2 Peter 1:9

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

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}.

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

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

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

2 Peter 1:9 serves as a stark warning within Peter's urgent call for spiritual growth and diligence among believers. Following his exhortation to add specific virtues to one's faith, Peter describes the unfortunate state of those who fail to develop these qualities.

Context

This verse is found within Peter's powerful opening chapter, where he encourages believers to actively pursue spiritual maturity. He begins by reminding them of the divine power that has given them "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3). The preceding verses (2 Peter 1:5-7) list a progression of essential Christian virtues: faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. Verse 8 declares that possessing these qualities makes one "neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." Verse 9 then presents the contrasting, negative outcome for those who *lack* these vital characteristics.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Stagnation and Blindness: The core message is that a lack of diligent spiritual development leads to a form of spiritual short-sightedness or blindness. This isn't necessarily a loss of salvation, but a diminished capacity to perceive spiritual truths, God's ongoing work, or eternal realities. It suggests a focus solely on earthly or immediate concerns, losing sight of the bigger picture of God's kingdom.
  • Forgetfulness of God's Grace: A critical consequence of this spiritual apathy is forgetting the profound reality of one's initial salvation—that they "were purged from his old sins." This forgetfulness can lead to a casual approach to sin, a lack of gratitude, and a diminished appreciation for the atoning work of Christ. It implies a failure to live in light of the new identity received through purification.
  • Importance of Diligent Growth: By highlighting the negative consequences of spiritual deficiency, the verse implicitly stresses the absolute necessity of actively cultivating the virtues mentioned in 2 Peter 1:5-7. It emphasizes that salvation is not merely a one-time event but the beginning of a lifelong process of transformation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words used here provide deeper nuance:

  • "Blind" (Greek: tuphlos) signifies a spiritual inability to see or discern.
  • "Cannot see afar off" (Greek: muopazo) literally means "nearsighted" or "short-sighted." This isn't total blindness but an inability to perceive distant or eternal realities, focusing only on the immediate present. It suggests a lack of spiritual foresight and eternal perspective.
  • "Purged" (Greek: katharismos) refers to a cleansing or purification, specifically from the defilement of past sins. This points to the complete and decisive work of Christ in providing forgiveness and newness of life at salvation, as highlighted in 1 John 1:9 or Hebrews 9:14.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful call to self-examination for every believer. Am I actively pursuing spiritual growth, or am I becoming stagnant? Do I demonstrate the virtues of Christ in my life? Forgetting the profound grace of being "purged from old sins" can lead to complacency and a diminished sense of purpose. Peter urges believers to remember their salvation and to make their calling and election sure by diligently growing in Christ-like character. Cultivating these virtues helps believers to have clear spiritual vision, live with an eternal perspective, and remain fruitful in their faith.

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 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.

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