2 Peter 1:13 kjv

Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;

2 Peter 1:13 nkjv

Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you,

2 Peter 1:13 niv

I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body,

2 Peter 1:13 esv

I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder,

2 Peter 1:13 nlt

And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live.

2 Peter 1 verses

2 Peter 1 13 Meaning

Peter declares his solemn conviction that it is a moral imperative for him, for as long as he resides in his earthly body (his temporary dwelling), to diligently arouse and awaken believers by reminding them of essential truths. This statement highlights his pastoral responsibility and urgent desire to fortify the faith of his audience before his imminent departure (death). It's not about introducing new teachings but reiterating foundational knowledge and stimulating spiritual vigilance.

2 Peter 1 13 Context

Peter begins his letter by emphasizing the divine power granted to believers for life and godliness, which comes through the knowledge of God and Christ (2 Pet 1:3). He then outlines the crucial importance of growing in virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2 Pet 1:5-7). These qualities are not merely suggestions but are vital for an effective and fruitful Christian life (2 Pet 1:8). Peter then states his determination to continually remind his readers of these things (2 Pet 1:12). Verse 13 flows directly from this commitment, establishing his strong conviction and sense of duty given his approaching death (alluded to in v14). The historical context reveals Peter is writing towards the end of his life, possibly facing persecution and aware of his impending martyrdom under Roman authority, lending urgency and finality to his pastoral exhortations to scattered Christian communities facing false teachings and spiritual apathy.

2 Peter 1 13 Word analysis

• Yea, I think it meet / I think it right (δίκαιον, dikaion): This Greek term signifies "just," "right," "proper," or "fitting." Peter isn't merely suggesting; he perceives it as a moral and spiritual obligation. It highlights his conviction and divine mandate to care for the flock, establishing his words as essential.
• as long as I am (ἐν τούτῳ) in this tabernacle (τῷ σκηνώματι, tō skēnōmati):
  • "tabernacle" (skēnōmati): Derived from skēnē (tent, dwelling, booth). This metaphor describes the human body as a temporary, fragile dwelling. It echoes the Old Testament imagery of Israel's journey in the wilderness, living in tents, and also the transient nature of the Tabernacle itself. This is a common biblical concept, often contrasting the earthly, temporary body with the eternal, spiritual dwelling or resurrection body. Peter's choice of word emphasizes his mortality and the temporary nature of his earthly life and ministry. It indirectly contrasts with any philosophy that would glorify or be solely focused on the physical or temporary existence.
  • The phrase underlines the temporal nature of his ministry. He must act now, while he is able, because his time is limited.
• to stir you up (διεγείρειν, diegeirein): This verb means "to awaken fully," "to rouse," "to stir up from sleep or apathy." It implies a need to shake off spiritual slumber, complacency, or forgetfulness. Peter aims to re-energize their spiritual awareness and active pursuit of godliness, especially relevant in times when early believers might have faced discouragement, persecution, or the lure of false doctrines leading to spiritual lethargy.
• by putting you in remembrance (ἐν ὑπομνήσει, en hypomnēsei):
  • "remembrance" (hypomnēsei): This noun refers to a "calling to mind," a "reminder." Peter's method is not to introduce new revelations but to bring to conscious thought what they have already heard, known, and believed. This implies that spiritual stagnation often stems not from ignorance but from forgetfulness or neglect of known truths. It underscores the ongoing need for discipleship through reiteration and application of truth. This is a core aspect of apostolic teaching: firm establishment and reinforcement of fundamental doctrine.

2 Peter 1 13 Bonus section

• Peter's Apostolic Authority and Humility: While acting with full apostolic authority, Peter's wording, "I think it right," conveys a deep personal conviction and sense of duty rather than a mere assertion of power. He views his ministry as an essential task that must be completed before his earthly work concludes.
• Purpose of God's Word: Reminder and Transformation: This verse strongly highlights that a key purpose of biblical teaching and pastoral ministry is to remind believers of fundamental truths, thereby stirring them to live out their faith. It acknowledges that spiritual life often needs prompting, renewal, and fresh application of what is already known, preventing a drifting into spiritual amnesia or apathy.
• Foreknowledge of Death: The clear understanding Peter expresses regarding his imminent death (as hinted at in "this tabernacle" and directly stated in v. 14, and elsewhere by Christ in Jn 21:18-19) provides immense gravitas and a sense of ultimate earnestness to his words, turning his letter into a testament or farewell address.
• Contrast with Worldly Immortality/Philosophy: Peter's view of the body as a temporary tent subtly contrasts with pagan philosophical ideas prevalent in his time that might have sought forms of earthly immortality or seen the body as merely a vessel for sensual indulgence without acknowledging its temporary and spiritually accountable nature. He implicitly urges readers to invest in eternal truths, not temporary physical comfort or pursuits.

2 Peter 1 13 Commentary

In 2 Peter 1:13, the Apostle Peter articulates a deep-seated conviction regarding his pastoral duty. He declares it "right" or "fitting" (dikaion) to perform this duty, highlighting his awareness of a moral obligation entrusted to him by God. This sense of obligation is intensified by his consciousness of his impending death, symbolically referred to as his departure from his "tabernacle"—his mortal body. This imagery of the body as a temporary tent underscores the brevity of life and the transient nature of earthly existence, adding urgency to his words.

Peter's purpose is not to impart new or secret revelations, but "to stir you up by putting you in remembrance." The term "stir you up" (diegeirein) implies a need to awaken his readers from spiritual sluggishness, complacency, or potential forgetfulness of foundational truths. This spiritual awakening is achieved through "remembrance" (hypomnēsei)—a re-calling to mind of what they have already been taught. This method is crucial because true spiritual growth and perseverance often depend on consistently applying known truth, not just accumulating new knowledge. In a world increasingly prone to distractions and false teachings, Peter's final admonitions serve as a powerful safeguard, ensuring that his flock remains vigilant, grounded, and fruitful in their faith until Christ's return or their own earthly departure.