2 Peter 1:18

KJV

And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} this {G5026} voice {G5456} which came {G5342} from {G1537} heaven {G3772} we {G2249} heard {G191}, when we were {G5607} with {G4862} him {G846} in {G1722} the holy {G40} mount {G3735}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.

Berean Standard Bible

And we ourselves heard this voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

American Standard Version

and this voice we ourselves heard borne out of heaven, when we were with him in the holy mount.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 1:18 serves as a foundational anchor for the apostle Peter's authoritative teaching, grounding his message in a direct, eyewitness account of Jesus' divine majesty. Peter recounts the pivotal moment of the Transfiguration, where he, along with James and John, heard God the Father's audible voice from heaven, affirming Jesus as His beloved Son, while on the sacred "holy mount." This personal, verifiable experience underscores the truthfulness of the apostolic message and refutes any notion of their teachings being mere fabrications.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Peter's opening argument for the divine origin and reliability of his apostolic message. In the preceding verses, Peter asserts that he and the other apostles did not follow "cunningly devised fables" but were "eyewitnesses of his majesty" ([2 Peter 1:16](/2_peter/1-16 "2 Peter 1:16 - Eyewitness Testimony")). Verse 17 explicitly mentions God the Father speaking from the "excellent glory," declaring Jesus as His beloved Son. Therefore, [2 Peter 1:18](/2_peter/1-18 "2 Peter 1:18 - The Voice from Heaven") functions as the direct, experiential proof of this declaration, providing concrete evidence for the divine authentication of Christ. It immediately precedes Peter's statement about the "more sure word of prophecy" ([2 Peter 1:19](/2_peter/1-19 "2 Peter 1:19 - The More Sure Word of Prophecy")), suggesting that while the Transfiguration was a powerful personal experience, the written prophetic word offers an even more enduring and accessible foundation for faith.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event referenced in [2 Peter 1:18](/2_peter/1-18 "2 Peter 1:18 - The Voice from Heaven") is the Transfiguration of Jesus, recorded in the Synoptic Gospels ([Matthew 17:1-8](/matthew/17-1-8 "Matthew 17:1-8 - The Transfiguration of Jesus"), [Mark 9:2-8](/mark/9-2-8 "Mark 9:2-8 - The Transfiguration of Jesus"), [Luke 9:28-36](/luke/9-28-36 "Luke 9:28-36 - The Transfiguration of Jesus")). This event occurred on a high mountain (traditionally Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon), a significant location in biblical narratives often associated with divine encounters and revelations (e.g., Mount Sinai for Moses). In Jewish thought, a voice from heaven (a "bat kol") was sometimes understood as a divine communication, especially after the cessation of prophecy. For Peter, a Jewish apostle writing to a predominantly Gentile Christian audience facing false teachers, recounting this specific, public, and divinely attested event served as irrefutable proof of Jesus' deity and the truthfulness of the Gospel, countering any claims that the apostles were merely inventing stories for personal gain or influence.

* **Key Themes:** [Second Peter chapter 1](/2_peter/1 "2 Peter 1 - Growth in Godliness") is deeply concerned with the **authenticity of the apostolic message** and the **divine nature of Christ**. Peter's emphasis on "eyewitness testimony" directly addresses the challenge of false teachings by providing a verifiable foundation for Christian faith. The "voice from heaven" powerfully highlights the **divine affirmation of Jesus' identity** as the Son of God, a theme central to the Gospels' portrayal of Christ's baptism ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Voice at Jesus' Baptism")) and Transfiguration. Furthermore, the event on the "holy mount" foreshadows the **future glory and power of Christ's coming** ([2 Peter 1:16](/2_peter/1-16 "2 Peter 1:16 - His Power and Coming")), reinforcing the eschatological hope for believers. These themes collectively underscore the reliability of God's revelation and the imperative for believers to grow in godliness based on this sure foundation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **voice (Greek, _phōnē'_):** From G5456, this term denotes a clear, articulate sound or an address. In this context, it emphasizes the objective and undeniable reality of God's communication from heaven, not a subjective or internal impression. It signifies a divine utterance that was audibly perceived by the apostles, confirming the objective truth of the event.
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191, this primary verb means "to hear" in various senses, including to give audience to, or to understand. Here, it stresses the physical act of hearing the divine voice, reinforcing Peter's claim as an eyewitness. It underscores the verifiable nature of the experience, distinguishing it from a vision or internal revelation.
* **holy mount (Greek, _hágios óros'_):** Composed of G40 (sacred, consecrated) and G3735 (mountain, as lifting itself above the plain). This phrase highlights the sacredness and set-apart nature of the location where this profound divine encounter took place. The mountain was made "holy" by the manifest presence of God and the revelation of Christ's inherent glory, akin to other mountains in biblical history where God revealed Himself (e.g., Mount Sinai).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this voice which came from heaven we heard":** This clause directly asserts the reality of the divine communication. The "voice from heaven" is unequivocally identified as God the Father's audible declaration, as confirmed in the Synoptic accounts of the Transfiguration. Peter emphasizes "we heard," highlighting the collective, verifiable experience of himself, James, and John, thereby lending undeniable credibility to his testimony. The origin "from heaven" signifies its divine source and supreme authority.
* **"when we were with him in the holy mount":** This phrase specifies the precise setting and company for this extraordinary event. "With him" refers to Jesus, indicating their close proximity and personal involvement as privileged witnesses. The "holy mount" designates the sacred location where Jesus' glory was revealed and God's voice was heard, further emphasizing the unique and set-apart nature of the experience. The combination of the divine voice, Jesus' transfigured appearance, and the sacred location underscores the profound significance of this event for Peter's understanding of Christ's identity and mission.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several powerful literary devices to underscore the truthfulness and authority of his message. Foremost is **Eyewitness Testimony**, as he directly states "we heard," placing himself and his companions (James and John) as direct, sensory witnesses to the divine event. This personal experience serves as irrefutable proof against "cunningly devised fables." The "voice which came from heaven" is a clear instance of **Divine Revelation** and **Auditory Imagery**, emphasizing that God Himself intervened audibly to affirm Jesus' identity. The phrase "holy mount" functions as **Symbolism**, imbuing the physical location with spiritual significance, reminiscent of other mountains in biblical history where God manifested His presence and delivered His word. This specific, tangible memory grounds Peter's abstract theological assertions in concrete, historical reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The divine voice from heaven at the Transfiguration, as recounted by Peter, serves as a powerful theological affirmation of Jesus' unique Sonship and divine authority. It echoes the declaration at Jesus' baptism, confirming His identity and mission from the very outset of His public ministry. This event underscores the intrinsic glory of Christ, a glory that was veiled during His earthly ministry but briefly revealed to His closest disciples. For Peter, this experience was not merely a personal spiritual high, but a foundational pillar for his apostolic teaching, demonstrating that the Gospel message is rooted in objective, divinely attested truth, not human invention. It provides an unshakeable basis for faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God, validating every aspect of His life, death, and resurrection.

