2 Peter 3:16

KJV

As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

KJV (with Strong's)

As {G5613} also {G2532} in {G1722} all {G3956} his epistles {G1992}, speaking {G2980} in {G1722} them {G846} of {G4012} these things {G5130}; in {G1722} which {G3739} are {G2076} some things {G5100} hard to be understood {G1425}, which {G3739} they that are unlearned {G261} and {G2532} unstable {G793} wrest {G4761}, as {G5613} they do also {G2532} the other {G3062} scriptures {G1124}, unto {G4314} their {G846} own {G2398} destruction {G684}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Indeed, he speaks about these things in all his letters. They contain some things that are hard to understand, things which the uninstructed and unstable distort, to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.

Berean Standard Bible

He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.

American Standard Version

as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; wherein are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unstedfast wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Peter 3:16, the Apostle Peter affirms the divine authority of Paul's epistles, acknowledging that some of their teachings, particularly concerning eschatological matters, are profound and "hard to be understood." He then issues a severe warning against those who are "unlearned and unstable," who actively "wrest" or distort these challenging passages—as they do other Scriptures—leading to their own spiritual destruction. This verse underscores the gravity of biblical interpretation and the peril of mishandling God's sacred Word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding chapter of Peter's second epistle, where he is primarily addressing the issue of scoffers who deny the certainty of Christ's second coming and the promised Day of the Lord. Peter has just reaffirmed the prophetic word and the eventual destruction of the present heavens and earth, followed by the establishment of [new heavens and a new earth](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth"). In this context, Peter refers to Paul's letters, indicating that Paul also spoke "of these things," likely referring to eschatological themes. This reference serves to reinforce Peter's own teaching by appealing to the shared apostolic witness, while simultaneously issuing a crucial warning about the dangers of misinterpreting such complex truths. The verse highlights the need for diligent study and steadfastness in light of the impending judgment and the promise of a new creation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church was a nascent movement grappling with internal doctrinal disputes and external pressures. False teachers, as extensively warned against in [2 Peter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter 2 - False Teachers and Their Destruction"), were a significant threat, often distorting Christian truth for personal gain or to promote heretical views, including those related to the parousia (Christ's return). Believers faced the challenge of maintaining their faith amidst the apparent delay of Christ's promised return, which scoffers exploited. Peter, as a foundational apostle, writes to solidify the believers' understanding of sound doctrine and to equip them against these destructive influences. His explicit mention of Paul's epistles as "other scriptures" is a remarkable and early testimony to the developing New Testament canon, indicating that Paul's writings were already recognized as divinely inspired and authoritative, on par with the Old Testament. This context underscores the vital importance of accurate biblical interpretation in a time of theological flux.
* **Key Themes:** A central theme in 2 Peter is the **certainty of Christ's return and final judgment**, despite the scoffers' doubts, emphasizing God's patience and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises (e.g., [2 Peter 3:8-10](/2_peter/3-8-10 "2 Peter 3:8-10 - The Lord is Not Slow")). Another dominant theme is the **danger of false teaching and destructive heresies**, which Peter vigorously exposes and condemns (e.g., [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Prophets and Destructive Heresies")). The present verse contributes to the theme of **biblical authority and interpretation**, highlighting that God's Word, including Paul's epistles, is inspired and must be handled with reverence and diligence. It also touches on the theme of **spiritual growth and steadfastness**, urging believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ so they are not easily swayed by those who "wrest" the Scriptures to their own detriment (e.g., [2 Peter 3:17-18](/2_peter/3-17-18 "2 Peter 3:17-18 - Grow in Grace and Knowledge")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hard to be understood (Greek, _dysnóētos_):** From G1425, meaning "difficult of perception." This term indicates that certain passages, particularly in Paul's writings, are not immediately obvious in their meaning. They require careful study, spiritual discernment, and perhaps a deeper understanding of theological concepts. It implies a challenge to the interpreter, not a flaw in the text itself, suggesting that divine truth can be profound and multifaceted, demanding humility and diligence from the reader.
* **wrest (Greek, _streblóō_):** From G4761, meaning "to wrench, i.e. (specially), to torture (by the rack), but only figuratively, to pervert." This powerful verb describes a violent, intentional, or reckless distortion of meaning. It goes beyond simple misunderstanding to imply a deliberate twisting of the text, much like dislocating a limb, to force it to conform to one's own agenda, false doctrine, or flawed interpretation, rather than seeking its true intent.
* **scriptures (Greek, _graphḗ_):** From G1124, meaning "a document, i.e. holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it):--scripture." Peter's use of this term for Paul's epistles is profoundly significant. It unequivocally places Paul's writings on the same authoritative level as the Old Testament, which was universally recognized as divinely inspired "Scripture." This is a foundational statement for the developing New Testament canon, affirming the divine origin and binding authority of Paul's apostolic letters.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things;"**: Peter explicitly refers to the entirety of Paul's written correspondence, acknowledging that Paul, like Peter, addresses the "things" (likely the eschatological themes of Christ's return, judgment, and the new creation) that Peter has been discussing in 2 Peter 3. This phrase serves to align Paul's apostolic teaching with Peter's, presenting a unified front against false doctrines and scoffers.
* **"in which are some things hard to be understood,"**: Peter frankly admits that certain aspects of Paul's teachings are challenging to grasp. This is not a criticism of Paul, but an honest observation about the depth and complexity of divine revelation. It highlights that biblical truth is not always simplistic and requires intellectual effort and spiritual maturity to comprehend fully.
* **"which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction."**: This is the core warning. The "unlearned" (those lacking proper instruction or spiritual maturity) and "unstable" (those who are vacillating in their faith or easily swayed by new ideas) are prone to distorting ("wrest") these difficult passages. The phrase "as they do also the other scriptures" indicates that this is a pattern of behavior, not limited to Paul's letters, but extending to all divinely inspired writings. The consequence of such reckless or intentional perversion is severe: "unto their own destruction," signifying grave spiritual peril and eternal ruin.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several literary techniques to convey his urgent message. The most prominent is the **metaphor** embedded in the word "wrest" (Greek _streblóō_). This term, originally used for physically twisting or torturing, creates a vivid image of the violent and destructive act of distorting the meaning of Scripture, emphasizing that it is a harmful perversion rather than an innocent misreading. Peter also uses **juxtaposition** by placing the inherent difficulty of some biblical truths ("hard to be understood") alongside the destructive actions of those who mishandle them ("unlearned and unstable wrest"). This contrast highlights the responsibility of the interpreter. Furthermore, by stating that Paul's epistles are treated "as they do also the other scriptures," Peter employs **inclusion**, implicitly elevating Paul's writings to the same authoritative status as the Old Testament, thereby affirming their canonical weight within the early Christian community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the early church's view on the inspiration and authority of the New Testament writings. Peter's affirmation of Paul's epistles as "scriptures" places them on par with the Old Testament, underscoring their divine origin and binding authority for Christian faith and practice. The warning against "wresting" them highlights the sacred trust involved in handling God's Word, emphasizing that proper interpretation is not merely an academic exercise but a spiritual imperative with eternal consequences. It teaches us that divine truth, while sometimes complex, must be approached with humility, diligence, and a stable faith, lest one fall into destructive error. The verse thus speaks to the integrity of God's revelation and the profound responsibility of those who seek to understand and teach it.

