2 Peter 2:9

KJV

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

KJV (with Strong's)

The Lord {G2962} knoweth {G1492} how to deliver {G4506} the godly {G2152} out of {G1537} temptations {G3986}, and {G1161} to reserve {G5083} the unjust {G94} unto {G1519} the day {G2250} of judgment {G2920} to be punished {G2849}:

Complete Jewish Bible

So the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and how to hold the wicked until the Day of Judgment while continuing to punish them,

Berean Standard Bible

if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

American Standard Version

the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 2:9 stands as a powerful declaration of God's perfect knowledge and sovereign control over the destinies of humanity, asserting His unwavering commitment to both justice and mercy. It assures believers that the Lord possesses the inherent wisdom and power to rescue the righteous from trials and temptations, while simultaneously guaranteeing that the wicked are being held in secure custody, awaiting the certain and inevitable day of divine judgment and punishment. This verse encapsulates a core theological truth: God's character is consistently just, ensuring that no act of godliness goes unrewarded and no act of injustice goes unpunished.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Second Peter, particularly chapter 2, serves as a stark and urgent warning against the deceptive and destructive teachings of false prophets and teachers who had infiltrated the early Christian communities. Peter meticulously builds his argument by first establishing the certainty of divine judgment through historical precedents, such as the angels who sinned, the antediluvian world, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah ([2 Peter 2:4-8](/2_peter/2-4-8 "2 Peter 2:4-8 - God's Judgment on Sin")). These examples underscore God's unwavering commitment to punish sin and deliver the righteous. Verse 9 functions as the climactic summary and theological conclusion to these historical illustrations, explicitly stating the principle that underlies God's past actions and guarantees His future ones. It directly contrasts the two outcomes – deliverance for the godly and judgment for the unjust – setting the stage for Peter's continued denunciation of the false teachers in the subsequent verses ([2 Peter 2:10-22](/2_peter/2-10-22 "2 Peter 2:10-22 - Description of False Teachers")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church faced significant internal and external pressures. Internally, false teachers, often Gnostics or proto-Gnostics, challenged orthodox doctrine, promoting libertinism and denying the future coming of Christ or the reality of judgment. Externally, believers faced persecution and societal pressures that made their commitment to godliness challenging. Within this milieu, Peter's letter provides crucial pastoral guidance and theological grounding. The concept of a "day of judgment" was deeply rooted in both Jewish apocalyptic tradition and broader Greco-Roman ideas of divine retribution, though Peter's emphasis is distinctly Christian, focusing on God's personal and active involvement. The assurance of God's knowledge and power to deliver would have been a profound comfort to a community struggling with moral compromise and the apparent prosperity of the wicked, while the certainty of judgment served as a powerful deterrent against spiritual apostasy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes present throughout 2 Peter. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Omniscience**, emphasizing that God is not merely aware of human actions but possesses perfect, active knowledge ("knoweth") of how to administer justice and mercy. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Justice** is paramount; God is portrayed as the ultimate arbiter, ensuring that righteousness is vindicated and wickedness is punished. This directly counters the claims of those who might doubt God's intervention or the reality of future accountability, as seen in [2 Peter 3:3-4](/2_peter/3-3-4 "2 Peter 3:3-4 - Scoffers and the Delay of the Parousia"). Thirdly, the verse underscores **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant People**, promising "deliverance for the godly." This assurance of divine protection amidst "temptations" (trials or enticements to sin) provides immense comfort and encouragement, echoing the broader biblical narrative of God's preservation of His elect, as seen in passages like [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all"). Finally, the explicit mention of "the day of judgment" reinforces the eschatological theme of **Future Accountability**, reminding both believers and unbelievers of the ultimate reckoning that awaits all humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knoweth (Greek, _eídō'_):** This word, derived from a primary verb meaning "to see," implies more than mere intellectual apprehension. In its perfect tense, as used here, it signifies a deep, intimate, and experiential knowledge, coupled with the inherent capacity to act upon that knowledge. It conveys God's perfect wisdom and His active, discerning awareness of every situation, enabling Him to perfectly execute His will concerning both the godly and the unjust. It's not just that God *knows about* deliverance; He knows *how* to deliver because He fully comprehends the means and the end.
* **deliver (Greek, _rhýomai'_):** This verb, stemming from an obsolete word akin to "to rush or draw," means to rescue, snatch away, or protect. It emphasizes God's active intervention to save someone from danger, peril, or evil. In the context of "temptations" (which can mean trials or enticements to sin), it speaks to God's power to provide a way of escape, to strengthen, or to preserve His people through difficult circumstances, ensuring they are not overwhelmed or destroyed by them.
* **reserve (Greek, _tēréō'_):** This term signifies to guard, keep, or hold in custody, often with the implication of careful preservation or detention. Unlike *phylassō* (to prevent escaping) or *koustōdia* (implying a fortress), *tēréō* suggests keeping an eye upon something to guard it from loss or injury, or, in this context, to detain for a specific purpose. Here, it highlights God's intentional and secure holding of the unjust, not allowing them to escape their destined punishment, but rather preserving them precisely *for* the "day of judgment."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations":** This clause affirms God's perfect wisdom and omnipotence. "The Lord" (κύριος, *kýrios*) emphasizes His supreme authority and mastery. His "knowing how" (οἶδεν, *oíden*) denotes not just theoretical understanding but practical capability and effective execution. The "godly" (εὐσεβεῖς, *eusebeís*) are those who are pious, reverent, and live in accordance with God's will. "Temptations" (πειρασμοῖς, *peirasmós*) refers to trials, tests, or enticements to sin. God's knowledge enables Him to effectively "deliver" (ῥύεσθαι, *rhýesthai*) or rescue His faithful ones from these challenges, whether by providing a way of escape, strengthening them to endure, or removing the trial altogether.
* **"and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished":** This second clause presents a stark contrast and reveals the other side of God's justice. The conjunction "and" (δέ, *dé*) introduces this antithetical truth. "The unjust" (ἀδίκους, *adíkous*) are those who are unrighteous, wicked, or treacherous, characterized by a lack of conformity to God's moral standard. God's active role is "to reserve" (τηρεῖν, *tēreín*) them, meaning to hold them securely in custody. This reservation is "unto the day of judgment" (εἰς ἡμέραν κρίσεως, *eis hēméran kríseōs*), a specific, appointed time of divine reckoning. The ultimate purpose of this reservation is "to be punished" (κολαζομένους, *kolazoménous*), indicating that their detention is for the certain infliction of divine chastisement and retribution.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, juxtaposing the "godly" with the "unjust" and their respective destinies: "deliverance" versus "reservation for judgment." This stark contrast powerfully highlights God's dual nature as both merciful deliverer and righteous judge. The phrase "The Lord knoweth how" functions as a declaration of **Divine Sovereignty** and **Omniscience**, attributing perfect wisdom and capability to God. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing** or **Proleptic Language** in "to reserve... unto the day of judgment," as it speaks of a future event as if it is already a settled, certain reality, emphasizing the inevitability of divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the dual aspects of God's character: His unwavering faithfulness to His people and His absolute commitment to justice for all. It underscores the biblical truth that God is not indifferent to human suffering or wickedness. He actively intervenes in the affairs of humanity, demonstrating His power to protect those who trust Him and His resolve to hold accountable those who reject His ways. This theological balance provides both immense comfort to the persecuted and a solemn warning to the unrepentant, reinforcing the ultimate triumph of God's righteous order over all forms of evil and rebellion. It assures believers that despite present appearances, God's perfect knowledge ensures that justice will ultimately prevail.