* [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Voice at Jesus' Baptism")
* [Mark 9:7](/mark/9-7 "Mark 9:7 - The Voice from the Cloud")
* [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's vivid recollection of the Transfiguration in [2 Peter 1:18](/2_peter/1-18 "2 Peter 1:18 - The Voice from Heaven") offers profound encouragement and a call to steadfast faith for believers today. In a world saturated with competing narratives and skepticism, Peter's emphasis on eyewitness testimony reminds us that the Christian faith is not built on myths or philosophical speculation, but on historical events attested by credible witnesses. The divine affirmation of Jesus' identity on the holy mount should bolster our confidence in His supreme authority and His rightful place as our Lord and Savior. This powerful memory serves as a reminder that God actively intervenes in human history and speaks to His people, validating His Son and His Word. It calls us to ground our faith not in fleeting emotions or popular opinions, but in the unshakeable truth of who Jesus is, as revealed by God Himself. This foundation then empowers us to live lives that reflect the glory of the One we serve, diligently pursuing godliness in light of His magnificent promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Peter's eyewitness account of the Transfiguration strengthen your personal confidence in the truth and reliability of the Gospel message?**
* **What does God the Father's audible declaration about Jesus on the "holy mount" reveal about Christ's unique identity and authority, and how does this impact your worship and obedience?**
* **In what ways can remembering the divine affirmation of Jesus inspire you to stand firm against false teachings or doubts in your own faith journey?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "voice which came from heaven" in 2 Peter 1:18?**

Answer: The "voice which came from heaven" is profoundly significant as it represents God the Father's direct, audible, and authoritative declaration concerning His Son, Jesus Christ. This event, known as the Transfiguration, is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - God's Voice at the Transfiguration"), [Mark 9:7](/mark/9-7 "Mark 9:7 - The Voice from the Cloud"), [Luke 9:35](/luke/9-35 "Luke 9:35 - The Voice from the Cloud")). The voice explicitly identifies Jesus as "My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew) or "My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!" (Luke). For Peter, this was not a subjective experience but an objective, verifiable event that provided irrefutable proof of Jesus' divine identity, authority, and the truthfulness of the apostolic message. It underscores that the Gospel is not based on human cunning but on divine revelation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Peter 1:18, by recounting the Transfiguration and the divine voice, points powerfully to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "voice from heaven" declaring Jesus as "My beloved Son" is the ultimate divine endorsement, confirming His unique status and role as the Messiah. This event is a prefigurement of Christ's ultimate glory and kingship, foreshadowing His second coming "with power and great glory" ([Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Sign of the Son of Man")). The Transfiguration revealed a glimpse of the resurrected and glorified Christ, demonstrating that the humble Nazarene was indeed the Son of God, the very effulgence of God's glory ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). Peter's eyewitness testimony to this event authenticates the entire Gospel narrative, from Christ's incarnation to His atoning death and triumphant resurrection, all of which culminate in His mediatorial reign and future return as the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). Thus, the voice on the "holy mount" is a divine stamp of approval on the one through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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

Matthew 17:6

And when the disciples heard [it], they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

Exodus 3:5

And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest [is] holy ground.

Joshua 5:15

And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest [is] holy. And Joshua did so.

Isaiah 11:9

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Genesis 28:16

¶ And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew [it] not.

Genesis 28:17

And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful [is] this place! this [is] none other but the house of God, and this [is] the gate of heaven.

Zechariah 8:3

Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.