* [2 Timothy 2:15](/2_timothy/2-15 "2 Timothy 2:15 - Rightly Dividing the Word")
* [Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Deuteronomy 4:2 - Do Not Add or Subtract from the Word")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Peter 3:16 offers timeless guidance for every believer's engagement with God's Word. It compels us to approach Scripture with profound humility, recognizing that some passages are indeed "hard to be understood" and require diligent study, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit for illumination. We are challenged to cultivate a robust and stable faith, grounded in the entirety of God's revealed truth, rather than being easily swayed by novel interpretations or sensational claims. This verse serves as a sober warning against the spiritual peril of twisting or distorting Scripture, whether intentionally or through negligence, for such actions can lead to "destruction"—not only for the individual but also for those they influence. Therefore, we are called to be faithful stewards of God's Word, seeking sound teaching, engaging in personal study, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, thereby building a faith that is steadfast and deeply rooted in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be prone to being "unlearned" or "unstable" in my understanding or application of Scripture, and what practical steps can I take to grow in biblical literacy and spiritual maturity?**
* **How can I ensure that my interpretation of difficult biblical passages is guided by humility, careful study, and the broader context of God's revealed Word, rather than personal bias or agenda?**
* **What resources or spiritual disciplines can I employ to better discern between sound biblical teaching and interpretations that "wrest" the Scriptures, thereby protecting myself and others from destructive heresies?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean Paul's writings are flawed or confusing?**

Answer: No, Peter's statement that some things in Paul's epistles are "hard to be understood" (Greek, _dysnóētos_, G1425) does not imply that Paul's writings are flawed, unclear, or inherently confusing. Rather, it acknowledges the profound depth and complexity of the theological truths Paul often addresses, particularly concerning eschatology, the mystery of the gospel, and the nature of salvation. It highlights that these topics require careful thought, spiritual maturity, and diligent study to grasp fully, much like other profound truths found throughout [the Scriptures](/psalms/119 "Psalm 119 - The Majesty of God's Word"). The difficulty lies not in Paul's clarity, but in the reader's capacity, preparedness, or spiritual disposition. Peter himself, an inspired apostle, recognizes the challenging nature of some of these divine revelations, emphasizing the need for proper handling.

**What does "wrest" mean in this context, and why is it so dangerous?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "wrest" is _streblóō_ (G4761), which literally means "to twist" or "to torture." In this context, it signifies a violent distortion or perversion of the text's original meaning. It implies more than a simple misunderstanding; it suggests a deliberate or reckless manipulation of Scripture to fit one's own agenda, false doctrine, or personal desires, leading to an outcome contrary to God's truth. This act of twisting is done by those Peter describes as "unlearned" (Greek, _amathḗs_, G261, ignorant or lacking spiritual instruction) and "unstable" (Greek, _astḗriktos_, G793, vacillating or easily swayed), who lack the spiritual grounding and intellectual discipline to handle God's Word responsibly. The danger is profound because misrepresenting God's Word can lead individuals away from truth, promote destructive heresies, and ultimately result in "their own destruction" (Greek, _apṓleia_, G684), signifying spiritual ruin and eternal separation from God, as seen in the warnings against false teachers in [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Prophets and Destructive Heresies").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Peter 3:16 directly addresses the proper handling of apostolic writings, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the ultimate truth that all Scripture, when rightly understood, points to Jesus Christ. The "destruction" warned against for those who "wrest" the Scriptures is a spiritual one, leading away from the very salvation offered through Christ. Conversely, a proper understanding of even the "hard to be understood" passages, particularly Paul's epistles, continually illuminates the person and work of Christ—His redemptive sacrifice on the cross, His glorious resurrection, and His promised return as judge and king. Paul's teachings, which Peter affirms as Scripture, are replete with Christological depth, revealing Him as the mystery of God ([Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2-3 "Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")), the head of the church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Christ, the Head of the Church")), and the one in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Christ, the Sustainer of All Things")). Thus, the warning against distortion is ultimately a call to preserve the integrity of the gospel message, ensuring that believers are not led astray from the truth that leads to life in Christ Jesus ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The stability Peter calls for is found in steadfast faith in Christ, the living Word, who is the sum and substance of all Scripture.

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

Matthew 15:6

And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Hebrews 5:11

Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.

2 Peter 2:14

Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

Philippians 3:19

Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

James 1:8

A double minded man [is] unstable in all his ways.

Jeremiah 23:36

And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.

Romans 8:1

¶ [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.