2 Peter 3:12

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Looking for {G4328} and {G2532} hasting {G4692} unto the coming {G3952} of the day {G2250} of God {G2316}, wherein {G1223}{G3739} the heavens {G3772} being on fire {G4448} shall be dissolved {G3089}, and {G2532} the elements {G4747} shall melt {G5080} with fervent heat {G2741}?

Complete Jewish Bible

as you wait for the Day of God and work to hasten its coming. That Day will bring on the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt from the heat;

Berean Standard Bible

as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat.

American Standard Version

looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Peter 3:12, the Apostle Peter exhorts believers to live with an active, earnest anticipation of "the day of God," a future eschatological event marked by the fiery dissolution of the current heavens and earth. This verse underscores the certainty of divine judgment and the coming cosmic transformation, serving as a powerful impetus for holy living and steadfast hope in the face of skepticism regarding the Lord's return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic third chapter of 2 Peter, where the apostle vigorously defends the doctrine of Christ's second coming against scoffers who mock the delay of His return. Peter counters their skepticism by reminding his readers that God's perceived slowness is actually a manifestation of His patience, desiring all to come to repentance before the inevitable "Day of the Lord" [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "God's Patience and Desire for Repentance"). Verses [2 Peter 3:10-13](/2_peter/3-10-13 "The Day of the Lord and New Creation") describe the cataclysmic events of this day—the heavens passing away with a great noise, the elements melting with fervent heat, and the earth and its works being burned up—culminating in the promise of new heavens and a new earth. Verse 12 specifically highlights the believer's appropriate response to this impending reality: active expectation and eager anticipation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's audience, likely early Christians facing persecution and internal challenges, were grappling with the delay of the Parousia (Christ's second coming). This delay led some to doubt its certainty, while others, influenced by various philosophical or Gnostic ideas, might have spiritualized away the physical reality of Christ's return and a future judgment. The concept of a cosmic conflagration (ekpyrosis) was present in some Stoic philosophies, suggesting a cyclical destruction and renewal of the universe. However, Peter's description is distinctively biblical, rooted in Old Testament prophetic traditions of a final judgment and the creation of a new order [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "New Heavens and New Earth") and [Isaiah 66:22](/isaiah/66-22 "New Heavens and New Earth"). Peter frames this not as a cyclical event but as a definitive, divinely orchestrated act leading to an eternal, righteous dwelling.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes in [2 Peter chapter 3](/2_peter/3 "2 Peter Chapter 3 - The Lord's Coming") that 2 Peter 3:12 powerfully contributes to include **Eschatological Certainty**, emphasizing the absolute assurance of God's future intervention and judgment, despite human skepticism. It highlights **Divine Judgment and Purification**, where the fiery dissolution of the cosmos serves as a radical purification, preparing for God's righteous new creation. Furthermore, it underscores **Active Anticipation and Holy Living**, linking the expectation of Christ's return directly to the believer's present conduct, as seen in the call to "be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless" [2 Peter 3:14](/2_peter/3-14 "Living Blameless in Light of the Lord's Coming"). The verse also points to the **Transformation of Creation**, portraying the destruction of the old order as a necessary prelude to the promised "new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "Promise of New Heavens and New Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prosdokáō (Greek, _prosdokáō'_):** Translated "looking for," this verb means to anticipate, expect, or await, often with an implication of hope or fear. In this context, it conveys a posture of eager expectation, a forward-looking orientation toward a future event. It is not merely passive waiting but an active mental and spiritual readiness for the "day of God."
* **speúdō (Greek, _speúdō'_):** Translated "hasting unto," this word primarily means "to make haste" or "to hurry." However, in this context, it carries the nuance of "to be eager for," "to earnestly desire," or "to accelerate by one's actions." The idea is not that believers can literally speed up God's timetable, but that their fervent desire and righteous living contribute to the moral readiness of the world for Christ's return, reflecting a profound longing for its consummation.
* **stoicheîon (Greek, _stoicheîon'_):** Translated "elements," this term refers to the fundamental components or principles. In a cosmological sense, it denotes the basic constituents of the physical universe (e.g., earth, air, fire, water). In a broader sense, it can also refer to the rudimentary principles of knowledge or the spiritual powers governing the world. Here, it most likely refers to the material components of the cosmos, emphasizing the comprehensive physical dissolution.
* **lýō (Greek, _lýō'_):** Translated "shall be dissolved," this verb means "to loosen," "to untie," "to break up," or "to destroy." It signifies a complete dismantling or disintegration. Paired with "pyróō" (being on fire), it describes a process of intense fiery destruction, indicating that the very fabric of the heavens will be unmade.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God":** This initial phrase sets the tone for the believer's posture. "Looking for" (prosdokáō) implies a vigilant expectation, while "hasting unto" (speúdō) suggests an active, even eager, desire for the arrival of this momentous time. The "coming" (parousía) refers to the advent or presence, specifically the eschatological return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. "The day of God" is synonymous with "the Day of the Lord," a biblical motif denoting a time of divine judgment and salvation, here specifically referring to the final consummation of God's plan.
* **"wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved":** This clause describes the first major event of "the day of God." The term "wherein" (diá ho) indicates the means or circumstance by which this dissolution occurs. The "heavens" (ouranós), referring to the celestial sphere, are described as "being on fire" (pyróō), indicating an intense, pervasive heat. This fiery state leads to their complete "dissolution" (lýō), signifying a total disintegration and unmaking of the current cosmic order.
* **"and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?":** This final clause further elaborates on the cosmic destruction. The "elements" (stoicheîon), the fundamental constituents of the physical world, are depicted as "melting" (tḗkō), undergoing liquefaction. This melting is caused by "fervent heat" (kausóō), an intense, burning heat. The KJV's question mark at the end is interpretive; most modern translations render this as a declarative statement, emphasizing the certainty and intensity of this cosmic transformation. The imagery conveys an overwhelming, purifying, and utterly destructive power.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey the gravity and certainty of the "day of God." The most prominent is vivid **Imagery**, particularly that of fire and melting. Phrases like "heavens being on fire," "shall be dissolved," and "elements shall melt with fervent heat" paint a dramatic, almost apocalyptic picture of cosmic destruction. This imagery evokes a sense of overwhelming power and irreversible change, emphasizing the finality of God's judgment. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in the description, as the literal melting of the entire universe is a grand, almost unimaginable scale of destruction, serving to underscore the radical nature of the coming transformation. While the KJV ends with a question mark, the verse functions as a powerful declaration, using a **Rhetorical Question** (if interpreted as such) to emphasize the self-evident truth of these events, or more likely, as a declarative statement within the broader context of Peter's argument. The active verbs "looking for" and "hasting unto" create a sense of **Anticipation** and urgency, directly engaging the reader in the eschatological narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound imagery of 2 Peter 3:12 highlights God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His ultimate purpose for it. The fiery dissolution is not merely destruction but a purifying act, a divine crucible preparing the way for a new, righteous order. This transformation underscores the transient nature of the current material world and calls believers to fix their hope on eternal realities. It reinforces the biblical teaching that God is not indifferent to human history but is actively bringing His plan to a glorious, decisive culmination. The active posture of "looking for and hasting unto" implies that our eschatological hope is not passive but should profoundly shape our present lives, motivating us towards holiness and a fervent desire for God's kingdom to come in its fullness.

