2 Peter 2:9

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

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}:

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,

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.

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

Context

Second Peter, particularly chapter 2, serves as a strong warning against false teachers and their destructive doctrines that threaten the integrity of the Christian faith. Peter addresses a community facing internal threats, emphasizing the certainty of divine judgment for those who lead others astray and the unwavering faithfulness of God to protect His own. Verse 9 encapsulates this dual truth, drawing a stark contrast between the destiny of the righteous and the unrighteous, building on historical examples of God's judgment and deliverance mentioned earlier in the chapter (e.g., the flood, Sodom and Gomorrah).

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Sovereignty: The verse powerfully asserts God's absolute knowledge and power to execute both deliverance and judgment. It highlights His perfect understanding of human character and destiny.
  • Deliverance for the Godly: A core promise is that God actively intervenes to protect and rescue those who live righteously. "Temptations" (Greek: peirasmos) here refers to trials, tests, or even enticements to sin, from which God provides a way of escape.
  • Certainty of Judgment for the Unjust: Conversely, the verse declares that the wicked, or "unjust," are not overlooked but are being held in reserve for a specific future reckoning – the "day of judgment" – where they will face due punishment. This provides comfort for believers facing persecution from the ungodly.

Linguistic Insights

The word "knoweth" (Greek: oiden) in this verse is not merely intellectual awareness but implies a deep, intimate understanding coupled with the ability to act. It conveys God's perfect wisdom and capacity to discern and execute His will. He doesn't just know *about* deliverance; He knows *how* to deliver and *how* to reserve. The term "reserve" (Greek: terēō) suggests a careful keeping or holding in custody, emphasizing the intentionality of God's justice.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound encouragement and a sober warning for believers today:

  • Encouragement in Trials: For those walking in faith, it reassures that God is keenly aware of their struggles and will provide a way to endure or escape temptations and trials. Trust in His faithfulness is paramount.
  • Confidence in God's Justice: When it seems that the wicked prosper or escape consequences, this verse reminds us that God's justice is sure, even if delayed from a human perspective. There is a definitive "day of judgment" for all unrighteousness, as described in Revelation 20:12-15.
  • Call to Godliness: The contrast between the "godly" and the "unjust" serves as a powerful incentive for believers to pursue righteousness and avoid the paths of those who reject God's truth. Our conduct matters in light of God's ultimate justice.
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.

  • 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.
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