2 Peter 1:20

KJV

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

KJV (with Strong's)

Knowing {G1097} this {G5124} first {G4412}, that {G3754} no {G3756}{G3956} prophecy {G4394} of the scripture {G1124} is {G1096} of any private {G2398} interpretation {G1955}.

Complete Jewish Bible

First of all, understand this: no prophecy of Scripture is to be interpreted by an individual on his own;

Berean Standard Bible

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation.

American Standard Version

knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 1:20 lays a foundational truth regarding the nature of divine revelation, asserting that no prophecy found in Scripture originates from a prophet's personal insight or human will. Instead, it is a divinely inspired word, emphasizing that the authority and reliability of the biblical text stem directly from its supernatural source, not from human ingenuity or subjective understanding.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Peter's urgent exhortation to spiritual growth and his defense of the apostolic message. Beginning in [2 Peter 1:16](/2_peter/1-16 "2 Peter 1:16 - Eyewitnesses of His Majesty"), Peter contrasts the "cleverly devised myths" of false teachers with the authentic, eyewitness testimony of the apostles, particularly his experience on the Mount of Transfiguration (e.g., [2 Peter 1:17-18](/2_peter/1-17-18 "2 Peter 1:17-18 - The Transfiguration Account")). He then elevates the "prophetic word" as even "more sure" than his own eyewitness account, serving as a lamp shining in a dark place ([2 Peter 1:19](/2_peter/1-19 "2 Peter 1:19 - The More Sure Prophetic Word")). Verse 20 logically follows, explaining *why* this prophetic word is so trustworthy: its origin is not human but divine, a point further clarified and expanded upon in [2 Peter 1:21](/2_peter/1-21 "2 Peter 1:21 - Prophecy Moved by the Holy Spirit"). Thus, 1:20 serves as the theological linchpin connecting the reliability of prophetic Scripture to its divine source, thereby validating the entire apostolic message.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter wrote to believers facing internal challenges from false teachers who were denying the Lord, promoting immorality, and scoffing at the promise of Christ's return ([2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers and Their Destruction")). These teachers likely undermined the authority of Scripture and apostolic tradition, perhaps claiming their own "private" revelations or interpretations. In the broader Greco-Roman world, various forms of divination and prophecy existed, often associated with human manipulation, ecstatic states, or ambiguous pronouncements. Peter's assertion that biblical prophecy is not of "private interpretation" directly counters such pagan notions and distinguishes Christian prophecy as uniquely divine in its origin, setting it apart from human-contrived oracles. It also reinforces the unified, God-given nature of the early Christian canon, which was being established and defended against heretical deviations.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme underscored by [2 Peter 1:20](/2_peter/1-20 "2 Peter 1:20 - No Private Interpretation of Scripture") is the **divine inspiration and authority of Scripture**. Peter emphasizes that the prophetic word, which encompasses all Scripture understood as God's revealed truth, does not originate from human will or subjective understanding but from God Himself. This theme is foundational to understanding the trustworthiness and infallibility of the Bible. It also contributes to the broader themes of **truth versus error**, as Peter seeks to fortify believers against the deceptive teachings of false prophets by grounding them in the unshakeable truth of God's word. Furthermore, it highlights the **unity and coherence of divine revelation**, implying that Scripture, being divinely sourced, speaks with a consistent voice, not a cacophony of individual human opinions. This divine origin is explicitly tied to the work of the **Holy Spirit**, who "moved" the holy men of God to speak ([2 Peter 1:21](/2_peter/1-21 "2 Peter 1:21 - Prophecy Moved by the Holy Spirit")), establishing the Spirit's indispensable role in both the giving and understanding of Scripture.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophecy (Greek, _prophēteía'_):** G4394, "prediction (scriptural or other):--prophecy, prophesying." In this context, Peter uses "prophecy" not merely to refer to predictions of future events, but to the entire body of inspired Scripture, particularly the Old Testament, which was understood as God's revealed word spoken through His chosen messengers. It encompasses the authoritative declaration of God's will and truth.
* **Scripture (Greek, _graphḗ'_):** G1124, "a document, i.e. holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it):--scripture." This term specifically refers to the sacred writings, the divinely inspired texts that constitute the Bible. By linking "prophecy" directly to "scripture," Peter affirms that the written word is the embodiment of God's prophetic utterance, carrying His authority and truth.
* **Interpretation (Greek, _epílysis'_):** G1955, "from ἐπιλύω; explanation, i.e. application:--interpretation." This word, appearing only here in the New Testament, carries the sense of "unloosing," "solution," or "explanation." When combined with "private" (G2398, _ídios_, meaning "one's own," "private," or "separate"), it refers to the *origin* or *source* of the prophecy. The phrase "private interpretation" thus means that the prophecy did not originate from the prophet's own subjective reasoning, personal will, or isolated understanding of events, but from an external, divine impulse. It is not about the reader's interpretation, but the prophet's *source* of revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Knowing this first,"**: This opening phrase serves as a strong imperative, signaling the paramount importance of the truth that follows. "First" (G4412, _prōton_) emphasizes that this principle is foundational and takes precedence over other considerations, acting as a crucial prerequisite for understanding and engaging with God's word. It calls for the reader's focused attention and acceptance of this primary truth.
* **"that no prophecy of the scripture"**: This clause identifies the subject: the prophetic word, specifically as it is recorded in the sacred writings. The absolute negative "no" (G3756, _ou_ combined with G3956, _pâs_ for "no... at all") underscores the universal scope of the statement—it applies to *all* Scripture. This highlights the unified and consistent nature of God's revelation.
* **"is of any private interpretation."**: This is the core assertion. The Greek word for "is" (G1096, _gínomai_) here means "comes into being" or "originates." Thus, the statement means that the prophetic word does not *come into being* from a prophet's own subjective, isolated, or self-generated understanding. It refutes the idea that prophets merely expressed their own thoughts, opinions, or solutions to historical events. Instead, it points to an external, divine source for the message. This sets biblical prophecy apart from human speculation or personal opinion.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs **Assertion** and a **Didactic Tone** throughout this passage, particularly in [2 Peter 1:20](/2_peter/1-20 "2 Peter 1:20 - No Private Interpretation of Scripture"), to firmly establish the divine origin of Scripture. The phrase "Knowing this first" functions as a strong **Emphatic Statement**, immediately drawing the reader's attention to a foundational truth. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, implicitly setting the divinely sourced prophecy against any notion of human-generated or subjective interpretations, thereby subtly refuting the "cleverly devised myths" mentioned earlier in [2 Peter 1:16](/2_peter/1-16 "2 Peter 1:16 - Eyewitnesses of His Majesty"). This rhetorical strategy aims to instill confidence in the reliability of God's word and to guard against the deceptive teachings of false prophets.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound theological implication of [2 Peter 1:20](/2_peter/1-20 "2 Peter 1:20 - No Private Interpretation of Scripture") is the absolute divine origin and authority of Scripture. It asserts that the Bible is not merely a collection of human insights or religious opinions, but the very breath of God (theopneustos). This means that Scripture is infallible and inerrant in its original transmission, serving as the ultimate standard for truth and doctrine. The Holy Spirit, not human will, is the true author, guiding the biblical writers in such a way that their words were God's words, without overriding their personalities. This divine authorship ensures the unity, coherence, and trustworthiness of the entire biblical narrative, providing a stable foundation for faith and practice against all forms of human speculation or theological error.

* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")
* [2 Peter 1:21](/2_peter/1-21 "2 Peter 1:21 - Prophecy Moved by the Holy Spirit")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding that "no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation" profoundly shapes our approach to the Bible. It calls us to humility, recognizing that we are not the ultimate arbiters of truth, but recipients of divine revelation. Our task is not to impose our own ideas onto the text, but to diligently seek God's intended meaning, submitting our minds and wills to its authority. This principle encourages communal interpretation, as the Spirit who inspired the Word also illuminates it for the community of faith, ensuring a shared understanding that transcends individual biases. It also reinforces the Bible's inherent power and sufficiency to guide us in all matters of faith and life, knowing that its message is unadulterated by human error in its origin. This truth empowers us to trust God's Word implicitly, allowing it to transform our lives and equip us for every good work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the understanding that Scripture's origin is divine, not human, impact your trust in its authority and truthfulness?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to impose our "private interpretation" (meaning, our own subjective ideas or cultural biases) onto Scripture, rather than seeking its intended, God-given meaning?**
* **How can recognizing the divine origin of Scripture deepen your commitment to diligent study and prayerful reliance on the Holy Spirit for understanding?**

### FAQ

**Does "no private interpretation" mean I shouldn't interpret the Bible for myself, and only experts can understand it?**

Answer: No, this verse does not forbid personal Bible study or interpretation. The Greek word for "interpretation" (G1955, _epílysis_) in this context refers to the *origin* or *source* of the prophecy, not the reader's understanding of it. Peter is stating that the prophetic message did not originate from the prophet's own subjective thoughts or human will. This is clarified in [2 Peter 1:21](/2_peter/1-21 "2 Peter 1:21 - Prophecy Moved by the Holy Spirit"), which immediately follows: "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." The point is that Scripture is divinely inspired, not a product of human ingenuity. Believers are encouraged to study the Word (e.g., [Acts 17:11](/acts/17-11 "Acts 17:11 - The Bereans' Diligence")), and the Holy Spirit indwells believers to help them understand God's truth (e.g., [1 Corinthians 2:10-16](/1_corinthians/2-10-16 "1 Corinthians 2:10-16 - The Spirit Reveals God's Wisdom")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine origin of prophecy, as declared in [2 Peter 1:20](/2_peter/1-20 "2 Peter 1:20 - No Private Interpretation of Scripture"), finds its ultimate fulfillment and purpose in Jesus Christ. All Scripture, being God-breathed, ultimately points to Him, for He is the living Word, the very embodiment of God's revelation ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). The prophets of old, moved by the Holy Spirit, spoke of Him and His coming sufferings and subsequent glory ([1 Peter 1:10-11](/1_peter/1-10-11 "1 Peter 1:10-11 - The Prophets Foretold Christ")). Jesus Himself affirmed that the Scriptures testified about Him ([John 5:39](/john/5-39 "John 5:39 - The Scriptures Testify of Jesus")) and that He came not to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Therefore, the "more sure word of prophecy" ([2 Peter 1:19](/2_peter/1-19 "2 Peter 1:19 - The More Sure Prophetic Word")) is most sure because its divine origin ensures its accuracy in foretelling and describing the person and work of Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The Spirit who moved the prophets is the Spirit of Christ, illuminating the path to salvation found only in Him ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")).

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 3:3

¶ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

Romans 12:6

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith;

James 1:3

Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Romans 13:11

¶ And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed.

Romans 6:6

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

1 Timothy 1:9

Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,