2 Peter 3:9

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 3:9 addresses the perceived delay of Christ's return, refuting the scoffers' cynicism by revealing a profound aspect of God's character. It clarifies that the Lord's timing is not a sign of negligence or inability to fulfill His promise, but rather an expression of His boundless patience and mercy. His deferral of judgment is rooted in His redemptive desire for all humanity to turn from sin and embrace the transformative gift of repentance, thereby escaping eternal perishing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the eschatological discourse of [2 Peter chapter 3](/2_peter/3 "2 Peter 3 - The Day of the Lord"). Peter is directly confronting false teachers and scoffers who, in their skepticism, challenge the promise of Christ's second coming, mockingly asking, "Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, 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' Challenge")). Peter first reminds them of God's past judgments (the Flood, [2 Peter 3:5-7](/2_peter/3-5-7 "2 Peter 3:5-7 - God's Past Judgments")) and then recalibrates their understanding of divine time, stating, "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" ([2 Peter 3:8](/2_peter/3-8 "2 Peter 3:8 - God's Perspective on Time")). Verse 9 then serves as the theological explanation for the "delay," shifting the focus from God's perceived tardiness to His active, redemptive longsuffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's audience, likely early Christians facing persecution and internal doctrinal challenges, was grappling with the unfulfilled expectation of Christ's imminent return. The scoffers' arguments mirrored Hellenistic philosophical skepticism that often questioned divine intervention or adherence to promises based on observable natural continuity. In the Greco-Roman world, a "promise" (Greek: *epangelia*) from a deity or powerful figure was expected to be fulfilled promptly, and any delay could be interpreted as weakness, indifference, or deceit. Peter's explanation of God's "longsuffering" (Greek: *makrothymia*) would have been counter-cultural, presenting a God whose patience was not a flaw but a profound virtue, contrasting sharply with the often impulsive and vengeful deities of pagan mythology. This divine patience offered a theological framework for enduring the present trials and the apparent delay of the promised consummation.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes woven through [2 Peter chapter 3](/2_peter/3 "2 Peter 3 - The Day of the Lord") and culminating in verse 9 include the **certainty of Christ's return** despite cynical doubts, the **vast difference between divine and human perceptions of time** (as highlighted in [2 Peter 3:8](/2_peter/3-8 "2 Peter 3:8 - God's Timing")), and crucially, **God's redemptive patience**. This verse particularly emphasizes God's **longsuffering** as the primary reason for the delay, revealing His profound desire that "none should perish." It underscores the **universal call to repentance** as the appropriate human response to God's gracious deferral of judgment, positioning the present age as a window of opportunity for salvation rather than a period of divine neglect.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **slack (Greek, _bradýnō'_):** From *bradys*, meaning "slow" or "tardy." In this context, it signifies a delay or tardiness that might be perceived as negligence or unfaithfulness. Peter emphatically denies that the Lord is "slack" concerning His promise, directly countering the scoffers' accusation that God is either unable or unwilling to fulfill His word. This word choice directly addresses the human perception of time and God's apparent inaction.
* **longsuffering (Greek, _makrothyméō'_):** Derived from *makros* ("long") and *thymos* ("temper" or "passion"), this term literally means "long-tempered" or "patient." It describes an enduring patience that refrains from immediate punishment or retaliation, even in the face of provocation or prolonged disobedience. When applied to God, it highlights His incredible forbearance and mercy, demonstrating His willingness to wait for humanity to respond to His grace before bringing final judgment. This is the divine alternative to "slackness."
* **repentance (Greek, _metánoia'_):** From *meta* ("after" or "change") and *noeo* ("to perceive" or "to think"), this word signifies a "change of mind." In a theological sense, it denotes a fundamental reorientation of one's inner being—a turning away from sin and self-reliance, and a turning towards God in faith and obedience. It implies not merely regret, but a transformative shift in one's worldview and conduct, leading to a renewed relationship with God. This is the desired outcome of God's longsuffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness;"**: This opening clause directly confronts the skepticism and mockery of those who questioned the delay of Christ's return. Peter asserts that God's perceived slowness is not an actual "slackness" or negligence on His part, nor is it a sign of His inability to fulfill His word. The phrase "as some men count slackness" highlights the human, limited perspective that misinterprets divine timing. God operates on a different temporal scale and with different motivations than humans.
* **"but is longsuffering to us-ward,"**: This clause provides the divine explanation for the "delay." The conjunction "but" introduces a strong contrast to the preceding denial of slackness. Instead of being negligent, the Lord is actively "longsuffering" (patient, forbearing) towards humanity ("us-ward"). This reveals God's character as one of immense mercy and patience, extending grace rather than immediately executing judgment. His patience is not passive indifference but an active, purposeful deferral.
* **"not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."**: This final, crucial clause unveils the profound redemptive purpose behind God's longsuffering. His patience is driven by His divine will: He does not desire the eternal destruction ("perish") of anyone. Instead, His earnest desire is for "all" people to experience a change of mind and heart ("come to repentance"), which is the pathway to salvation. This statement underscores the universality of God's love and His earnest desire for humanity's salvation, presenting the delay as an ongoing opportunity for reconciliation.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several literary devices to convey his message with clarity and force. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, seen in the direct contrast between "not slack" and "is longsuffering," and again between "not willing that any should perish" and "but that all should come to repentance." This stark opposition highlights the true nature of God's actions versus human misperception. There is also an element of **Rhetorical Correction**, as Peter directly addresses and refutes the scoffers' false premise about God's timing. The phrase "as some men count slackness" subtly employs **Irony**, exposing the flawed human judgment against divine wisdom. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Explanatory Statement**, providing the theological rationale for a phenomenon (the delayed Parousia) that was causing doubt and confusion among believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Peter 3:9 stands as a cornerstone verse for understanding God's redemptive character and His approach to human history. It powerfully articulates the divine tension between God's absolute sovereignty and His profound desire for humanity's salvation. The "delay" in Christ's return is not a sign of divine weakness or forgetfulness, but rather an active demonstration of His patience, providing an extended window of opportunity for all to respond to His gracious call. This verse underscores the foundational truth that God's ultimate disposition towards humanity is one of mercy and a fervent desire for reconciliation, rather than immediate judgment. It invites believers to align their understanding of time and purpose with God's, fostering both patient endurance and evangelistic zeal.

