2 Peter 1:9

KJV

But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1063} he that {G3739} lacketh {G3361}{G3918} these things {G5023} is {G2076} blind {G5185}, and cannot see afar off {G3467}, and hath forgotten {G3024}{G2983} that he was purged from {G2512} his {G846} old {G3819} sins {G266}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Indeed, whoever lacks them is blind, so shortsighted that he forgets that his past sins have been washed away.

Berean Standard Bible

But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

American Standard Version

For he that lacketh these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 1:9 delivers a sobering warning to believers who fail to diligently cultivate the spiritual virtues outlined in the preceding verses. It describes their state as one of spiritual blindness and short-sightedness, resulting in a diminished capacity to perceive divine truths and eternal realities. Crucially, this spiritual stagnation is linked to a forgetfulness of the profound cleansing and purification from past sins that they received at the moment of their salvation, undermining their gratitude and hindering their ongoing spiritual fruitfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Peter's opening exhortation in [2 Peter 1](/2_peter/1 "2 Peter 1 - Growth in Godliness"), which emphasizes the call to spiritual diligence and growth. Having established the divine power granted to believers for "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" in [2 Peter 1:3](/2_peter/1-3 "2 Peter 1:3 - Divine Power for Life and Godliness"), Peter then presents a progressive list of virtues—faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity—in [2 Peter 1:5-7](/2_peter/1-5-7 "2 Peter 1:5-7 - The Ladder of Christian Virtues"). Verse 8 serves as a positive affirmation, stating that those who possess and abound in these qualities will be "neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." Verse 9 then acts as a stark contrast, delineating the negative consequences for those who neglect this vital spiritual development, thereby highlighting the urgency of Peter's appeal.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter is writing to a dispersed audience of believers, likely facing various challenges including emerging false teachings and the temptation to grow complacent in their faith. The concept of "blindness" was a common metaphor in ancient thought, often used to describe intellectual or moral deficiency. In a spiritual context, it would resonate with the idea of being unable to discern truth or perceive divine realities, similar to the spiritual dullness Jesus often lamented in His listeners (e.g., [Matthew 13:13-15](/matthew/13-13-15 "Matthew 13:13-15 - Spiritual Blindness and Hearing")). The emphasis on "purification" or "cleansing" would have strong Old Testament roots, recalling ceremonial washings and sacrifices, but now understood in light of Christ's definitive work, signifying a complete and spiritual removal of sin's defilement. Peter's readers would understand the profound implication of having their "old sins" (referring to their pre-conversion life) decisively dealt with.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in [2 Peter](/2_peter/1 "The Second Epistle of Peter"). First, it underscores the theme of **Spiritual Diligence and Growth**, emphasizing that salvation is not a static event but the beginning of a dynamic process requiring active participation. The absence of growth leads to spiritual deficiency. Second, it highlights **Spiritual Discernment and Vision**, portraying a lack of virtues as leading to a form of spiritual myopia, an inability to see beyond immediate concerns to eternal truths and God's grand purposes. This contrasts sharply with the "knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" mentioned in [2 Peter 1:8](/2_peter/1-8 "2 Peter 1:8 - Fruitfulness in Christ"). Third, the verse touches upon the **Remembrance of God's Grace**, suggesting that forgetting one's past purification from sin can lead to complacency and a diminished appreciation for the profound work of Christ, which in turn impacts present conduct and future hope. This forgetfulness is a dangerous spiritual malady that undermines the very foundation of their faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blind (Greek, _typhlós'_):** This word signifies a state of being opaque, as if smoky, leading to physical or mental blindness. In this context, it refers to a spiritual inability to see or discern. It's not merely a lack of information, but a fundamental impairment in spiritual perception, preventing one from grasping divine truths or recognizing God's ongoing work.
* **Cannot see afar off (Greek, _myōpázō'_):** This unique term literally means "to shut the eyes" or "to blink," implying near-sightedness or short-sightedness. It describes someone who can only perceive what is close at hand, lacking the capacity for long-range vision. Spiritually, it denotes an inability to perceive distant or eternal realities, focusing exclusively on immediate, earthly concerns and losing sight of God's ultimate plan and the believer's eternal inheritance.
* **Purged (Greek, _katharismós'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to cleanse," this noun refers to a washing off, a ceremonial ablution, or, in a moral sense, expiation. Here, it points to the decisive and complete spiritual cleansing and purification from the defilement of past sins that occurs at salvation. It emphasizes the definitive nature of Christ's atoning work, which effectively removes the guilt and power of "old sins," establishing a new, purified identity for the believer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he that lacketh these things":** This phrase serves as a direct contrast to the preceding verse, which describes the fruitful believer. "These things" refers specifically to the list of virtues—faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity—that Peter exhorted believers to add to their faith in [2 Peter 1:5-7](/2_peter/1-5-7 "2 Peter 1:5-7 - The Virtues of Christian Growth"). The one who "lacketh" these is not merely deficient in a few areas, but has failed to cultivate the progressive character qualities essential for spiritual vitality.
* **"is blind, and cannot see afar off":** This clause describes the immediate spiritual consequence of lacking these virtues. The individual is "blind" (spiritually unable to discern) and "cannot see afar off" (is spiritually near-sighted). This dual description emphasizes a profound impairment in spiritual vision, preventing them from perceiving the broader scope of God's kingdom, eternal realities, or the long-term implications of their actions. Their focus becomes restricted to the temporal and immediate, losing sight of divine purposes.
* **"and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.":** This final clause reveals a deeper, more insidious consequence: a forgetfulness of the foundational truth of their salvation. "Purged from his old sins" refers to the complete and decisive cleansing from the guilt and power of their pre-conversion life, accomplished through Christ's atoning work. This forgetfulness is not merely an intellectual oversight but a spiritual amnesia that diminishes gratitude, fosters complacency towards sin, and undermines the motivation for ongoing spiritual growth, leading to a life that does not reflect the radical transformation they have experienced.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several powerful literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, as "blind" and "cannot see afar off" are not literal physical conditions but serve as vivid spiritual metaphors for a lack of discernment and foresight. This imagery effectively conveys the spiritual dullness and limited perspective that results from neglecting Christian virtues. There is also a strong element of **Contrast**, as this verse stands in direct opposition to the positive description of the diligent believer in [2 Peter 1:8](/2_peter/1-8 "2 Peter 1:8 - Fruitfulness in Knowledge"). This juxtaposition highlights the critical importance of spiritual growth by presenting the dire alternative. Finally, the verse demonstrates **Cause and Effect**, clearly linking the lack of spiritual virtues (the cause) to the spiritual blindness and forgetfulness (the effects), thereby underscoring the practical implications of Peter's exhortation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects the practical outworking of faith to the foundational truths of salvation. It teaches that while salvation is a gift of grace, it initiates a call to active spiritual growth, without which a believer can fall into a state of spiritual myopia and forgetfulness regarding the very grace that saved them. This isn't about losing salvation, but about losing the vibrant experience and fruitfulness of it. The spiritual blindness described is a failure to live in light of eternal realities, while the forgetfulness of purification from old sins indicates a diminished appreciation for the atoning work of Christ and the new identity it bestows. This spiritual amnesia can lead to a casual attitude towards sin and a lack of urgency in pursuing holiness.

