The Meaning of 2 Peter 1:12 Explained

2 Peter 1:12

KJV: Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

YLT: Wherefore, I will not be careless always to remind you concerning these things, though, having known them, and having been established in the present truth,

Darby: Wherefore I will be careful to put you always in mind of these things, although knowing them and established in the present truth.

ASV: Wherefore I shall be ready always to put you in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the truth which is with you .

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Wherefore  I will  not  be negligent  to put  you  always  in remembrance  of  these things,  though  ye know  [them], and  be established  in  the present  truth. 

What does 2 Peter 1:12 Mean?

Verse Meaning

In view of what he had written to this point, Peter explained that he realized his previous words were a reminder to his readers, not new instruction. 2 Peter 1:3-11 contain basic Christian life truth. His readers had heard this previously, but they, as all believers, needed a reminder of it periodically so they would not forget ( 2 Peter 1:9).
"We must not glide lightly over Peter"s concern about reminding the readers of already known and familiar truth. The history of the Church as a whole shows how careless the Church can be about clinging to divine revelation. So bad have things become in our own day, that the truth of justification by faith alone and of salvation as a free gift has already been submerged and lost among many evangelicals. The Reformation almost needs to occur again!" [1]

Context Summary

2 Peter 1:12-21 - "eye-Witnesses Of His Majesty"
Peter could never forget what the Master had predicted of his death. See John 21:18. Oh, that in our death, whatever be its mode, we may glorify God! The fulfillment of those words was already looming before Peter's eyes, but he had no fear. He describes his home-going by the word used by Moses and Elijah when they spoke of the decease (lit., exodus) which the Lord would accomplish. Compare 2 Peter 1:15 with Luke 9:31, r.v., margin.
Then the whole scene of the Transfiguration rose before his mind. It seemed as if he were again on that holy mount, beholding the majesty of the Lord and hearing the Father's attesting voice. There are three infallible proofs of Christianity: (1) the witness of the Apostles; (2) the light of prophecy as fulfilled in Christ; (3) the testimony of the Holy Spirit. These three burn in the dark night of the present and we may count on them till we see the first glimmer of dawn. Then we shall need no candle, for the Lord God will give us light. [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Peter 1

1  Peter confirms the hope of the increase of God's grace,
5  exhorts them, by faith, and good works, to make their calling sure;
12  whereof he is careful to remind them, knowing that his death is at hand;
16  and assures them of the authenticity of the Gospel, by the eyewitness of the apostles and the prophets

