2 Peter 1:15 kjv

Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

2 Peter 1:15 nkjv

Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.

2 Peter 1:15 niv

And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

2 Peter 1:15 esv

And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

2 Peter 1:15 nlt

so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone.

2 Peter 1 verses

2 Peter 1 15 Meaning

Second Peter 1:15 reveals the Apostle Peter's deep pastoral concern and resolve. Knowing his death is near, he diligently exerts himself to establish a lasting means by which his readers, and subsequent generations of believers, can always recall and hold fast to the foundational truths and instructions he has imparted to them. His primary aim is to ensure their continued spiritual growth and stability by preserving access to apostolic teaching, thus safeguarding them against spiritual deception.

2 Peter 1 15 Context

This verse is positioned immediately after Peter’s explicit acknowledgment of his impending death (2 Pet 1:14), emphasizing its certainty and imminence as revealed by Christ. The context of 2 Peter as a whole is pastoral and didactic, with a strong warning against the encroaching danger of false teachers (addressed in chapter 2). Knowing he will soon depart, Peter is burdened to secure his readers' spiritual foundation. Chapters 1:3-11 establish the spiritual provisions given to believers and their call to grow in Christian virtues and knowledge of Christ. Verse 1:12 states Peter's intention to always remind them, reinforcing this theme of remembering crucial truths. Thus, 1:15 serves as a bridge, explaining how Peter plans to ensure this ongoing remembrance—likely through this epistle itself—in anticipation of his absence, preparing them to remain firm amidst future doctrinal challenges.

2 Peter 1 15 Word analysis

• And I (κἀγώ - kago): This linking conjunction and pronoun ("and I" or "I also") connects Peter's personal resolve to his preceding statement about his impending death (2 Pet 1:14). It underscores his personal responsibility and proactive effort to minister to them even in anticipation of his absence.
• will make every effort (σπουδάζω - spoudazō): This word conveys a sense of earnest zeal, diligent striving, or eager diligence. Peter's commitment is not passive; it is an active, strenuous endeavor. It appears earlier in 2 Pet 1:5 ("make every effort") concerning the readers' diligence in spiritual growth and 1:10 concerning their diligence in confirming their calling, highlighting that Peter exemplifies the diligence he exhorts.
• so that (ἵνα - hina): Introduces a purpose clause, clearly indicating Peter's aim or intention behind his "effort."
• after my departure (τῆς ἐμῆς ἐξόδου - tēs emēs exodou): "My exodus" or "my going out." This is a profound and theologically rich euphemism for Peter's death. It echoes the literal Exodus of Israel from Egypt (Heb 11:22), the departure of Elijah (2 Kgs 2:11), and notably, Jesus' own "departure" (Lk 9:31), which refers to his crucifixion and resurrection. By using "exodus," Peter implicitly links his death not merely to a physical cessation, but to a significant and divinely ordained event, a triumphant release into God's presence, rather than a final defeat.
• you may be able (ἔχητε - echete): Literally "that you may have." It implies possessing the capacity, the means, or the resource to do something.
• at any time (πάντοτε - pantote): "Always," "at all times." This denotes a continuous and unfailing access to the ability to recall. It's not a one-time event, but an ongoing capacity for remembrance whenever needed, underscoring the enduring nature of his concern and the resource he intends to provide.
• to recall these things (μνήμην ἔχειν ποιεῖσθαι - mnemen echein poieisthai): Lit. "to make remembrance to have," or "to cause memory to be had." This active phrase emphasizes establishing a permanent memorial or record from which remembrance can consistently be drawn. It's about providing an effective, tangible means by which they can actively bring these truths back to mind.
• these things (τούτων - toutōn): This refers collectively to the essential spiritual truths, the exhortations to virtue, the promises, and the true knowledge of Jesus Christ that Peter has already outlined (e.g., 2 Pet 1:3-11) and will continue to elaborate in the epistle. This implicitly refers to his apostolic testimony and teaching, which would be preserved, likely through this written letter and other traditions.

2 Peter 1 15 Bonus section

Peter's commitment to ensuring the ongoing remembrance of "these things" strongly anticipates the authoritative role of written Scripture in preserving apostolic truth. While the "means" isn't explicitly stated, this epistle itself serves as the most direct fulfillment of that pledge. His pastoral heart aligns with the divine providence that orchestrated the compilation of the New Testament, solidifying the teachings for all time. This verse highlights the profound intergenerational concern of the early church leaders, recognizing that the faithful transmission of doctrine was paramount for the church's continuity and purity. Peter’s willingness to make such an "effort" reveals a leadership that prioritizes the enduring spiritual well-being of the body of Christ above his own personal comfort or fate.

2 Peter 1 15 Commentary

Peter, sensing his imminent death, conveys a fervent pastoral urgency in 2 Peter 1:15. His "every effort" signifies not just his intention but his zealous activity—likely including the composition of this very letter—to ensure the spiritual security of his flock after his physical absence. The profound choice of "departure" (exodou) subtly elevates his death beyond a mere biological end; it aligns his final moments with the great "exodus" moments of redemptive history, notably Christ’s own, suggesting a divinely orchestrated transition into glory. Peter's purpose is remarkably practical: he wants to establish a continuous and readily available means for his readers to actively recall the vital truths and doctrines he taught them. This foresight against potential spiritual erosion or false teaching after his death speaks volumes of his heart as an apostle, laying a foundation for the preservation of essential Christian doctrine, effectively contributing to the ongoing canon of the New Testament that would serve as a perpetual "remembrance" for all believers. His ultimate goal is to equip them to stand firm and grow in knowledge, even when their human shepherd is no longer with them.