2 Peter 1:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 1:21 profoundly articulates the divine origin and authoritative nature of biblical prophecy, asserting that it did not arise from human initiative or desire. Instead, it was God's chosen instruments—"holy men"—who spoke forth divine revelation, not according to their own will, but as they were supernaturally guided and carried along by the Holy Spirit. This verse serves as a foundational declaration for the doctrine of biblical inspiration, emphasizing that Scripture is fundamentally God's word, not merely human wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Second Peter is a powerful epistle written by the Apostle Peter to believers facing significant internal and external pressures, primarily from false teachers who denied the second coming of Christ and promoted libertinism. Peter’s primary aim in this letter is to exhort believers to grow in their faith and knowledge of Christ, to contend for the truth, and to remember the certainty of God’s promises and the divine origin of the Christian faith. In chapter 1, Peter emphasizes the divine power bestowed upon believers for life and godliness ([2 Peter 1:3](/2_peter/1-3 "2 Peter 1:3 - Divine Power for Life and Godliness")), and the reliability of the apostolic witness to Christ's majesty, particularly referencing the Transfiguration ([2 Peter 1:16-18](/2_peter/1-16-18 "2 Peter 1:16-18 - The Eyewitness Account of the Transfiguration")). Building on this, Peter declares that the prophetic word is even "more sure" than eyewitness testimony ([2 Peter 1:19](/2_peter/1-19 "2 Peter 1:19 - The More Sure Word of Prophecy")), and that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation ([2 Peter 1:20](/2_peter/1-20 "2 Peter 1:20 - No Private Interpretation of Prophecy")). Verse 21 then provides the theological bedrock for these preceding assertions, explaining *why* prophecy is so utterly reliable and not subject to human interpretation: its ultimate source is divine, not human.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church, like the Jewish community before it, deeply valued prophetic revelation as the direct communication of God's will. However, this period also saw the proliferation of false prophets and teachers, both within Judaism and among various pagan cults, who claimed divine inspiration but spoke from their own imaginations or demonic influence. Peter's audience would have been acutely aware of the dangers of deceptive teachings, as evidenced by his extensive warnings against false teachers throughout the letter ([2 Peter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter 2 - Warnings Against False Teachers")). In this context, Peter's affirmation of the divine origin of true prophecy was crucial for establishing the authoritative foundation of Christian truth against humanly devised doctrines. The cultural landscape often saw oracles and seers operating under various forms of ecstatic states, but Peter differentiates biblical prophecy by emphasizing the Holy Spirit's sovereign, guiding influence, ensuring the message's purity and divine authorship, distinct from human manipulation or ecstatic frenzy.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological themes within 2 Peter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it unequivocally establishes the **Divine Inspiration of Scripture**, asserting that the prophetic word, and by extension all Scripture, is not a product of human thought or desire but originates directly from God. This highlights the supernatural nature and unique authority of the Bible. Secondly, it underscores the **Sovereign Role of the Holy Spirit** as the active agent in biblical inspiration, portraying Him as the divine force that "moved" or "carried along" the human authors. This emphasizes that while human personalities were involved, the message conveyed was precisely what God intended. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **Authority and Reliability of God's Word**, presenting it as entirely trustworthy and free from human error or manipulation because it is God's direct communication. This contrasts sharply with humanly devised teachings and provides a firm foundation for faith, as seen in Peter's earlier emphasis on the "more sure word of prophecy" in [2 Peter 1:19](/2_peter/1-19 "2 Peter 1:19 - The Certainty of Prophecy"). Finally, it draws a clear **Distinction between Divine Revelation and Human Wisdom**, separating God's truth from mere human speculation, opinion, or uninspired thoughts, a crucial discernment for believers facing false teaching.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prophecy (Greek, _prophēteía'_):** From G4394, meaning "prediction (scriptural or other)." In this context, it refers specifically to the divinely revealed messages delivered by God's spokespersons, encompassing both foretelling future events and forth-telling God's truth. Peter uses it to refer to the Old Testament Scriptures, which he considers to be divinely inspired and authoritative.
* **will (Greek, _thélēma'_):** From G2307, meaning "a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination." The phrase "by the will of man" signifies that prophecy did not originate from human decision, desire, or ingenuity. It was not a product of human intellect, imagination, or personal agenda, but rather transcended human volition entirely.
* **moved (Greek, _phérō'_):** From G5342, a primary verb meaning "to 'bear' or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively)." This is a crucial term, often translated as "carried along" or "borne along." It implies a gentle yet irresistible divine impulse, akin to a ship being carried by the wind or currents. The prophets were not passive dictation machines, nor were they merely expressing their own thoughts. 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, ensuring its accuracy and divine origin without overriding the human authors' faculties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:"** This opening clause immediately establishes a negative assertion, refuting the idea that biblical prophecy—the divinely inspired word found in the Old Testament—originated from human desire, intellect, or initiative. The phrase "in old time" refers to the past era of prophetic revelation, particularly the Old Testament prophets. This statement directly counters any notion that Scripture is merely a product of human genius, religious speculation, or personal agenda, setting it apart from all other forms of human literature or philosophy.
* **"but holy men of God spake"** This clause introduces the human agents involved in the process of revelation, but with significant qualifiers. They are identified as "holy men," indicating their consecration or dedication to God, and "of God," signifying that they belonged to God and were His chosen instruments. Crucially, they "spake" (Greek: _laléō_), meaning they uttered words, but the manner in which they spoke is immediately clarified by the subsequent phrase, emphasizing that their speaking was not self-initiated but divinely directed.
* **"[as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost."** This is the pivotal phrase, explaining the true source and mechanism of biblical inspiration. The Greek word for "moved" (_phérō_) signifies being "carried along" or "borne along," much like a ship carried by the wind. This imagery conveys that the Holy Spirit was the active, guiding force, gently but powerfully influencing the human authors. While the prophets retained their individuality and unique literary styles, their words were precisely what God intended, ensuring the divine authority and inerrancy of the message. The Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit) is identified as the ultimate divine author, making the prophecy God's own word.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 2 Peter 1:21 is **Contrast**. The verse sharply contrasts the origin of prophecy: it did *not* come "by the will of man," but *rather* "holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." This antithetical structure highlights the fundamental difference between human-generated speech and divinely inspired revelation, emphasizing that the latter is entirely distinct and superior. Furthermore, the phrase "moved by the Holy Ghost" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** or **Imagery**. The Greek word _phérō_ (moved) evokes the image of a ship being carried along by the wind or currents, suggesting a gentle yet irresistible divine impulse. This metaphor illustrates that the human authors were not passive, robotic dictation machines, but rather active participants whose personalities and styles were used, yet who were supernaturally guided and propelled by the Holy Spirit to convey God's precise message. This imagery underscores the dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency in the process of biblical inspiration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Peter 1:21 is a cornerstone text for the doctrine of the divine inspiration of Scripture, articulating that the Bible is not merely human literature but the very word of God. It asserts that God, through the Holy Spirit, superintended the human authors of Scripture so that, using their own personalities and literary styles, they composed and recorded without error God’s revelation to humanity in the original manuscripts. This process, often referred to as "concursive inspiration," ensures that the Bible is simultaneously fully human and fully divine, a unique characteristic that sets it apart from all other books. This truth undergirds the Bible's authority, infallibility, and inerrancy, making it the supreme standard for faith and life. It reveals God's character as one who communicates clearly and reliably with His creation, providing a trustworthy guide for understanding His will and His plan of salvation.

* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")
* [Jeremiah 23:16](/jeremiah/23-16 "Jeremiah 23:16 - Prophets Speaking from Their Own Heart")
* [1 Corinthians 2:13](/1_corinthians/2-13 "1 Corinthians 2:13 - Spirit-Taught Words")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding that "holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" should profoundly impact our approach to the Bible. It instills immense confidence in Scripture's trustworthiness, assuring us that when we read the Bible, we are encountering not merely ancient human thoughts, but the very words of the living God. This truth calls us to approach the Bible with reverence, humility, and a deep desire to hear God's voice, recognizing its ultimate authority over all areas of life. It compels us to diligently study its pages, knowing that it is infallible in its truth and sufficient for equipping us for every good work. Furthermore, this verse serves as a crucial criterion for discerning truth from error: any teaching or doctrine that contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture, regardless of its source or popularity, does not come "by the will of man" but is rather a human invention, lacking divine authority. Just as the Spirit moved the prophets to speak, we rely on the same Holy Spirit to illuminate our understanding of God's inspired Word, guiding us into all truth and transforming our hearts and minds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the understanding that Scripture is "moved by the Holy Ghost" deepen your trust and confidence in the Bible's authority and truthfulness?**
* **In what ways might approaching the Bible as merely human literature diminish its power and impact on your life?**
* **How can the Holy Spirit's role in inspiring Scripture inform your own prayer life and your desire for the Spirit's guidance in understanding God's Word?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure that your beliefs and practices are truly aligned with God's divinely inspired Word, rather than human opinions or cultural trends?**