* [Matthew 13:13](/matthew/13-13 "Matthew 13:13 - Spiritual Blindness and Parables"): "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand."
* [Hebrews 5:12-14](/hebrews/5-12-14 "Hebrews 5:12-14 - From Milk to Solid Food"): "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
* [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Walking in Light and Cleansing"): "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Peter 1:9 serves as a crucial mirror for every believer, prompting honest self-assessment. Are we actively cultivating the virtues that Peter lists, or have we become complacent, allowing spiritual stagnation to set in? The warning of spiritual blindness and short-sightedness is particularly poignant in a world that constantly demands our immediate attention and often obscures eternal perspectives. If we find ourselves increasingly focused on temporal concerns, struggling to see God's hand at work, or losing our passion for spiritual truth, it may be a sign that we are neglecting the vital process of spiritual growth. Furthermore, the notion of "forgetting that he was purged from his old sins" is a profound challenge. Do we live with a vibrant, daily awareness of the radical grace that cleansed us, or has that profound truth become a distant memory, leading to a casual approach to sin or a lack of gratitude for Christ's sacrifice? This verse calls us to remember our spiritual liberation, to live in light of our new identity, and to diligently pursue Christ-like character, ensuring our vision remains clear and our walk fruitful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Which of the virtues listed in [2 Peter 1:5-7](/2_peter/1-5-7 "2 Peter 1:5-7 - The Ladder of Christian Virtues") do I find most challenging to cultivate, and why?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting spiritual short-sightedness, focusing on the immediate rather than eternal realities?**
* **How does a fresh remembrance of being "purged from my old sins" impact my gratitude, my fight against present sin, and my motivation for spiritual growth?**

### FAQ

**Does "blind" in this verse mean a person has lost their salvation?**

Answer: No, the context of [2 Peter 1:9](/2_peter/1-9 "2 Peter 1:9 - Spiritual Blindness") does not suggest a loss of salvation. Instead, it describes a state of spiritual deficiency or stagnation among those who are already believers. The individual "hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins," implying they *were* indeed purged, a past completed action of salvation. The blindness and short-sightedness refer to a diminished capacity to perceive spiritual truths, God's ongoing work, and eternal realities, rather than a total absence of faith. It's a warning against unfruitfulness and spiritual dullness, not a declaration of apostasy. Peter's overall message in [2 Peter 1](/2_peter/1 "2 Peter 1 - Growth in Godliness") is to encourage believers to make their "calling and election sure" through diligent growth, which would be unnecessary if their salvation were at risk of being lost by a lack of virtues.

**What does it mean to "forget that he was purged from his old sins"?**

Answer: To "forget that he was purged from his old sins" is not necessarily a conscious intellectual amnesia about the event of salvation, but rather a practical forgetfulness that impacts one's daily life and spiritual walk. It means failing to live in light of the profound reality that one has been definitively cleansed and set free from the guilt and power of past sin through Christ's atoning work. This forgetfulness can manifest as a casual attitude towards sin, a lack of gratitude for God's grace, a diminished sense of urgency for holiness, or a failure to embrace one's new identity in Christ. It leads to a life that does not reflect the radical transformation that has taken place, hindering spiritual fruitfulness and a clear vision of God's purposes. It's a failure to consistently draw upon the implications of their past purification for their present conduct and future hope.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Peter 1:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "purging from his old sins" is the very heart of the Gospel, accomplished solely through Christ's sacrificial death on the cross. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). The spiritual blindness and short-sightedness described in the verse are overcome by Christ, who is the [Light of the world](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), illuminating the path to truth and eternal life. Believers are called to walk in this light, not to remain in the darkness of spiritual myopia. The virtues Peter lists are not merely human attainments but are the very character of Christ, which believers are called to put on as they are conformed to His image ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to Christ's Image")). Therefore, to "lack these things" and "forget" one's cleansing is to fail to live out the new creation reality given in Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), hindering the very purpose for which Christ died: that we might live a life of fruitfulness and clear spiritual vision, reflecting His glory.

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 2:18

For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

2 Peter 2:20

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

1 John 2:9

He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

1 John 2:11

But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

Ephesians 5:26

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

Romans 6:11

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.