")). Finally, Peter's life was centered on Christ ("For to me to live is Christ," as Paul said in [Philippians 1:21](/philippians/1-21 "Philippians 1:21 - To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain")), and for a believer, death means being "absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" ([2 Corinthians 5:8](/2_corinthians/5-8 "2 Corinthians 5:8 - Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord")). This profound hope and assurance eliminate the fear of death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Peter's declaration in 2 Peter 1:14, though personal, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Peter's calm acceptance of "putting off his tabernacle" is a direct echo of Christ's own willing submission to death on the cross, a death that was also "shewed" to Him and prophesied in the Old Testament ([Isaiah 53:7-8](/isaiah/53-7-8 "Isaiah 53:7-8 - The Suffering Servant")). Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, voluntarily laid down His life, not as a temporary dwelling but as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, thereby conquering death and the power of the grave ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Peter's confidence in facing death stems directly from Christ's resurrection, which guarantees the believer's own future resurrection and transformation into an imperishable body ([1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1_corinthians/15-42-44 "1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - The Resurrection Body")). The "eternal dwelling" that awaits Peter and all believers is secured by Christ's promise to prepare a place for His own ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). Thus, Peter's peaceful anticipation of departure is not merely stoicism but a living hope, birthed from the finished work of Jesus Christ, who is "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")).

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 Timothy 4:6

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

John 21:18

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry [thee] whither thou wouldest not.

John 21:19

This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

Deuteronomy 4:21

Furthermore the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, and sware that I should not go over Jordan, and that I should not go in unto that good land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance:

Deuteronomy 4:22

But I must die in this land, I must not go over Jordan: but ye shall go over, and possess that good land.

Deuteronomy 31:14

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation.

1 Kings 2:2

I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;