2 Peter 1:19
What does 2 Peter 1:19 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Peter 1:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Peter 1:19 means
Peter says the prophetic word is made “more sure,” and urges believers to pay attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place. Scripture provides steady light amid moral and spiritual darkness, guiding believers until “the day” dawns and the “day-star” arises in their hearts—a reference to the full unveiling of Christ’s reign and the inward assurance his coming brings. The point is both practical and hopeful: heed the Scriptures now, for they light the path, and keep looking ahead to the brighter day when faith becomes sight. Apostolic experience supports, but Scripture governs; it remains the trustworthy, illuminating guide for the church.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And we have the word of prophecy made more sure; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts:
KJV
King James Version · 1611We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And we have the word of prophecy made more sure; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And so the words of the prophets are made more certain; and it is well for you to give attention to them as to a light shining in a dark place, till the dawn comes and the morning star is seen in your hearts;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And we have more firm the prophetic word, to which we do well giving heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, till day may dawn, and a morning star may arise--in your hearts;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And we have the more firm prophetical word: whereunto you do well to attend, as to a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And we have the prophetic word [made] surer, to which ye do well taking heed (as to a lamp shining in an obscure place) until [the] day dawn and [the] morning star arise in your hearts;
Context
After recalling the transfiguration, Peter elevates the role of Scripture. Verse 19 introduces the prophetic word as a more sure lamp to guide believers in the present age. This prepares for verses 20–21, which explain why Scripture is so reliable: it does not originate in private interpretation or human will but in God’s Spirit moving the prophets. The contrast between a dark place and the dawning day frames Christian living as a journey by revealed light toward Christ’s return, a theme that undergirds the letter’s warnings and exhortations.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 4:4
in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them.
- 3 John 1:6
who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God:
- John 5:39
Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me;
- 1 John 5:10
He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in him: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he hath not believed in the witness that God hath borne concerning his Son.
- Acts 17:11
Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the scriptures daily, whether these things were so.
- 1 Peter 1:10
Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
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