2 Peter 3:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the heavens {G3772} and {G2532} the earth {G1093}, which are now {G3568}, by the same {G846} word {G3056} are {G1526} kept in store {G2343}, reserved {G5083} unto fire {G4442} against {G1519} the day {G2250} of judgment {G2920} and {G2532} perdition {G684} of ungodly {G765} men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is by that same Word that the present heavens and earth, having been preserved, are being kept for fire until the Day of Judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.

Berean Standard Bible

And by that same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

American Standard Version

but the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 3:7 declares that the present heavens and earth, sustained by the same divine word that brought them into existence, are being preserved not for another flood, but for a future fiery judgment. This cataclysmic event is appointed for a specific "day of judgment and perdition" that will bring about the ultimate ruin of ungodly humanity, underscoring God's unwavering sovereignty over creation, history, and the final destiny of all.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Peter's robust defense against "scoffers" who deny the certainty of Christ's second coming and the promised divine judgment. In the preceding verses [2 Peter 3:3-6](/2_peter/3-3-6 "2 Peter 3:3-6 - Scoffers and the Flood"), Peter reminds his readers that these mockers deliberately ignore the historical fact of the world's destruction by water in Noah's time. Verse 7 then draws a sharp **contrast** (marked by "But") between that past judgment and the future one. Just as the old world was destroyed by a flood, the current cosmos is destined for a different, fiery end. This sets the stage for the detailed description of the "day of the Lord" in [2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord"), emphasizing God's consistent and sovereign control over creation, its preservation, and its ultimate dissolution and judgment. The flow moves from past divine action to present divine preservation and future divine judgment, culminating in the call for holy living in anticipation of the new heavens and new earth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter is writing to believers facing internal doubt and external ridicule, likely from within the church or from those closely observing it. These "scoffers" (likely proto-Gnostics or Epicureans) challenged the apostolic teaching of Christ's return, perhaps arguing that since "all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation" [2 Peter 3:4](/2_peter/3-4 "2 Peter 3:4 - Scoffers' Argument"), there would be no divine intervention or final judgment. Peter's audience would have been familiar with Old Testament prophetic imagery of God's judgment, often depicted with fire (e.g., [Isaiah 66:15-16](/isaiah/66-15-16 "Isaiah 66:15-16 - God's Fiery Judgment"), [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "Malachi 4:1 - The Day of the Lord Burns Like an Oven")). The concept of a cosmic dissolution and renewal was also present in some Jewish apocalyptic traditions. Peter's argument reasserts the biblical worldview where God is actively involved in history, sovereign over creation, and just in His judgments, directly countering the scoffers' deterministic or deistic views.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological themes within 2 Peter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and the Power of God's Word**. The "same word" (λόγος) that created the heavens and earth ([Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account")) is the very force that sustains them and will ultimately bring about their fiery dissolution. This highlights God's unwavering purpose and absolute authority over all of creation and history. Secondly, the theme of **Future Judgment by Fire** is central. Unlike the past judgment by water, Peter declares that the current world is being "reserved unto fire," pointing to a future, cataclysmic event where fire will be the instrument of God's final purification and judgment. This fiery end is a consistent motif in prophetic literature, signifying intense purification and the destruction of evil. Finally, the verse emphasizes **The Certainty of the Day of Judgment and Perdition**. The ultimate purpose of this fiery reservation is a specific, appointed time when God will fully execute justice upon those who have rejected Him and lived in rebellion. It serves as a solemn warning about the inevitable and eternal consequences of ungodliness, which is further expounded upon in passages like [2 Peter 2:9](/2_peter/2-9 "2 Peter 2:9 - The Lord Knows How to Deliver the Godly and Reserve the Unjust").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056 (légō), meaning "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ)." In this context, _lógos_ refers to God's authoritative decree or command, the very power by which creation came into being and by which it is now sustained and will ultimately be judged. It emphasizes the active, intentional, and powerful nature of God's spoken will.
* **kept in store (Greek, _thēsaurízō'_):** From G2343 (thēsaurós), meaning "to amass or reserve (literally or figuratively); to lay up (treasure), (keep) in store, (heap) treasure (together, up)." This word conveys the idea that the present heavens and earth are not merely existing by chance or by natural processes alone, but are intentionally preserved and held in reserve by divine power for a specific, future purpose – the day of judgment. It suggests a deliberate, purposeful act of God, like storing up valuables for a future need.
* **perdition (Greek, _apṓleia'_):** From G684 (apóllumi), meaning "ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal); damnable(-nation), destruction, die, perdition, X perish, pernicious ways, waste." In the context of the ungodly, this term signifies their ultimate and irreversible ruin, destruction, or loss. It refers to a state of eternal separation from God and His blessings, a complete and final undoing of their well-being, rather than mere annihilation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the heavens and the earth, which are now":** This clause introduces a stark contrast (signified by "But") to the previous discussion of the world's destruction by water. It focuses on the *present* state of the cosmos, emphasizing that the current physical reality – the sky and the land – is under God's direct and active control, not existing independently or indefinitely.
* **"by the same word are kept in store":** This crucial phrase highlights God's consistent method of operation. The "same word" refers back to the divine decree that brought the original creation into being (as mentioned in [2 Peter 3:5](/2_peter/3-5 "2 Peter 3:5 - Creation by God's Word")). This powerful, creative, and sustaining word is actively "keeping in store" or preserving the present cosmos. This implies a deliberate, intentional act of divine reservation for a specific future purpose, not a passive existence.
* **"reserved unto fire":** This specifies the *nature* of the future judgment. Unlike the past judgment by water, the current world is being held in readiness for destruction by fire. This points to a cataclysmic, purifying, and destructive event that will consume the existing order, signifying a complete and decisive end to the present heavens and earth.
* **"against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men":** This final clause clarifies the *purpose* and *target* of this fiery reservation. The "day of judgment" is a divinely appointed time for God to execute His justice. The "perdition of ungodly men" specifies that this judgment is aimed at those who live without reverence for God, leading to their ultimate and irreversible ruin or destruction. It underscores the moral and ethical dimension of God's final intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Peter effectively employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Contrast**, introduced by the conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_). This sets up a powerful antithesis between the past judgment by water (alluded to in previous verses) and the future judgment by fire, emphasizing a shift in God's method of cosmic destruction while maintaining the consistency of His judgment. **Metaphor** and **Symbolism** are evident in the use of "fire" (G4442, _pŷr_). While potentially literal, fire also serves as a potent symbol of divine purification, intense judgment, and consuming wrath, signifying a complete and decisive end to the existing order and the eradication of evil. Finally, Peter uses **Antithesis** by juxtaposing the divine preservation of the heavens and earth ("kept in store") with their ultimate destruction ("reserved unto fire"), highlighting the paradox that the same divine power that sustains creation also holds it in readiness for its appointed end.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereignty, His justice, and His eschatological plan. It affirms that God is not a distant deity but one who actively governs creation and history, bringing all things to a divinely appointed conclusion. The "day of judgment" is not a random event but a predetermined time when God's perfect justice will be fully revealed, bringing about the "perdition" of those who have continually rejected His authority and grace. This ultimate destruction of the present order by fire foreshadows the establishment of a new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells, providing hope for the faithful amidst the certainty of judgment for the ungodly.

