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?

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}?

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;

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.

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

Context

This verse, 2 Peter 3:12 KJV, is part of a larger discussion in 2 Peter chapter 3 where the Apostle Peter addresses scoffers who doubt the Lord's return. He reminds believers of God's patience and the certainty of His coming judgment, which will culminate in the destruction of the present heavens and earth by fire, making way for a new creation. This verse specifically describes the believer's active anticipation of this future event, which is often referred to as the Day of the Lord or the "day of God."

Key Themes

  • Eschatological Hope: The verse emphasizes the Christian's forward-looking hope and expectation of God's ultimate intervention in history.
  • Divine Judgment and Purification: It vividly portrays the intense, purifying judgment that will dissolve the current physical universe, signifying the end of the old order.
  • Active Anticipation: The phrase "looking for and hasting unto" suggests not passive waiting, but an earnest, even urgent, desire for the Lord's return, which should motivate godly living (as mentioned in the preceding verse).
  • The End of the Old and Beginning of the New: The fiery dissolution described here is a necessary prelude to the new heavens and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "hasting unto" translates the Greek word speudontas (σπεύδοντας). This word can mean to "make haste" or "hurry," but in this context, it often carries the nuance of "earnestly desiring" or "eagerly awaiting," which can even imply that our earnest desire and righteous living might, in some mysterious way, be connected to the timing of God's consummation. The "elements" (Greek: stoicheia - στοιχεῖα) refer to the fundamental components of the physical world or universe, indicating a complete and utter transformation of the cosmos.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Peter 3:12 serves as a powerful reminder of the temporary nature of this present world and the eternal reality to come. It calls Christians to:

  • Live with Urgency: Our awareness of God's coming judgment and new creation should inspire a life of holiness and purpose, knowing that our time on earth is precious.
  • Prioritize Eternal Values: Do not become overly attached to material possessions or worldly pursuits, as they are destined to pass away. Instead, invest in what has eternal significance.
  • Maintain Hope: In a world filled with uncertainty and despair, this verse anchors our hope in God's sovereign plan and the glorious future He has prepared for His people.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Peter 3:10 (15 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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

  • 2 Peter 3:7 (8 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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