2 Peter 3:15
What does 2 Peter 3:15 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Peter 3:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Peter 3:15 means
Peter teaches believers to interpret the Lord’s patience as salvation. Every extended moment before the day arrives is an opportunity for more people to repent and believe. He confirms that this perspective agrees with what “our beloved brother Paul” has written, acknowledging the wisdom God gave him. This shows unity among apostolic witnesses and affirms the value of Paul’s letters. Peter’s tone is affectionate and respectful, not defensive. The key lesson is theological and pastoral: do not stumble over the delay; see in it the saving purpose of God. The church’s mission happens within this window of mercy before the certain consummation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And be certain that the long waiting of the Lord is for salvation; even as our brother Paul has said in his letters to you, from the wisdom which was given to him;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the long-suffering of our Lord count ye salvation, according as also our beloved brother Paul--according to the wisdom given to him--did write to you,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And account the longsuffering of our Lord, salvation: as also our most dear brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, hath written to you:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and account the longsuffering of our Lord [to be] salvation; according as our beloved brother Paul also has written to you according to the wisdom given to him,
Context
After urging diligence (v14), Peter adds an interpretive key (v15): the Lord’s longsuffering equals salvation. He supports this by appealing to Paul’s congruent teaching, building continuity among the apostles. Verse 16 will continue by noting that some twist Paul’s writings—as they do other Scriptures—leading to destruction, which strengthens Peter’s warning. Verses 17–18 will then conclude with an exhortation to steadfastness and growth.
v.14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight.
v.15This passage
v.16as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; wherein are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unstedfast wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 21:15
for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to withstand or to gainsay.
- Exodus 31:6
And I, behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all that are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee:
- 1 Peter 3:20
that aforetime were disobedient, when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water:
- 1 Timothy 1:16
howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might Jesus Christ show forth all his longsuffering, for an ensample of them that should thereafter believe on him unto eternal life.
- 1 Corinthians 12:8
For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit:
- Exodus 35:31
and he hath filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;
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