TRV
2 Peter 1:20
Bible Versions
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
First of all, understand this: no prophecy of Scripture is to be interpreted by an individual on his own;
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation.
knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation.
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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,
2 Peter 1:20 (KJV)
"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation."
Commentary
This verse is part of a passage where Peter is emphasizing the reliability and divine origin of Scripture, contrasting it with cleverly devised myths (2 Peter 1:16).
The phrase "Knowing this first" highlights the foundational importance of the truth Peter is about to state. He asserts that "no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation."
The Greek word translated "interpretation" (ἐπίλυσις - *epilysis*) can mean "solution," "explanation," or "unloosing." In this context, it refers not primarily to a reader's personal understanding, but to the *origin* and *source* of the prophecy itself. The prophecy did not originate from the prophet's own thoughts, will, or understanding ("private interpretation") but from God.
This is immediately clarified by the following verse: 2 Peter 1:21 states, "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 message is that Scripture's prophetic word is not a product of human ingenuity or individual insight; it is divinely inspired.
Key Theme: The divine inspiration and authority of Scripture. Prophecy, and by extension all Scripture understood as prophetic truth, does not have its source in human will or private thought but originates from God.
Practical Reflection: Understanding that Scripture comes from God, not from human "private interpretation" of events or ideas, underscores its authority. It means we should approach Scripture seeking God's intended meaning, recognizing that it transcends human opinion and speaks with divine authority.