### FAQ

**Does "moved by the Holy Ghost" imply that the biblical authors were merely passive instruments, like robots or dictation machines?**

Answer: No, the Greek word _phérō_ (G5342), translated as "moved" or "carried along," does not imply passive dictation. Instead, it suggests a dynamic, superintending influence. The imagery is often likened to a ship being carried by the wind: the ship has its own structure and sails, but its direction and progress are determined by the wind. Similarly, the Holy Spirit guided and directed the human authors, using their unique personalities, vocabularies, experiences, and literary styles, yet ensuring that the final written product was precisely what God intended, without error. This process is known as "concursive inspiration," where divine and human agency work together seamlessly to produce God's infallible Word. The authors were active participants, researching, thinking, and writing, but always under the Spirit's sovereign guidance, as seen in passages like [Luke 1:1-4](/luke/1-1-4 "Luke 1:1-4 - Luke's Purpose in Writing").

**If prophecy came "not by the will of man," does this mean humans played no role in the Bible's creation?**

Answer: While the will of man was not the *originating* source of prophecy, humans were indeed the chosen instruments through whom God spoke. The verse states "holy men of God spake," indicating their active participation. The emphasis is on the *source* of the message, not the *absence* of human involvement. God chose specific individuals, prepared them, and then supernaturally enabled them to communicate His truth. Their personalities, experiences, and historical contexts were all used by God, but the ultimate content and truthfulness of the message were divinely guaranteed, ensuring that the message was God's word, not merely their own. This is consistent with how God often works through human agents throughout biblical history, from Moses to the apostles, as described in [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Spoke Through Prophets and Son").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Peter 1:21, in declaring the divine origin of prophecy through the Holy Spirit, finds its ultimate fulfillment and validation in Jesus Christ. He is the very **Living Word** of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), the supreme revelation of God to humanity, embodying the truth that prophecy merely foretold. Every prophecy "moved by the Holy Ghost" ultimately points to Him, finding its meaning and culmination in His person and work. Jesus Himself consistently affirmed the divine authority and inerrancy of the Old Testament Scriptures, which were the "prophecy" Peter referenced, declaring that "all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me" ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")). His life, death, and resurrection are the precise fulfillment of what the Spirit-inspired prophets had spoken for centuries ([Acts 3:18](/acts/3-18 "Acts 3:18 - Christ's Suffering Foretold")). Furthermore, Christ, after His ascension, sent the Holy Spirit—the very Spirit who "moved" the prophets—to guide His apostles "into all truth" ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides into All Truth")), thereby continuing the process of divine revelation that culminated in the New Testament. Thus, 2 Peter 1:21 not only establishes the divine trustworthiness of God's written Word but also profoundly underscores that this Word is fundamentally a witness to Jesus Christ, the ultimate and perfect revelation of God.

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 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,