2 Peter 1:21
What does 2 Peter 1:21 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Peter 1:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Peter 1:21 means
Prophecy never came by human will; instead, men spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. The prophets were not originators but instruments. “Moved” suggests being carried along, like a ship driven by the wind—God’s Spirit superintended their words so that the message was truly his, yet expressed through their personalities. This affirms the divine origin and trustworthiness of Scripture. Because its source is God, it bears God’s authority and light. Peter closes the chapter by anchoring the church’s hope and holiness in this Spirit-breathed word, which stands over against the fabrications and manipulations of those who would distort the truth.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For these words did not ever come through the impulse of men: but the prophets had them from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for not by will of man did ever prophecy come, but by the Holy Spirit borne on holy men of God spake.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For prophecy came not by the will of man at any time: but the holy men of God spoke, inspired by the Holy Ghost.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for prophecy was not ever uttered by [the] will of man, but holy men ofGod spake under the power of [the] Holy Spirit.
Context
This final verse grounds the certainty of the prophetic word introduced in verse 19 and clarified in verse 20. By stating Scripture’s divine origin through the Spirit’s moving, Peter provides the theological basis for treating it as a sure lamp. This conclusion also prepares for chapter 2’s exposure of false prophets and teachers. The apostolic message about Christ’s power and coming (verses 16–18) and the prophetic Scriptures (verses 19–21) together establish a firm foundation for the church’s growth in godliness and perseverance until the day dawns.
v.20knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation.
v.21This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Kings 13:1
And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of Jehovah unto Beth-el: and Jeroboam was standing by the altar to burn incense.
- Numbers 16:28
And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that Jehovah hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.
- Acts 1:16
Brethren, it was needful that the scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spake before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to them that took Jesus.
- Revelation 19:10
And I fell down before his feet to worship him. And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren that hold the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
- Hebrews 3:7
Wherefore, even as the Holy Spirit saith, To-day if ye shall hear his voice,
- 1 Peter 1:11
searching what time or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did point unto, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them.
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