Greek Commentary for 2 Peter 1:12

Wherefore [διο]
Since they are possessed of faith that conduces to godliness which they are diligently practising now he insists on the truth and proposes to do his part by them about it. [source]
I shall be ready always [μελλησω αει]
Future active of μελλω — mellō (Matthew 24:6), old verb, to be on the point of doing and used with the infinitive (present, aorist, or future). It is not here a periphrastic future, but rather the purpose of Peter to be ready in the future as in the past and now (Zahn).To put you in remembrance (υμας υπομιμνησκειν — humas hupomimnēskein). Present active infinitive of υπομιμνησκω — hupomimnēskō old causative compound (υπο μιμνησκω — hupoπερι — mimnēskō like our suggest), either with two accusatives (John 14:26) or περι τουτων — peri with the thing as here), “to keep on reminding you of those things” (καιπερ ειδοτας — peri toutōn).Though ye know them Second perfect active concessive participle of υμας — oida agreeing (acc. plural), with εστηριγμενους — humas Cf. Hebrews 5:8.Are established (στηριζω — estērigmenous). Perfect passive concessive participle of στηρισον — stērizō (1 Peter 5:10). The very verb (εν τηι παρουσηι αλητειαι — stērison) used by Jesus to Peter (Luke 22:32).In the truth which is with you “In the present truth” (the truth present to you), παρειμι — parousēi present active participle of παρων — pareimi to be beside one. See Colossians 1:6 for this use of parōn Firmly established in the truth, but all the same Peter is eager to make them stronger. [source]
To put you in remembrance [υμας υπομιμνησκειν]
Present active infinitive of υπομιμνησκω — hupomimnēskō old causative compound (υπο μιμνησκω — hupoπερι — mimnēskō like our suggest), either with two accusatives (John 14:26) or περι τουτων — peri with the thing as here), “to keep on reminding you of those things” (καιπερ ειδοτας — peri toutōn). [source]
Though ye know them [οιδα]
Second perfect active concessive participle of υμας — oida agreeing (acc. plural), with εστηριγμενους — humas Cf. Hebrews 5:8.Are established (στηριζω — estērigmenous). Perfect passive concessive participle of στηρισον — stērizō (1 Peter 5:10). The very verb (εν τηι παρουσηι αλητειαι — stērison) used by Jesus to Peter (Luke 22:32).In the truth which is with you “In the present truth” (the truth present to you), παρειμι — parousēi present active participle of παρων — pareimi to be beside one. See Colossians 1:6 for this use of parōn Firmly established in the truth, but all the same Peter is eager to make them stronger. [source]
Are established [στηριζω]
Perfect passive concessive participle of στηρισον — stērizō (1 Peter 5:10). The very verb (εν τηι παρουσηι αλητειαι — stērison) used by Jesus to Peter (Luke 22:32). [source]
In the truth which is with you [παρουσηι]
“In the present truth” (the truth present to you), παρειμι — parousēi present active participle of παρων — pareimi to be beside one. See Colossians 1:6 for this use of parōn Firmly established in the truth, but all the same Peter is eager to make them stronger. [source]
I will not be negligent []
The A. V. follows the reading οὐκ ἀμελήσω , which it renders correctly. The better reading, however, is μελλήσω I intend, or, as often in classical Greek, with a sense of certainty - I shall be sure, which Rev. adopts, rendering I shall be ready. The formula occurs in but one other passage, Matthew 24:6, where it is translated by the simple future, ye shall hear, with an implied sense, as ye surely will hear. [source]
Ye know [εἰδότας]
Lit., knowing. Compare 1 Peter 1:18. [source]
Established [ἐτηριγμένους]
See on 1 Peter 5:10. Perhaps the exhortation, “strengthen thy brethren,” may account for his repeated use of this word and its derivatives. Thus, unstable ( ἀστήρικτοι ); steadfastness ( στηριγμοῦ ) 2 Peter 3:16, 2 Peter 3:17. [source]
In the present truth [ἐν τῇ παρούσῃ ἀληθείᾳ]
i.e., the truth which is present with you through the instruction of your teachers; not the truth at present under consideration. See on 2 Peter 1:9; and compare the same phrase in Colossians 1:6, rendered, is come unto you. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Peter 1:12

Romans 4:24 It shall be reckoned [μέλλει λογίζεσθαι]
Not the future of the verb to reckon, but μέλλω tointend points to God's definite purpose. See on Acts 27:2; see on 2 Peter 1:12. [source]
1 Thessalonians 3:2 To establish [στηρίξαι]
See on Luke 22:32; Introd. to Catholic Epistles, Vol. 1, p. 625; see on 1 Peter 5:10; see on 2 Peter 1:12. [source]
2 Peter 3:17 Steadfastness [στηριγμοῦ]
Only here in New Testament. See on 2 Peter 1:12. [source]
2 Peter 1:13 So long as [επ οσον]
For this phrase see Matthew 9:15; Romans 11:13.Tabernacle (σκηνωματι — skēnōmati). Old word, in literal sense in Deuteronomy 33:18 for the usual σκηνη — skēnē (Peter‘s word at the Transfiguration, Mark 9:5), earliest use (in N.T. only here, 2 Peter 1:14; Acts 7:46 of the tabernacle of the covenant) in this metaphorical sense of life as a pilgrimage (1 Peter 1:1; 1 Peter 2:11), though Paul has σκηνος — skēnos so in 2 Corinthians 5:1, 2 Corinthians 5:4. Peter feels the nearness of death and the urgency upon him.To stir you up Present active infinitive of διεγειρω — diegeirō late (Arist., Hippocr., Herodian, papyri), perfective Old word, from υπομιμνησκω — hupomimnēskō (2 Peter 1:12), in N.T. only here, 2 Peter 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:5. “By way of reminding you.” [source]
2 Peter 1:13 To stir you up [διεγειρειν υμας]
Present active infinitive of διεγειρω — diegeirō late (Arist., Hippocr., Herodian, papyri), perfective Old word, from υπομιμνησκω — hupomimnēskō (2 Peter 1:12), in N.T. only here, 2 Peter 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:5. “By way of reminding you.” [source]
2 Peter 1:13 By putting you in remembrance [εν υπομνησει]
Old word, from υπομιμνησκω — hupomimnēskō (2 Peter 1:12), in N.T. only here, 2 Peter 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:5. “By way of reminding you.” [source]
2 Peter 3:14 Wherefore [διο]
As in 2 Peter 1:10, 2 Peter 1:12. [source]
3 John 1:10 I will bring to remembrance [υπομνησω]
Future active indicative of υπομιμνησκω — hupomimnēskō old compound (John 14:26; 2 Peter 1:12). The aged apostle is not afraid of Diotrephes and here defies him.Which he doeth (α ποιει — ha poiei). Present active indicative, “which he keeps on doing.”Prating against us Present active participle of old verb (from πλυαρος — phluaros babbling 1 Timothy 5:13), to accuse idly and so falsely, here only in N.T. with accusative ημας — hēmās (us).With wicked words (λογοις πονηροις — logois ponērois). Instrumental case. Not simply foolish chatter, but malevolent words.Not content Present passive participle of αρκεω — arkeō with usual negative μη — mē For this verb in this sense see 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5, only there επι — epi is absent. John knows that the conduct of Diotrephes will not stand the light. See Paul‘s threats of exposure (1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Corinthians 13:1-3). And John is the apostle of love all the same.He himself (αυτος — autos). That was bad enough.Them that would “Those willing or wishing or receive the brethren” from John.He forbiddeth (κωλυει — kōluei). “He hinders.” Present active indicative of κωλυω — kōluō and means either actual success in one case (punctiliar use of the present indicative) or repetition in several instances (linear action) or conative action attempted, but not successful as in Matthew 3:14 (this same verb) and John 10:32.Casteth them out of the church Here again εκβαλλει — ekballei can be understood in various ways, like κωλυει — kōluei This verb occurs in John 2:15 for casting out of the temple the profaners of it and for casting the blind man out of the synagogue (John 9:34.). If this ancient “church-boss” did not succeed in expelling John‘s adherents from the church, he certainly tried to do it. [source]
Jude 1:5 To put you in remembrance [υπομνησαι]
See 2 Peter 1:12 υπομιμνησκειν — hupomimnēskein (present active infinitive there, first aorist active infinitive here). [source]
Jude 1:5 Though ye know all things once for all [ειδοτας απαχ παντα]
Concessive perfect (sense of present) active participle as in 2 Peter 1:12, but without καιπερ — kaiper Lord Some MSS. add Ιησους — Iēsous The use of κυριος — kurios here is usually understood to mean the Lord Jesus Christ, as Clement of Alex. (Adumbr. p. 133) explains, Exodus 23:20, by ο μυστικος εκεινος αγγελος Ιησους — ho mustikos ekeinos aggelos Iēsous (that mystical angel Jesus). For the mystic reference to Christ see 1 Corinthians 10:4, 1 Corinthians 10:9; Hebrews 11:26. Some MSS. here add τεος — theos instead of Ιησους — Iēsous Adverbial accusative, “the second time.” After having saved the people out of Egypt.Destroyed (απωλεσεν — apōlesen). First aorist active indicative of απολλυμι — apollumi old verb, to destroy.Them that believed not First aorist active articular participle of πιστευω — pisteuō The reference is to Numbers 14:27-37, when all the people rescued from Egypt perished except Caleb and Joshua. This first example by Jude is not in 2 Peter, but is discussed in 1 Corinthians 10:5-11; Heb 3:18-4:2. [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Peter 1:12 mean?

Therefore I will be ready always you to remind concerning these things though knowing [them] and having been strengthened in the being present [in you] truth
Διὸ μελλήσω ἀεὶ ὑμᾶς ὑπομιμνῄσκειν περὶ τούτων καίπερ εἰδότας καὶ ἐστηριγμένους ἐν τῇ παρούσῃ ἀληθείᾳ

μελλήσω  I  will  be  ready 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: μέλλω  
Sense: to be about.
ἀεὶ  always 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἀεί  
Sense: perpetually, incessantly.
ὑπομιμνῄσκειν  to  remind 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: ὑπομιμνῄσκω  
Sense: to cause one to remember, bring to remembrance, recall to mind: to another.
περὶ  concerning 
Parse: Preposition
Root: περί 
Sense: about, concerning, on account of, because of, around, near.
τούτων  these  things 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: οὗτος  
Sense: this.
καίπερ  though 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: καίπερ  
Sense: although.
εἰδότας  knowing  [them] 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Active, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: οἶδα  
Sense: to see.
ἐστηριγμένους  having  been  strengthened 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Middle or Passive, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: στηρίζω  
Sense: to make stable, place firmly, set fast, fix.
παρούσῃ  being  present  [in  you] 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: πάρειμι  
Sense: to be by, be at hand, to have arrived, to be present.
ἀληθείᾳ  truth 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀλήθεια  
Sense: objectively.