2 Peter 1:15
What does 2 Peter 1:15 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Peter 1:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Peter 1:15 means
Peter promises to be diligent so that, after his departure, believers can always recall these truths. He is not content with a single letter or a passing word; he plans for lasting remembrance. This likely includes the written testimony they now hold and the instruction of others who will carry the message forward. The point is clear: apostolic ministry seeks enduring fruit. Peter’s concern is that the church not lose its grip on the essentials when he is gone. His legacy is not a monument but a memory of truth—readily accessible, faithfully preserved, and capable of stirring future generations to steadfastness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Yea, I will give diligence that at every time ye may be able after my decease to call these things to remembrance.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Yea, I will give diligence that at every time ye may be able after my decease to call these things to remembrance.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And I will take every care so that you may have a clear memory of these things after my death.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and I will be diligent that also at every time ye have, after my outgoing, power to make to yourselves the remembrance of these things.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I will endeavour that you frequently have after my decease whereby you may keep a memory of these things.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but I will use diligence, that after my departure ye should have also, at any time, [in your power] to call to mind these things.
Context
This final verse of the personal interlude (verses 12–15) concludes Peter’s explanation of why he writes as he does. With his departure near, he intends to secure the church’s ongoing remembrance of the essentials of growth and assurance. The stage is now set for verses 16–18, where he defends the truth he teaches by appealing to his eyewitness experience of Christ’s majesty. That testimony will then be reinforced by the even surer prophetic word in verses 19–21, underscoring the divine origin and reliability of Scripture.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Peter 1:12
Wherefore I shall be ready always to put you in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the truth which is with you.
- 1 Chronicles 29:1
And David the king said unto all the assembly, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great; for the palace is not for man, but for Jehovah God.
- Joshua 24:24
And the people said unto Joshua, Jehovah our God will we serve, and unto his voice will we hearken.
- Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness in respect of his gifts: and through it he being dead yet speaketh.
- Deuteronomy 31:19
Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach thou it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.
- 2 Timothy 2:2
And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
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