2 Peter 1:21

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.

For {G1063} the prophecy {G4394} came {G5342} not {G3756} in old time {G4218} by the will {G2307} of man {G444}: but {G235} holy {G40} men {G444} of God {G2316} spake {G2980} as they were moved {G5342} by {G5259} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}.

for never has a prophecy come as a result of human willing — on the contrary, people moved by the Ruach HaKodesh spoke a message from God.

For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.

Context

Second Peter is a powerful letter from the Apostle Peter, written to believers facing internal challenges from false teachers and external pressures. In this chapter, Peter emphasizes the certainty and divine origin of the Christian faith, especially the truth of Scripture and the prophetic word. Leading up to verse 21, Peter has asserted the reliability of prophecy, stating in 2 Peter 1:19 that it is a "more sure word of prophecy" than even eyewitness accounts of Christ's transfiguration. Verse 21 then serves as the foundational explanation for *why* prophecy is so reliable: because it does not originate from human will or ingenuity.

Key Themes

  • Divine Inspiration of Scripture: The verse unequivocally states that prophecy, and by extension all Scripture, is not a product of human thought or desire. It originates with God. This highlights the supernatural nature of the Bible.
  • The Holy Spirit's Role: The central message is that the Holy Spirit is the active agent in biblical inspiration. Men were merely the instruments through whom God spoke, "moved" or "carried along" by the Spirit's power.
  • Authority and Reliability of God's Word: Because prophecy comes directly from God through the Holy Spirit, it possesses ultimate authority and is entirely trustworthy. It is not subject to human error or manipulation, contrasting sharply with humanly devised teachings.
  • Distinction from Human Wisdom: This verse draws a clear line between divine revelation and human speculation, opinion, or even well-intentioned but uninspired thoughts.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase "moved by the Holy Ghost" translates the Greek word pherō (φέρω), which means "to carry," "to bear along," or "to be borne along." It is often used to describe a ship being carried by the wind or currents. This imagery suggests that the prophets were not passive dictation machines, but rather, they were guided and directed by the Holy Spirit in such a way that their personalities and styles were used, yet the message conveyed was precisely what God intended. It implies a gentle but irresistible divine impulse, ensuring the accuracy and divine origin of the message without overriding the human authors' faculties.

Related Scriptures

This verse is foundational to understanding the inspiration of the Bible. It contrasts sharply with the idea of prophets speaking from their own imagination, as warned against in passages like Jeremiah 23:16. Peter's assertion here aligns perfectly with Paul's declaration in 2 Timothy 3:16, which states that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Both verses underscore the divine origin and authority of the biblical text, emphasizing that it is God's breath (theopneustos) or spirit behind the written word.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Peter 1:21 provides immense comfort and confidence in the Bible's trustworthiness. It encourages us to:

  • Trust the Bible: Recognize that the Bible is God's infallible word, not merely human literature. This truth should deepen our reliance on its teachings for faith and life.
  • Discern Truth from Error: This verse helps us differentiate between genuine divine revelation and human ideas or false doctrines. If a teaching does not align with Scripture, it does not come "by the will of man."
  • Approach Scripture with Reverence: Understanding its divine origin should foster a humble and reverent attitude when reading and studying the Bible, knowing we are encountering the very words of God.
  • Seek the Holy Spirit: Just as the Holy Spirit moved the prophets to speak God's word, we rely on the same Spirit to illuminate our understanding of that word as we read it today (see John 14:26).
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.

  • 2 Timothy 3:15

    And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

  • 2 Timothy 3:17

    That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

  • 1 Peter 1:11

    Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

  • 2 Samuel 23:2

    The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word [was] in my tongue.

  • Luke 1:70

    As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

  • Acts 1:16

    Men [and] brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

  • Hebrews 10:15

    [Whereof] the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back