* [Psalm 37:28](/psalms/37-28 "Psalm 37:28 - The Lord loves justice and will not forsake His saints")
* [1 Corinthians 10:13](/1_corinthians/10-13 "1 Corinthians 10:13 - God provides a way of escape from temptation")
* [Romans 2:5-6](/romans/2-5-6 "Romans 2:5-6 - God's righteous judgment according to deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the believer, 2 Peter 2:9 offers profound encouragement and a steadfast anchor in times of trial and moral confusion. When faced with temptations, whether internal struggles or external pressures to compromise faith, this verse reminds us that God is not only aware of our plight but possesses the perfect "know-how" to deliver us. This deliverance may not always mean the removal of the trial, but rather the provision of strength to endure, wisdom to navigate, or a way of escape that prevents us from succumbing. It calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's active involvement in our lives, even when His hand is not immediately visible. Conversely, in a world where injustice often seems to prevail and the wicked appear to prosper, this verse serves as a powerful reassurance of God's ultimate justice. It reminds us that no sin goes unnoticed, and no unrighteousness will escape the divine reckoning. This truth should not only comfort us but also spur us to live lives of greater godliness, knowing that our conduct matters in light of God's certain judgment. It compels us to persevere in righteousness, confident that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the assurance of God's "knowing how" to deliver impact your trust in Him during personal temptations or trials?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of divine justice in a world where evil often seems to go unpunished?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more "godly" in light of the certainty of both deliverance and judgment?**

### FAQ
**Does "temptations" in this verse refer only to enticements to sin, or does it include other types of trials?**

Answer: While "temptations" (Greek: *peirasmós*) can certainly refer to enticements to sin, as seen in [James 1:13-14](/james/1-13-14 "James 1:13-14 - God does not tempt anyone"), the broader biblical usage and the context of 2 Peter 2 suggest it encompasses a wider range of trials, tests, and adversities that believers face. These can be external pressures, persecutions, or difficult circumstances that test one's faith and commitment. Peter's emphasis is on God's ability to preserve His people *through* these challenging experiences, preventing them from falling away or being overcome by evil, just as He delivered Noah from the flood and Lot from Sodom ([2 Peter 2:5-8](/2_peter/2-5-8 "2 Peter 2:5-8 - God's Deliverance of Noah and Lot")).

**How can God "reserve the unjust" for judgment if they seem to be living freely and prospering now?**

Answer: The term "reserve" (Greek: *tēréō*) implies a secure, intentional holding or keeping in custody, even if that custody is not immediately visible to human eyes. It signifies that the unjust are not beyond God's reach or forgotten; rather, they are being precisely preserved for a future reckoning. Their present prosperity or freedom is temporary and does not negate the certainty of their ultimate accountability. This concept reassures believers that God's justice is not absent but is being meticulously prepared for its appointed "day of judgment." It highlights God's sovereign control over time and destiny, ensuring that all will ultimately stand before Him to give an account, as prophesied in [Revelation 20:12-13](/revelation/20-12-13 "Revelation 20:12-13 - The Great White Throne Judgment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Peter 2:9, while speaking of God's general principles of justice and deliverance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's perfect "know-how" to deliver the godly, for it is through His atoning sacrifice that humanity is delivered from the power and penalty of sin and from the ultimate "temptation" of eternal separation from God ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus")). Christ's life demonstrated perfect godliness, and His resurrection is the ultimate proof of God's power to deliver His righteous one from death itself ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God raised Jesus from the dead")). Furthermore, Jesus is the one through whom all judgment will be administered. He is the appointed judge, the one who will "reserve the unjust" and preside over the "day of judgment," for all authority to judge has been given to Him by the Father ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father has given all judgment to the Son")). Thus, 2 Peter 2:9 points forward to Christ as both the Deliverer of the saints and the righteous Judge of all humanity, perfectly executing the Father's will for both salvation and condemnation.

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

1 Corinthians 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

Psalms 34:15

The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry.

Psalms 34:19

Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Revelation 3:10

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Jude 1:14

And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

Jude 1:15

¶ To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

2 Timothy 3:12

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.