2 Peter 3:17
What does 2 Peter 3:17 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Peter 3:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Peter 3:17 means
Because they know in advance that such distortions and deceptions will come, believers must be on guard. The danger is being swept along by the error of the wicked and falling from one’s steadfastness. Peter does not assume automatic perseverance; he calls for watchfulness. Steadfastness is maintained by alertness to false teaching and by clinging to the truths previously reminded. The warning is pastoral, not fearful. It respects human vulnerability and emphasizes responsibility. To be “carried away” suggests drift rather than deliberate rebellion—hence the need for vigilance. Stability in the faith requires both grounding in Scripture and conscious resistance to the pressures of error.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Ye therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware lest, being carried away with the error of the wicked, ye fall from your own stedfastness.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Ye therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware lest, being carried away with the error of the wicked, ye fall from your own stedfastness.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For this reason, my loved ones, having knowledge of these things before they take place, take care that you are not turned away by the error of the uncontrolled, so falling from your true faith.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Ye, then, beloved, knowing before, take heed, lest, together with the error of the impious being led away, ye may fall from your own stedfastness,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752You therefore, brethren, knowing these things before, take heed, lest being led aside by the error of the unwise, you fall from your own steadfastness.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Ye therefore, beloved, knowing [these] things before, take care lest, being led away along with the error of the wicked, ye should fall from your own stedfastness:
Context
After describing how some twist Scripture (v16), Peter addresses his readers directly (v17), urging them to guard their steadfastness in light of the forewarning. This negative caution sets up the positive alternative in verse 18: instead of drifting, grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The letter closes by directing attention to Christ’s glory now and forever, summing up the epistle’s aim.
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.
v.17This passage
v.18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 2:5
Remember therefore whence thou art fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I come to thee, and will move thy candlestick out of its place, except thou repent.
- 1 Peter 5:9
whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.
- Matthew 16:6
And Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
- 2 Peter 1:10
Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble:
- 2 Corinthians 11:13
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ.
- Romans 16:18
For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent.
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