* [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "God's Goodness Leads to Repentance")
* [1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "God Desires All to Be Saved")
* [Ezekiel 18:23](/ezekiel/18-23 "God's Desire for the Wicked to Live")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Peter 3:9 offers profound comfort and a clear call to action for believers today. In a world often characterized by impatience and instant gratification, this verse reminds us that God's timing is perfect and purposeful, driven by His boundless love and desire for salvation, not by human expectations or deadlines. For those who await Christ's return, it encourages patient endurance, knowing that the "delay" is a testament to God's mercy, providing more opportunities for the lost to be found. This understanding should transform our perspective on evangelism; recognizing God's earnest desire "that any should perish," we are compelled to share the good news with urgency and compassion, extending the same opportunity for repentance that God so graciously offers. For those who have not yet turned to God, the verse serves as both a loving invitation and a solemn warning: the present moment is a precious, divinely ordained opportunity to respond to God's call before the day of the Lord arrives. It challenges us to live lives that reflect God's patience, actively participating in His redemptive mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "longsuffering" change your perspective on perceived delays or unanswered prayers in your own life?**
* **If God is "not willing that any should perish," what is your personal responsibility in sharing the message of repentance and salvation with others?**
* **How does the concept of God's patience motivate you to live a life of greater urgency and faithfulness in light of Christ's certain return?**
* **In what ways might you be "counting slackness" where God is actually demonstrating "longsuffering" in your circumstances or in the world?**

### FAQ

**Does 2 Peter 3:9 mean that everyone will eventually be saved?**

Answer: No, 2 Peter 3:9 does not teach universalism (the belief that all people will ultimately be saved). While it clearly states God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance," this expresses God's *desire* and *provision* for salvation, not a guarantee of universal acceptance. God's will is often expressed in terms of His character and what He offers, but human free will and responsibility to respond to that offer remain central to biblical theology. The verse highlights God's patience in giving ample opportunity for repentance, but it does not negate the reality of those who ultimately reject His call and face perishing, as described elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., [Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13-14 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow and Wide Gates"), [John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief")). The "all" here refers to "all sorts of people" or "everyone who repents," not necessarily every single individual regardless of their response.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Peter 3:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. God's longsuffering, His unwillingness for any to perish, and His desire for all to come to repentance are perfectly embodied and enacted through His Son. The "promise" concerning which the Lord is not slack is fundamentally the promise of salvation and ultimate restoration, which Christ secured through His first coming. Jesus' entire earthly ministry was an extension of God's patience, as He came "to seek and to save that which was lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek the Lost")). His call to "repent, and believe the gospel" ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus' Call to Repentance")) is the very invitation that God's longsuffering provides time for. The cross of Christ, where the [Lamb of God took away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is the ultimate demonstration of God's willingness that none should perish, providing the means for repentance and forgiveness. The "delay" of Christ's second coming, therefore, is not an empty waiting period, but a grace-filled interlude, purchased by Christ's sacrifice, during which the Spirit continues to draw people to the repentance that leads to life in Him, ensuring that God's redemptive purpose, revealed in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World"), might be fully realized in all who believe.

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

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;