2 Peter 3:13

KJV

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless {G1161} we {G4328}, according to {G2596} his {G846} promise {G1862}, look for {G4328} new {G2537} heavens {G3772} and {G2532} a new {G2537} earth {G1093}, wherein {G1722}{G3739} dwelleth {G2730} righteousness {G1343}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but we, following along with his promise, wait for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness will be at home.

Berean Standard Bible

But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

American Standard Version

But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 3:13 offers a profound declaration of eschatological hope, asserting that believers, in accordance with God's unfailing promise, eagerly anticipate a future new heavens and a new earth. This future cosmos is not merely a renovation of the present fallen creation but a divinely purified realm, fundamentally characterized by the permanent indwelling of righteousness, serving as a beacon of assurance amidst the transient nature of the current world and the skepticism of scoffers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a powerful theological pivot within 2 Peter chapter 3. Peter has just delivered a stark warning about the certain and fiery destruction of the present heavens and earth on the Day of the Lord, a judgment that will consume all ungodliness (cf. [2 Peter 3:7](/2_peter/3-7 "2 Peter 3:7 - The Fiery Judgment")). This apocalyptic imagery is set against the backdrop of scoffers who mock the promise of Christ's return, questioning its delay (cf. [2 Peter 3:3-4](/2_peter/3-3-4 "2 Peter 3:3-4 - Scoffers and the Delay")). Verse 13, therefore, shifts from the terrifying prospect of judgment to the glorious hope of a renewed creation, providing the ultimate motivation for the holy and godly living Peter exhorts in the subsequent verses (cf. [2 Peter 3:11-12](/2_peter/3-11-12 "2 Peter 3:11-12 - Exhortation to Holy Living")). It underscores that God's plan culminates not in mere destruction, but in a perfect, righteous new order.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's audience likely consisted of believers facing internal struggles with false teachers and external pressures, possibly including persecution or societal skepticism regarding their faith. The concept of a "new heavens and a new earth" would have resonated deeply with Jewish apocalyptic traditions, which often envisioned a renewed creation as part of God's ultimate redemption plan. Prophecies in the Old Testament, such as those found in [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - The New Creation") and [Isaiah 66:22](/isaiah/66-22 "Isaiah 66:22 - Enduring New Heavens and Earth"), laid the groundwork for this expectation. For early Christians, this hope provided immense comfort and perseverance in a world often hostile to their faith, assuring them that their suffering was temporary and that a perfect, eternal dwelling awaited them, established by God Himself.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several crucial theological themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Promise**, emphasizing that the future hope is not speculative but rests firmly on God's unwavering faithfulness and His spoken word. This promise is the bedrock of Christian eschatology, ensuring the certainty of what is to come. Secondly, the phrase "new heavens and a new earth" introduces the theme of **New Creation**, signifying a radical, qualitative renewal of the entire cosmos, purged of sin and corruption. This is not merely a repair but a transformative act, leading to a perfectly restored environment for God's redeemed people, a vision powerfully expanded upon in [Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "Revelation 21:1-5 - The New Jerusalem"). Finally, the defining characteristic, "wherein dwelleth righteousness," establishes **Indwelling Righteousness** as the essence of this new order. Unlike the present world, marred by pervasive evil, the coming age will be saturated with God's perfect justice, holiness, and moral purity, ensuring an environment of perfect peace and harmony.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **new (Greek, _kainós_):** This term, G2537, signifies "new" in quality or kind, rather than merely new in time or age (for which the Greek word _neos_ would be used). It implies a fresh, superior, and unprecedented state, emphasizing that the new heavens and earth will be qualitatively different and better than the old, purified from all corruption and sin. It speaks to a complete transformation, not just a renovation.
* **dwelleth (Greek, _katoikéō_):** Derived from G2730, this word means "to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)." It denotes a settled, continuous, and inherent presence. When applied to righteousness dwelling in the new creation, it signifies that righteousness will not be an occasional visitor or a fleeting characteristic, but the permanent, pervasive, and foundational reality of this new realm, its very fabric and atmosphere.
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē_):** From G1343, this term refers to "equity (of character or act)" and, specifically in a Christian context, "justification." It encompasses moral rectitude, conformity to God's holy character, and the state of being right with God. Its indwelling presence in the new creation means that perfect justice, holiness, and moral purity will define every aspect of existence, eliminating all forms of evil, injustice, and sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless we, according to his promise,"**: This opening phrase signals a contrast ("Nevertheless") with the preceding discussion of judgment and destruction, pivoting to hope. The "we" refers to believers, those who hold firm to the Christian faith. The phrase "according to his promise" underscores that the hope of a new creation is not based on human speculation or desire but on God's faithful and unfailing word, a divine guarantee.
* **"look for new heavens and a new earth,"**: This clause expresses the active anticipation and eager expectation of believers. The "new heavens and a new earth" refer to a completely renewed cosmos, a transformed universe that is qualitatively superior to the current one, cleansed of all sin and its effects. This is the ultimate destiny for God's redeemed people, a place of perfect dwelling.
* **"wherein dwelleth righteousness."**: This final clause defines the essential nature and distinguishing characteristic of this new creation. "Wherein" (Greek: _en hois_, "in which things") points to the environment of the new heavens and earth. "Dwelleth" signifies a permanent, pervasive, and inherent presence. "Righteousness" indicates that this new realm will be utterly defined by divine justice, holiness, and moral purity, free from all evil, sin, and corruption. It is a place perfectly aligned with God's character.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several significant literary devices in this concise verse. Most prominently, there is a powerful **Contrast** between the preceding description of the present heavens and earth being destroyed by fire (2 Peter 3:10-12) and the anticipation of "new heavens and a new earth." This juxtaposition highlights the radical transformation God will bring, moving from a realm marred by sin to one characterized by purity. The phrase "look for" conveys a strong sense of **Anticipation** and **Hope**, inviting the reader to share in the eager expectation of this glorious future. Furthermore, the "new heavens and a new earth" function as potent **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical renovation but a complete spiritual and moral renewal of creation, a realm where God's perfect will and character are fully manifest. The indwelling of "righteousness" is also a form of **Personification**, as an abstract quality is described as dwelling, emphasizing its active and pervasive presence as the defining characteristic of this future reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse provides a profound theological anchor for Christian eschatology, grounding the hope of a future perfect state in the unshakeable promises of God. It affirms God's ultimate sovereignty over creation and history, demonstrating that His plan culminates not in chaos or annihilation, but in a divinely ordered, righteous cosmos. The emphasis on "righteousness" dwelling within this new creation underscores that the final state is one of perfect moral alignment with God's holy character, where sin and its consequences are entirely absent. This vision inspires believers to live lives that reflect the values of this coming kingdom, pursuing holiness and justice even in the present fallen world, knowing that their ultimate home is one of perfect purity.

* [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - Prophecy of New Heavens and New Earth")
* [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - John's Vision of the New Creation")
* [Romans 8:19-21](/romans/8-19-21 "Romans 8:19-21 - Creation's Eager Expectation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The hope of "new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" is not merely a distant theological concept but a transformative truth with profound implications for daily Christian living. This glorious future provides a steadfast anchor for our souls in a world often characterized by injustice, suffering, and moral decay. Knowing that God has promised a perfect, righteous dwelling place should inspire us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual values over fleeting worldly pursuits. It calls us to actively pursue holiness and moral purity in our present lives, aligning our character with the righteousness that will define our eternal home. This hope fuels perseverance in the face of trials, provides comfort in sorrow, and motivates us to be agents of righteousness and justice in our current spheres of influence, even as we eagerly await the full consummation of God's redemptive plan. It reminds us that our present struggles are temporary, and God's ultimate victory is certain, culminating in a perfect environment where His presence and character fully reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of "new heavens and a new earth" shape your perspective on current global events and societal challenges?**
* **In what ways does the indwelling of "righteousness" in the new creation motivate you to pursue holiness and justice in your daily life now?**
* **How can reflecting on this future hope strengthen your perseverance during times of difficulty or spiritual doubt?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more in light of eternity, aligning your priorities with the values of God's coming kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "new" in "new heavens and a new earth" as opposed to merely "renewed" or "restored"?**

Answer: The Greek word used for "new" is _kainós_ (G2537), which signifies "new in quality, fresh, unprecedented," rather than _neos_, which means "new in time, young." This distinction is crucial. It implies that the new heavens and new earth will not simply be the old creation patched up or repaired, but a fundamentally transformed and qualitatively superior reality. It will be a creation purified from the stain and effects of sin, a realm where righteousness permanently resides. This speaks to a radical re-creation, a divine act that brings forth something entirely fresh and perfect, far surpassing the original creation which was marred by the Fall (cf. [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on Creation")). It's a new beginning that is entirely free from the corruption of the present age, established by God's sovereign power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The promise of "new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" finds its ultimate fulfillment and guarantee in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not only the Creator through whom all things were made (cf. [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - Christ as Creator")), but also the Redeemer who reconciles all things to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven (cf. [Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ's Reconciling Work")). Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross and His victorious resurrection are the foundational acts that make this new creation possible, breaking the power of sin and death that corrupted the old. Through His finished work, believers are made new creations in Him (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), and this personal transformation foreshadows the cosmic renewal He will bring. The indwelling righteousness of the new heavens and earth is a direct result of Christ's perfect righteousness imputed to believers (cf. [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")), and His future return will usher in this glorious, perfectly righteous reality, where God's dwelling will be with humanity (cf. [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity")), and He will make all things new (cf. [Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New")). Thus, the hope of the new creation is inextricably linked to Christ, who is both its architect and its ultimate fulfillment.

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

Isaiah 65:17

¶ For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

Revelation 21:1

¶ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

Isaiah 66:22

For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.

Revelation 21:27

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Isaiah 60:21

Thy people also [shall be] all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.