¶ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The Lord {G2962} is {G1019} not {G3756} slack {G1019} concerning his promise {G1860}, as {G5613} some men {G5100} count {G2233} slackness {G1022}; but {G235} is longsuffering {G3114} to {G1519} us-ward {G2248}, not {G3361} willing {G1014} that any {G5100} should perish {G622}, but {G235} that all {G3956} should come {G5562} to {G1519} repentance {G3341}.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some people think of slowness; on the contrary, he is patient with you; for it is not his purpose that anyone should be destroyed, but that everyone should turn from his sins.
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
-
1 Timothy 2:4
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. -
Romans 2:4
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? -
Habakkuk 2:3
For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. -
Psalms 86:15
But thou, O Lord, [art] a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. -
Isaiah 30:18
¶ And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD [is] a God of judgment: blessed [are] all they that wait for him. -
Revelation 2:21
And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. -
2 Peter 3:15
And account [that] the longsuffering of our Lord [is] salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
2 Peter 3:9 (KJV) is a pivotal verse that addresses the perceived delay of the Lord's promised return, revealing a profound truth about God's character and His redemptive plan for humanity. It counters the skepticism of scoffers mentioned earlier in the chapter by explaining that God's timing is not a sign of negligence or unfaithfulness, but rather an expression of His immense patience and mercy.
Context
This verse is situated within a larger discussion in 2 Peter chapter 3 where Peter is confronting false teachers and scoffers who were questioning the promise of Christ's second coming, mockingly asking, "Where is the promise of his coming?" (2 Peter 3:4). They based their skepticism on the apparent continuity of natural laws since creation. Peter reminds his readers that God's perspective on time is vastly different from ours, stating that "one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (2 Peter 3:8). Verse 9 then elaborates on the divine reason for the delay, emphasizing God's longsuffering nature and His desire for salvation.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "longsuffering" is makrothymia (μακροθυμία). This term literally means "long-tempered" or "long-passion." It denotes patience that endures provocation, does not quickly retaliate, and exhibits forbearance. In this context, it describes God's remarkable patience in the face of human sin and rebellion, giving ample time for individuals to respond to His gracious call to repentance before the final judgment.
Related Scriptures
This verse profoundly encapsulates God's character. His longsuffering and goodness are intended to lead people to change their ways. The declaration that God is "not willing that any should perish" echoes God's desire for all to be saved, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:4, which states that God "will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." The ultimate goal is that all "come to repentance," a theme central to the New Testament's call to salvation, as demonstrated in Acts 17:30 where Paul declares that God "now commandeth all men every where to repent."
Practical Application
For believers, 2 Peter 3:9 offers immense encouragement and a deeper understanding of God's heart. It reminds us that God's timing is perfect and purposeful, even when it doesn't align with our expectations. This understanding should motivate us to live patiently and faithfully, enduring through times of waiting. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful impetus for evangelism: knowing God's profound desire that none should perish, we are called to share the message of repentance and salvation with others, extending the same opportunity God graciously offers. For those who have not yet repented, the verse serves as a loving invitation and a solemn warning, highlighting that the present delay is a precious opportunity to turn to God before the Day of the Lord arrives.