Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
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}.
but we, following along with his promise, wait for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness will be at home.
But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
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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.
2 Peter 3:13 (KJV): "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
Context
This verse offers a profound message of hope amidst Peter's warnings about false teachers and the impending destruction of the current heavens and earth by fire. Peter has just described a cataclysmic end to the present world, a stark contrast to the skepticism of scoffers who deny Christ's return (2 Peter 3:3-4). Verse 13 pivots from judgment to the glorious future, reminding believers of God's unwavering faithfulness and His ultimate plan for a renewed creation, providing a powerful motivation for holy living and steadfast faith in the face of uncertainty and opposition.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "dwelleth" is enoikeō (ἐνοικέω), which means "to dwell in, inhabit, reside in." This is a strong verb, emphasizing that righteousness will not just be present or occasionally observed, but will be the permanent, indwelling characteristic of this new creation. It suggests an active, pervasive presence, where righteousness is the very fabric of existence.
Practical Application
The hope of the new heavens and new earth has profound implications for Christian living today: