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.

2 Peter 1:12 nkjv

For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth.

2 Peter 1:12 niv

So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.

2 Peter 1:12 esv

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.

2 Peter 1:12 nlt

Therefore, I will always remind you about these things ? even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught.

2 Peter 1 verses

2 Peter 1 12 Meaning

2 Peter 1:12 expresses the apostle Peter's firm and continuous commitment to remind his readers of fundamental Christian truths, despite acknowledging that they already possess this knowledge and are firmly established in it. This statement underscores Peter's pastoral intent to ensure their steadfastness and spiritual stability, serving as a safeguard against complacency or deception in their faith journey.

2 Peter 1 12 Context

2 Peter chapter 1 serves as an exhortation to spiritual growth and steadfastness. Prior to verse 12, Peter has outlined how believers, through divine power and God's precious promises, have been granted all they need for life and godliness, and can become partakers of the divine nature (vv. 3-4). He then urges them to make every effort to supplement their faith with a progression of virtues—goodness, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (vv. 5-7). The presence and abundance of these qualities ensure a fruitful and effective knowledge of Christ (vv. 8-11). It is in light of this potential for spiritual maturity and his impending departure (implied in vv. 13-14) that Peter states his unwavering commitment in verse 12. His resolve to continually remind them, even if they already know and are established, highlights the ever-present need for reinforcement and vigilance, particularly as he foreshadows the rise of false teachers who would seek to undermine their faith (as extensively addressed in chapter 2). The emphasis is on building spiritual resilience against external and internal challenges.

2 Peter 1 12 Word analysis

• Therefore (διὸ - dio): A consequential conjunction linking Peter's decision to remind them with the preceding discourse on the fullness of divine provision and the necessity of spiritual growth (2 Pet 1:3-11). It signifies that Peter's commitment arises logically from the great truths and responsibilities already discussed.

• I will always be ready to remind you (μέλλω ἀεὶ ἀναμιμνῄσκειν ὑμᾶς - mellēsō aei anamnēmizien hymas):

  • mellēsō (μέλλω): "I am about to," "I intend to," or "I propose to." This verb suggests Peter's strong resolve and deliberate purpose in carrying out this ongoing pastoral duty. It's a proactive statement of his ministerial intention.
  • aei (ἀεί): "always," "continually." This adverb stresses the persistent and unwavering nature of Peter's commitment to keep these truths before his audience, indicating it is not a one-time effort but an ongoing necessity.
  • anamnēmizien (ἀναμιμνῄσκειν): "to remind," "to call to mind again," or "to refresh one's memory." The verb indicates that the information is not new, but known. The purpose is to prevent forgetting, neglecting, or straying from what they already possess.

• of these things (περὶ τούτων - peri toutōn): Refers back specifically to the divine power, the great and precious promises, and the escalating virtues (faith, goodness, knowledge, etc.) detailed in 2 Pet 1:3-11, which enable escape from corruption and participation in the divine nature.

• even though you know them (εἰδότας - eidōtas): From oida, meaning "to know" with a sense of certain, experiential, or intuitive knowledge. It acknowledges the readers' current grasp and understanding of these truths, indicating that Peter's purpose is not to teach them something entirely new but to reinforce what is already known and believed.

• and are established (ἐστηριγμένους - estērigmenous): From stērizō (to make firm, to strengthen, to establish). This perfect passive participle highlights that they have been firmly set or grounded in their faith. It speaks of a stable and secure spiritual foundation already present in them, suggesting a degree of maturity.

• in the truth (ἐν τῇ ἀληθείᾳ - en tē alētheia): Refers to the revealed Christian Gospel and its associated doctrines, which form the bedrock of Christian faith and practice. This is the sure and unchangeable reality upon which their established faith rests.

• which is present with you (παρούσῃ ἐν ὑμῖν - parousēs en hymin):

  • parousēs (παρούσῃ): "being present," "at hand," "existing alongside." It emphasizes the immanence and accessibility of this truth. It is not some distant, abstract, or esoteric knowledge, but one that is readily available and tangibly among them.
  • en hymin (ἐν ὑμῖν): "in you" or "among you." This phrase reinforces that the truth is not merely external but has taken root within their lives and community, serving as an active principle guiding their understanding and conduct.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Therefore I will always be ready to remind you of these things...": This phrase emphatically conveys Peter's pastoral diligence. The combination of "always" (aei) and "ready to" (mellēsō) underscores his resolute and ongoing commitment to maintain their spiritual well-being through constant reinforcement of foundational tenets. This proactive stance is essential for navigating the complexities of faith.
  • "even though you know them and are established in the truth which is present with you.": This clause addresses the audience's existing spiritual condition. It confirms their established knowledge and grounding in the gospel, distinguishing Peter's task not as initial teaching but as crucial reinforcement. This highlights the ever-present need for memory and renewed conviction in the "truth," a firm and tangible reality, even for the mature, to resist the eroding effects of time or error.

2 Peter 1 12 Bonus section

The consistent use of words related to knowing (eidōtas, gnōsis earlier in the chapter), alongside the need for anamnēmizien (to remind), underscores the practical distinction between possessing intellectual knowledge and living dynamically in light of that knowledge. Peter's concern is not mere intellectual acquisition but the active application and safeguarding of "the truth" for practical godliness and perseverance against corruption. This verse subtly contrasts with the superficial or esoteric knowledge peddled by false teachers by emphasizing that genuine truth is already present and accessible, not something to be secretly discovered or sought after outside the revealed Word. Peter is preparing his audience for the impending challenges by fortifying them in what is truly reliable and enduring.

2 Peter 1 12 Commentary

2 Peter 1:12 provides a window into the enduring necessity of pastoral ministry centered on foundational truths, even for mature believers. Peter's determined resolve to "always be ready to remind" his audience speaks volumes about the continuous nature of spiritual formation. He understands that simply knowing truth is not enough; it must be regularly recalled, internalized, and lived out to remain vibrant and effective. This continuous remembrance is vital for preventing spiritual drift, complacency, or vulnerability to false teachings that could compromise their established faith. It implies that true growth is not about abandoning foundational principles for "new" insights, but about deepening one's grasp and application of what has already been received. The "truth" here is not an abstract philosophy but the living, transformative reality of the gospel that is not hidden but accessible and rooted "in them" as believers.

Examples:

• A Christian who regularly attends worship and reads their Bible still benefits from sermons that reiterate core doctrines like the Trinity or atonement, ensuring those truths remain central and not merely intellectual assent.
• An elder Christian who has walked with the Lord for decades may still find new encouragement and challenge from a passage they've read many times, because "reminding" strengthens the heart for current circumstances or trials.
• Believers grounded in biblical ethics are reminded of purity standards not because they are ignorant, but to empower them against contemporary societal pressures and temptations.