2 Peter 1:19

¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

We have {G2192} also {G2532} a more sure {G949} word {G3056} of prophecy {G4397}; whereunto {G3739} ye do {G4160} well {G2573} that ye take heed {G4337}, as {G5613} unto a light {G3088} that shineth {G5316} in {G1722} a dark {G850} place {G5117}, until {G2193}{G3739} the day {G2250} dawn {G1306}, and {G2532} the day star {G5459} arise {G393} in {G1722} your {G5216} hearts {G2588}:

Yes, we have the prophetic Word made very certain. You will do well to pay attention to it as to a light shining in a dark, murky place, until the Day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts.

We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

And we have the word of prophecy made more sure; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts:

Second Peter 1:19 serves as a powerful affirmation of the reliability and supreme authority of God's prophetic word, contrasting it with even the most profound personal experiences. Peter encourages believers to diligently heed this divine revelation as their guiding light.

Context

Immediately preceding this verse, Peter recounts his personal experience of the Transfiguration (2 Peter 1:16-18), where he heard God's voice confirming Jesus's divine Sonship. Despite this incredible eyewitness testimony, Peter asserts that the "word of prophecy" is even more sure. This highlights the foundational role of Scripture as the ultimate source of truth, transcending even direct miraculous encounters. The recipients, likely believers facing various challenges and false teachings, needed a stable, unshakeable anchor for their faith.

Key Themes

  • The Superiority of Prophetic Scripture: Peter elevates the written prophetic word above personal experience, declaring it to be "more sure." This underscores the divine origin and infallible nature of God's revelation, particularly the Old Testament prophecies concerning Christ.
  • Scripture as a Guiding Light: The comparison to "a light that shineth in a dark place" emphasizes the Bible's role in illuminating truth, exposing error, and providing moral and spiritual direction in a world often shrouded in sin, confusion, and despair. It is a lamp for our feet, as seen in Psalm 119:105.
  • Anticipation and Internal Illumination: The phrase "until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts" points to a future culmination (likely Christ's glorious return, the "day") and a present, ongoing spiritual awakening or deepening understanding of Christ within believers. The "day star" is a clear reference to Jesus Himself.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "more sure word of prophecy" comes from the Greek bebaioteron logon prophētikōn. The word bebaioteron means 'more firm,' 'more certain,' or 'more stable,' emphasizing the absolute reliability and established nature of God's revealed word. The "day star" translates the Greek word phosphoros, which literally means 'light-bringer' or 'morning star.' This term is used elsewhere in the Bible, most notably in Revelation 22:16, where Jesus identifies Himself as "the bright and morning star." Its arising "in your hearts" signifies not just an external event but an internal, spiritual reality—a deepening of Christ's presence and truth within the believer.

Practical Application

This verse calls believers to a profound reverence for and diligent engagement with God's Word. In an age of skepticism and shifting truths, we are reminded that Scripture remains our unwavering guide.

  • Rely on Scripture: Instead of chasing fleeting experiences or popular opinions, ground your faith firmly in the unchanging truth of the Bible. It is the ultimate authority for life and doctrine.
  • Seek Illumination: Allow God's Word to be a constant light in your life, exposing darkness and guiding your path. As you study and meditate on it, pray for the "day star"—Christ Himself—to arise more brightly in your heart, bringing greater understanding and spiritual transformation.
  • Live in Hope: The promise of the "day dawn" encourages patient endurance. We live in the "dark place" between Christ's first and second coming, but the prophetic word assures us of His glorious return and the ultimate triumph of light over darkness.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 22:16

    I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.

  • Isaiah 9:2

    The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

  • Psalms 119:105

    ¶ NUN. Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

  • John 5:39

    Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

  • Isaiah 8:20

    To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:4

    In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:6

    For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
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