2 Peter 1:20

2 Peter 1:20 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
• New International Version (NIV)Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.
• English Standard Version (ESV)knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation.
• New King James Version (NKJV)knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,

Context of 2 Peter 1:20

18and we [actually] heard this voice made from heaven when we were together with Him on the holy mountain. 19So we have the prophetic word made more certain. You do well to pay [close] attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and light breaks through the gloom and the morning star arises in your hearts. But understand this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of or comes from one’s own [personal or special] interpretation, 21for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

2 Peter 1:20 word by word

τοῦτο πρῶτον γινώσκοντες ὅτι πᾶσα προφητεία γραφῆς ἰδίας ἐπιλύσεως οὐ γίνεται.Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• Knowingγινώσκωginōskō · to knowG1097
• thisοὗτοςhoutos houtoi hautē hautai · this/he/she/itG3778
• firstπρῶτονprōton · firstG4412
• thatὅτιhoti · that/since: thatG3754
• noοὐou · noG3756
• prophecyπροφητείαprophēteia · prophecyG4394
• of the scriptureγραφήgraphē · a writingG1124
• isγίνομαιginomai · to beG1096
• ofἐπίλυσιςepilusis · explanationG1955
• anyπᾶςpas · allG3956
• privateἴδιοςidios · one's own/privateG2398

Cross-references for 2 Peter 1:20

• 2 Peter 3:3First of all, know [without any doubt] that mockers will come in the last days with their mocking, following after their own human desires
• Romans 6:6We know that our old self [our human nature without the Holy Spirit] was nailed to the cross with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin.
• Romans 13:11Do this, knowing that this is a critical time. It is already the hour for you to awaken from your sleep [of spiritual complacency]; for our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed [in Christ].
• 1 Timothy 1:9understanding the fact that law is not enacted for the righteous person [the one in right standing with God], but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinful, for the irreverent and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,
• James 1:3Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace].
• Romans 12:6Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if [someone has the gift of] prophecy, [let him speak a new message from God to His people] in proportion to the faith possessed;

Commentaries on 2 Peter 1:20

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 20Knowing this first - Considering this as a first principle, that no prophecy of the Scripture, whether that referred to above, or any other, is of any private interpretation - proceeds from the prophet's own knowledge or invention, or was the offspring of calculation or conjecture. The word signifies also impetus, impulse; and probably this is the best sense here; not by the mere private impulse of his own mind.Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 20Knowing this first - Bearing this steadily in mind as a primary and most important truth. That no prophecy of the Scripture - No prophecy contained in the inspired records. The word “scripture” here shows that the apostle referred particularly to the prophecies recorded in the Old Testament. The remark which he makes about prophecy is general, though it is designed to bear on a particular class of the prophecies. Is of any private interpretation - The…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 16-21Verses 16-21 The gospel is no weak thing, but comes in power, Ro 1:16. The law sets before us our wretched state by sin, but there it leaves us. It discovers our disease, but does not make known the cure. It is the sight of Jesus crucified, in the gospel, that heals the soul. Try to dissuade the covetous worlding from his greediness, one ounce of gold weighs down all reasons. Offer to stay a furious man from anger by arguments, he has not patience to hear…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 20-21comes from one’s own interpretation: This probably means that the prophets did not have to interpret God’s visions by themselves. God made the meaning clear to them so they could speak his message clearly and reliably.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2020. "Forasmuch as ye know this" (1Pe 1:18). first--the foremost consideration in studying the word of prophecy. Laying it down as a first principle never to be lost sight of. is--Greek, not the simple verb, to be, but to begin to be, "proves to be," "becometh." No prophecy is found to be the result of "private (the mere individual writer's uninspired) interpretation" (solution), and so origination. The Greek noun epilusis, does not mean in itself…Read the comment

Topics related to 2 Peter 1:20

• Word of God

In the dictionaries

• Bible
• Calling
• Corruption
• Cunningly
• Diligence
• Escape
• Glory
• Prophecy
• Prophet
• Scripture

Commentaries on 2 Peter 1

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings