2 Peter 3:11

KJV

¶ [Seeing] then [that] all these things shall be dissolved, what manner [of persons] ought ye to be in [all] holy conversation and godliness,

KJV (with Strong's)

Seeing then {G3767} that all {G3956} these things {G5130} shall be dissolved {G3089}, what manner {G4217} of persons ought {G1163} ye {G5209} to be {G5225} in {G1722} all holy {G40} conversation {G391} and {G2532} godliness {G2150},

Complete Jewish Bible

Since everything is going to be destroyed like this, what kind of people should you be? You should lead holy and godly lives,

Berean Standard Bible

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness

American Standard Version

Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 3:11 stands as a profound theological and ethical imperative, directly stemming from Peter's preceding declaration regarding the ultimate and fiery dissolution of the present heavens and earth. With the certainty of this cosmic transformation established, the apostle poses a rhetorical question that serves as a powerful call to action, urging believers to live lives characterized by unwavering holiness and deep reverence for God in every aspect of their conduct, thereby aligning their present existence with the future reality of God's righteous new creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within Peter's final epistle, specifically in [2 Peter chapter 3](/2_peter/3 "2 Peter 3 - The Day of the Lord and New Creation"), which addresses the skepticism concerning Christ's promised return. Peter has just described the cataclysmic "Day of the Lord" in [2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord's Arrival"), where the heavens will pass away with a great noise, the elements will melt with fervent heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Verse 11 logically follows this vivid depiction, transitioning from the description of future events to their immediate and pressing implications for the believer's present conduct. It functions as a direct ethical response to the eschatological reality just presented, forming a crucial "if... then" argument: *if* these things are certain, *then* what kind of people ought we to be?
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter writes to a diverse audience of early Christians, many of whom were likely facing internal doubts and external pressures, including the mocking of scoffers who questioned the delay of Christ's parousia (second coming). These scoffers, as mentioned in [2 Peter 3:3-4](/2_peter/3-3-4 "2 Peter 3:3-4 - Scoffers and the Last Days"), argued that since "all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation," Christ would not return. Peter counters this by reminding them of God's past judgment (the Flood in [2 Peter 3:5-7](/2_peter/3-5-7 "2 Peter 3:5-7 - God's Judgment by Water and Fire")) and His future, decisive judgment by fire. The cultural milieu included various philosophical schools, some of which promoted a cyclical view of history or a materialist worldview that denied divine intervention. Peter's emphasis on a definitive end and a new beginning stands in stark contrast, providing a robust theological framework for ethical living amidst such challenges.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Peter chapter 3](/2_peter/3 "2 Peter 3 - The Day of the Lord and New Creation") is rich with interconnected themes, and verse 11 contributes significantly to several of them. Foremost is the **Eschatological Motivation for Ethics**, where the certainty of future divine judgment and the promise of a [new heavens and a new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heavens and New Earth") serve as the primary impetus for present holy living. This theme underscores the **Impermanence of the Present World**, emphasizing that the physical cosmos, as currently constituted, is temporary and destined for transformation, not eternal preservation. Consequently, the verse issues a direct **Call to Holy Conduct**, challenging believers to live lives of "holy conversation and godliness." This call is rooted in the understanding that God's patience, described in [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance"), is for the purpose of repentance, leading to a life that reflects His character in anticipation of His righteous dwelling.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dissolved (Greek, _lýō'_):** From G3089, meaning "to loosen, unbind, break up, or destroy." In this context, it signifies a complete dismantling or breaking down of the existing cosmic order. It implies a radical transformation rather than utter annihilation, suggesting that the components of the old creation will be "unbound" or "melted" to make way for the new, as described in [2 Peter 3:12-13](/2_peter/3-12-13 "2 Peter 3:12-13 - Looking for New Heavens and New Earth").
* **conversation (Greek, _anastrophḗ'_):** From G391, meaning "behavior" or "manner of life." In 17th-century King James English, "conversation" did not primarily refer to verbal communication but to one's overall conduct and way of living. Thus, "holy conversation" denotes a life lived with integrity, purity, and moral uprightness in all its facets, reflecting a consistent pattern of righteous behavior.
* **godliness (Greek, _eusébeia'_):** From G2150, meaning "piety" or "reverence." It describes a deep, practical devotion to God that manifests in actions and character. It encompasses a life lived in conscious awareness of God's presence, in conformity to His will, and with a sincere desire to honor Him. It is not merely outward religious observance but an inner disposition that shapes one's entire being and conduct.
* **ought (Greek, _deî'_):** From G1163, meaning "it is necessary (as binding)" or "should." This word conveys a strong sense of moral obligation and divine imperative. Given the certainty of the cosmic dissolution, it is not merely advisable but fundamentally necessary for believers to live in a particular manner. It underscores the logical and theological consequence of understanding God's eschatological plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved":** This opening clause establishes the unshakeable premise for the subsequent exhortation. It directly references the preceding description of the Day of the Lord in [2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord's Arrival"), where the physical heavens and earth are destined for a fiery dissolution and transformation. The phrase "all these things" encompasses the entire present material creation, emphasizing its temporary and perishable nature. The use of "dissolved" (G3089, _lýō_) highlights a process of breaking down or melting, setting the stage for a new creation.
* **"what manner of persons ought ye to be":** This is a powerful rhetorical question that serves as the central ethical challenge of the verse. It is not a question seeking information but rather a forceful declaration of the kind of character and conduct expected from believers. The phrase "what manner of persons" (G4217, _potapós_) emphasizes the quality and nature of one's entire being. The verb "ought" (G1163, _deî_) conveys a strong sense of divine necessity and moral obligation, indicating that a specific way of life is the only logical and appropriate response to the impending cosmic upheaval.
* **"in all holy conversation and godliness":** This final phrase specifies the content of the required conduct. "Holy conversation" (G40, _hágios_, and G391, _anastrophḗ_) refers to a life characterized by sacredness, moral purity, and blameless conduct in every sphere. It speaks to the outward manifestation of one's faith—how one behaves, interacts, and lives daily. "And godliness" (G2150, _eusébeia_) complements "holy conversation" by pointing to the inward disposition of reverence, piety, and devotion to God that undergirds and motivates all outward actions. The inclusion of "all" (G3956, _pâs_) before "holy conversation" underscores the comprehensive nature of this call: holiness and godliness are to permeate every aspect of the believer's life without exception.

#### Literary Devices
Peter effectively employs several **literary devices** in this concise verse to convey his urgent message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "what manner of persons ought ye to be," which is designed not to elicit an answer but to provoke deep self-reflection and prompt immediate action. This question powerfully underscores the logical **Implication** of the preceding statement: if the universe is temporary, then a certain kind of life is imperative. The verse also utilizes **Eschatological Motivation**, where the future reality of cosmic dissolution and divine judgment serves as the primary impetus for present ethical living. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** drawn between the transient nature of the physical world ("all these things shall be dissolved") and the enduring value of a holy and godly life, which alone will stand the test of God's purifying fire. The pairing of "holy conversation" (outward conduct) and "godliness" (inward devotion) forms a **Merism**, encompassing the entirety of a believer's ethical and spiritual existence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological weight of 2 Peter 3:11 is immense, bridging eschatology with practical ethics. It asserts that our understanding of the future—specifically, the certainty of God's ultimate judgment and the renewal of creation—should fundamentally shape our present priorities and conduct. This verse underscores the biblical truth that God's redemptive plan culminates not in the annihilation of creation, but in its purification and transformation into a new dwelling place for righteousness. Therefore, the Christian life is not merely about escaping judgment, but about actively participating in God's redemptive purposes by living lives that anticipate and reflect the character of the new heavens and new earth. It is a call to align our temporal existence with eternal realities, living as citizens of a coming kingdom even while residing in a passing world.

* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Peter 3:11 serves as a profound mirror, reflecting the urgency and purpose that should characterize every believer's life. If the very fabric of the cosmos is temporary and destined for divine transformation, then our attachment to earthly pursuits, possessions, and accolades must be re-evaluated. This verse compels us to live with an eternal perspective, investing our time, energy, and resources into what truly endures: our relationship with God, the cultivation of Christ-like character, and the advancement of His kingdom. It challenges us to pursue genuine holiness not as a burdensome legalism, but as a joyful and logical response to the magnificent future God has promised. Such a life is marked by intentionality, purity, and a deep reverence for God, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions in every sphere, from our private moments to our public interactions. It reminds us that our hope in the future should not lead to passive waiting, but to active, godly living that anticipates the coming of the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of the world's dissolution impact my daily priorities and long-term goals?**
* **In what specific areas of my "conversation" (conduct) do I need to pursue greater holiness and godliness?**
* **Am I living in a way that truly reflects an eternal perspective, or am I overly invested in the temporary things of this world?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate a deeper sense of "godliness" in my thoughts and actions?**

### FAQ

**What does Peter mean by "all these things shall be dissolved"? Does this imply annihilation?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "dissolved" (G3089, _lýō_) means "to loosen, unbind, break up, or melt." While it denotes a radical breaking down of the existing order, it does not necessarily imply utter annihilation into nothingness. Instead, biblical eschatology, particularly as seen in Peter's subsequent verses [2 Peter 3:12-13](/2_peter/3-12-13 "2 Peter 3:12-13 - Looking for New Heavens and New Earth") and later in [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heavens and New Earth"), points to a purification and transformation. The present heavens and earth will be purified by fire, making way for "new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." It's a renewal, a refining process that removes all that is corrupted by sin, rather than a complete obliteration.

**Why does the King James Version use the word "conversation" in this verse, and what does "holy conversation" mean?**

Answer: In 17th-century English, as reflected in the King James Version, the word "conversation" (from Greek G391, _anastrophḗ_) did not primarily refer to verbal communication as it does today. Instead, it meant one's entire "manner of life," "conduct," or "behavior." Therefore, "holy conversation" refers to living a life characterized by sacredness, moral purity, and righteous conduct in every aspect. It encompasses all one's actions, habits, and interactions, indicating that a believer's entire lifestyle should be set apart for God and reflect His character. It is a call to practical, visible holiness in daily living.

**How does this verse relate to the "Day of the Lord" described earlier in 2 Peter 3?**

Answer: This verse is a direct and logical consequence of the description of the "Day of the Lord" in [2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord's Arrival"). Peter first establishes the certainty and nature of this future cosmic event—the fiery dissolution of the present heavens and earth. Then, in verse 11, he poses the rhetorical question, "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be...?" The impending judgment and transformation of the world serve as the foundational motivation for believers to live lives of intense holiness and godliness. The future reality of God's decisive intervention directly informs the present responsibility of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Peter 3:11 is an exhortation to ethical living, its ultimate fulfillment and power are deeply rooted in Christ. The "dissolution" of the old creation and the promise of a new one find their guarantee and pattern in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ, Creator of All Things")), and He is also the one who will bring about the new creation. Our call to "holy conversation and godliness" is not a self-effort to earn salvation, but a Spirit-empowered response to the transformative work Christ has already accomplished in us. We are enabled to live holy lives because we have been made "new creation" in Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), and we are called to imitate Him who "is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ, Our High Priest")). Our pursuit of godliness is a reflection of our citizenship in heaven ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")), eagerly awaiting the Savior who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body. Thus, the imperative to live in holiness is both motivated by Christ's return and empowered by His indwelling Spirit, preparing us for the "new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness," a reality established and ruled by Christ Himself.

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 Peter 1:15

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

Philippians 1:27

¶ Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

1 Peter 2:12

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

2 Peter 3:12

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

1 Timothy 6:11

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Isaiah 34:4

And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling [fig] from the fig tree.

Philippians 3:20

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: