Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

2 Peter 3:17

Next

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know [these things] before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

Ye {G5210} therefore {G3767}, beloved {G27}, seeing ye know these things before {G4267}, beware {G5442} lest {G3363} ye also {G1601}, being led away {G4879} with the error {G4106} of the wicked {G113}, fall from {G1601} your own {G2398} stedfastness {G4740}.

But you, dear friends, since you know this in advance, guard yourselves; so that you will not be led away by the errors of the wicked and fall from your own secure position.

Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing.

Ye therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware lest, being carried away with the error of the wicked, ye fall from your own stedfastness.

Commentary

In 2 Peter 3:17, the Apostle Peter issues a solemn warning to believers, building upon his preceding discussion about the certainty of the Lord's return and the ultimate destruction of the present heavens and earth (2 Peter 3:10-13). Addressing them affectionately as "beloved," Peter emphasizes their prior knowledge of these eschatological truths and the dangers that accompany them.

Context

This verse serves as a crucial exhortation within Peter's second epistle, particularly in a chapter that addresses the scoffers who question the promise of Christ's second coming (2 Peter 3:3-4). Having established the divine patience and the impending judgment, Peter shifts to a practical application for the believers. He warns them against being swayed by the moral and doctrinal corruption propagated by the "wicked" – a direct reference to the false teachers and their destructive heresies described extensively in 2 Peter chapter 2. The implication is that a proper understanding of future events should lead to vigilance and holy living, not complacency.

Key Themes

  • Vigilance and Foreknowledge: The phrase "seeing ye know these things before" underscores the responsibility that comes with divine revelation. Believers are not ignorant; they have been forewarned about the end times and the presence of deceptive influences. This knowledge should prompt caution.
  • Warning Against Deception: Peter explicitly warns against being "led away with the error of the wicked." This "error" (Greek: planē, meaning a wandering or delusion) refers to false teachings that lead to moral decay and spiritual instability. It highlights the subtle yet powerful nature of spiritual deception.
  • Maintaining Steadfastness: The ultimate danger is to "fall from your own stedfastness." Stedfastness (Greek: sterigmos) implies spiritual firmness, stability, and unwavering adherence to sound doctrine and righteous living. It's a call to persevere in faith and conduct, resisting the pressures to compromise or abandon one's convictions.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "stedfastness" (from Greek sterigmos) conveys the idea of being fixed, firm, or established. It’s the opposite of being tossed to and fro or carried away, as mentioned in other New Testament warnings (e.g., Ephesians 4:14). The verb "led away" (Greek: synapago) suggests being carried along or swept away, often implying a passive yielding to influence, which is precisely what Peter warns against.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Peter 3:17 serves as a timeless reminder of the need for spiritual discernment and perseverance. In an age filled with diverse teachings and philosophies, it is crucial to:

  1. Ground oneself in truth: Continually study God's Word to discern truth from error.
  2. Be aware of deceptive influences: Recognize that false teachings can be subtle and appealing.
  3. Cultivate spiritual stability: Actively pursue a life of holiness and commitment to Christ, so as not to be easily swayed.

This verse is a powerful call to remain firm in the faith, anchored by the knowledge of God's revealed truth and the hope of Christ's glorious return.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 3:14 (11 votes)

    For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

  • Colossians 2:8 (10 votes)

    Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:13 (8 votes)

    For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:15 (8 votes)

    Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 (7 votes)

    ¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

  • Ephesians 4:14 (7 votes)

    That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

  • Matthew 7:15 (6 votes)

    Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.