* [Psalm 50:3](/psalm/50-3 "Psalm 50:3 - God Comes with Fire")
* [Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Eternal Fire Prepared for the Devil and His Angels")
* [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The sobering truth of [2 Peter 3:7](/2_peter/3-7 "2 Peter 3:7 - The Earth Reserved for Fire") serves as a powerful call to reflection and action for every believer. Understanding that this world, as we know it, has a divinely appointed end, and that its preservation is for the very purpose of judgment, should profoundly reorient our priorities. It compels us to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the ultimate significance of spiritual realities. This awareness should cultivate a deep sense of urgency to pursue holiness, to live lives that reflect God's character, and to be prepared for Christ's return. Furthermore, the certainty of "perdition of ungodly men" should ignite within us a compassionate burden to share the gospel, offering the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ to those who are currently walking a path toward eternal ruin. Our lives, therefore, should be marked by both a reverent fear of God's coming judgment and an ardent love that compels us to participate in His redemptive mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the understanding that the present world is "kept in store" for judgment impact my daily priorities and long-term goals?**
* **In what ways does the certainty of divine judgment motivate me to pursue personal holiness and righteousness?**
* **Given the "perdition of ungodly men," what is my responsibility in sharing the message of salvation with those who do not know Christ?**

### FAQ
**Does "reserved unto fire" mean the earth will literally be burned up, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: While some interpretations view the "fire" as purely symbolic of intense purification or judgment, the biblical context, especially when read alongside [2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Elements Melting with Fervent Heat"), strongly suggests a literal, physical destruction and transformation of the present heavens and earth. Peter describes the "elements melting with fervent heat" and the earth and its works being "burned up." This imagery points to a cataclysmic, fiery end to the current cosmic order, paving the way for the "new heavens and a new earth" ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")) that God will bring forth. The fire serves both as an instrument of literal destruction and as a symbol of God's consuming holiness and justice.

**What is the "day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men"?**

Answer: The "day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men" refers to a specific, divinely appointed time when God will bring all humanity to account for their actions, particularly those who have lived in rebellion against Him. This "day" is not necessarily a literal 24-hour period but a decisive era or event in God's eschatological timeline. "Judgment" (G2920, _krísis_) signifies the divine verdict and execution of justice, while "perdition" (G684, _apṓleia_) denotes the ultimate, irreversible ruin or destruction of the ungodly. This is the final, eternal separation from God and His blessings for those who have consistently rejected His grace and authority, as described in passages like [Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Peter 3:7](/2_peter/3-7 "2 Peter 3:7 - The Earth Reserved for Fire") speaks of judgment by fire, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the very person and work of Jesus Christ, who stands as both the Judge and the Savior. The "same word" by which the heavens and earth are kept in store is ultimately the **Logos**, the pre-existent Son of God, through whom all things were created ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God and Creator")). He is the one appointed by the Father to be the ultimate Judge of the living and the dead ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Appointed a Day to Judge the World by Christ Jesus")). For those who are "in Christ," this fiery judgment does not lead to "perdition" but to purification and the promise of new creation. Believers are not reserved for destruction but for eternal life, having been delivered from the wrath to come through Christ's atoning sacrifice ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Him")). Therefore, the "day of judgment" for the ungodly is simultaneously the glorious "day of the Lord" for the redeemed, when Christ will return to establish the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells, fulfilling God's redemptive plan through His Son ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")).

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 51:6

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

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?

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.

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

2 Peter 2:9

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

2 Thessalonians 1:7

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,