2 Peter 3:14

What does 2 Peter 3:14 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Peter 3:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Peter 3:14 means

Because believers look for the new creation, Peter urges them to be diligent to be found by the Lord in peace, without spot and blameless. Hope shapes conduct. “Peace” likely includes peace with God and peaceable relations with others. “Without spot and blameless” contrasts with the stained character of false teachers in the previous chapter and echoes the sacrificial language of purity. The focus is the Lord’s searching gaze—“in his sight.” Readiness is moral and relational, not merely intellectual. Diligence implies intentional effort, not passive waiting. Anticipation of Christ’s appearing purifies the believer’s life, aligning it with the world of righteousness that is coming.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For this reason, my loved ones, as you are looking for these things, take great care that when he comes you may be in peace before him, free from sin and every evil thing.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

wherefore, beloved, these things waiting for, be diligent, spotless and unblameable, by Him to be found in peace,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Wherefore, dearly beloved, waiting for these things, be diligent that you may be found before him unspotted and blameless in peace.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Wherefore, beloved, as ye wait for these things, be diligent to be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless;

Context

After holding out the promise of a new heavens and new earth (v13), Peter applies it personally (v14): be diligent to be found by the Lord in peace and purity. This moves from doctrinal hope to ethical action. Next, in verses 15–16, he will explain that the Lord’s patience is salvation, affirm the harmony with Paul’s writings, and warn about those who twist Scripture—further reasons to pursue steadfastness and holy conduct.

v.13But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

v.14This passage

v.15And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote unto you;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 24:26

    If therefore they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the wilderness; go not forth: Behold, he is in the inner chambers; believe it not.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:8

    who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye be unreproveable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • 2 Peter 1:5

    Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge;

  • 1 John 3:3

    And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:23

    And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Philippians 2:15

    that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world,

Related questions readers ask