* [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "New Heavens and a New Earth")
* [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "New Heaven and New Earth")
* [Romans 8:19-22](/romans/8-19-22 "Creation Groaning for Redemption")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Peter 3:12 serves as a stark reminder of the impermanence of all earthly things and the absolute certainty of God's final judgment and renewal. For believers, this truth should not evoke fear but rather a profound sense of urgency and purpose. Knowing that the present world is destined for fiery dissolution compels us to re-evaluate our priorities, detaching ourselves from fleeting material possessions and worldly ambitions, and instead investing in what holds eternal value—our relationship with God, acts of love and justice, and the advancement of His kingdom. This active anticipation should translate into a life marked by holiness, integrity, and fervent evangelism, as we eagerly await the day when Christ returns to make all things new. It is a call to live "as those who are looking for" the Lord, allowing this glorious future to shape our present decisions and character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my daily life reflect an active "looking for and hasting unto" the coming of the day of God?**
* **How does the certainty of the heavens and elements dissolving with fervent heat impact my attachment to worldly possessions and pursuits?**
* **What specific actions can I take to live a life of greater holiness and godliness, motivated by the expectation of Christ's return?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "hast unto" the coming of the day of God?**

Answer: The phrase "hasting unto" (from the Greek _speúdō_) does not imply that human actions can literally accelerate God's predetermined timeline for the "day of God." Instead, it conveys a profound sense of earnest desire, eager anticipation, and a life lived in active preparation for that day. It suggests that believers, by living godly and holy lives, are not merely passively waiting but are actively demonstrating their longing for the Lord's return and the establishment of His righteous kingdom. This eager expectation should motivate a life of spiritual readiness, purity, and active participation in God's redemptive purposes, thus reflecting a heart that yearns for the consummation of all things in Christ.

**What are the "elements" that shall melt with fervent heat?**

Answer: The "elements" (Greek _stoicheîon_) in this context refer to the fundamental, basic components of the physical universe. While the term could sometimes refer to rudimentary principles or spiritual powers, here, in conjunction with "heavens" and "melting with fervent heat," it clearly denotes the material constituents of the cosmos. This imagery emphasizes the comprehensive and radical physical transformation that will occur on the "day of God," where the very fabric of the created order will be dissolved and purified by divine fire, making way for the new heavens and new earth promised in [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "Promise of New Heavens and New Earth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Peter 3:12 speaks of the "day of God," its ultimate fulfillment and significance are profoundly Christ-centered. The "day of God" is inextricably linked to the second coming of Jesus Christ, who is both the agent of this cosmic dissolution and the bringer of the new creation. It is Christ who, having already accomplished salvation through His first advent, will return "in like manner" [Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Jesus' Return to Heaven") to judge the living and the dead [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "Jesus as Judge") and to fully establish His eternal kingdom. The fiery judgment described here, while terrifying in its scope, is a necessary prelude to the complete eradication of sin and its effects, which Christ's sacrifice on the cross initiated. The "new heavens and new earth" that emerge from this purification are not merely a pristine environment, but a realm where "righteousness dwells" [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "Promise of New Heavens and New Earth"), made possible only through Christ's perfect righteousness imputed to believers. Thus, "looking for and hasting unto" this day is ultimately a longing for the full manifestation of Christ's glory, His final triumph over all evil, and the eternal fellowship with Him in a perfectly renewed creation, where He is "all in all" [Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Christ is All in All").

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 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

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.

Micah 1:4

And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, [and] as the waters [that are] poured down a steep place.

Psalms 50:3

Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.

Titus 2:13

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

2 Peter 3:7

But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

1 Corinthians 1:7

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: