2 Peter 1:19 kjv

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

2 Peter 1:19 nkjv

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

2 Peter 1:19 niv

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

2 Peter 1:19 esv

And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,

2 Peter 1:19 nlt

Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place ? until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.

2 Peter 1 verses

2 Peter 1 19 Meaning

The verse proclaims that the apostolic eyewitness testimony, particularly concerning Christ's glory seen at the Transfiguration, profoundly confirms the reliability and truthfulness of the Old Testament prophetic word. Believers are urged to give diligent attention to this confirmed prophetic word, viewing it as a guiding light—a lamp illuminating the present spiritual darkness. This diligent heed should persist until a future point of full divine illumination: "the day dawns," representing Christ's second coming or ultimate revelation, and "the morning star rises in your hearts," signifying a deep, personal spiritual awakening and a direct, intimate apprehension of Christ within each believer.

2 Peter 1 19 Context

This verse stands as a powerful climax to Peter's argument in 2 Peter 1:16-18. Peter is countering potential doubts or "cleverly devised myths" concerning Christ's glorious return and the apostles' testimony. He asserts that the apostles were not peddling fables but were "eyewitnesses of his majesty," specifically referencing the Transfiguration (1:17-18). The "prophetic word" here refers primarily to the Old Testament prophecies that foretold the Messiah's suffering and glory. Peter argues that their unique experience on the Mount of Transfiguration (the "voice... from the majestic glory," the "honor and glory") served to definitively confirm these prophecies about Christ. He shifts from subjective apostolic experience (what we saw and heard) to the objective, divinely revealed word that everyone has access to. He encourages the recipients of his letter to heed this prophetic word diligently, understanding its vital role in navigating spiritual darkness until the ultimate light, Christ himself, illuminates their hearts. This foundational understanding protects believers from false teachings that often arose from dismissing biblical revelation or relying solely on private, unverified experiences.

2 Peter 1 19 Word analysis

• And we have (Καὶ ἔχομεν - Kai echomen): Peter is linking this statement directly to the preceding one where he asserts the apostles' eyewitness testimony to Christ's majesty (v. 16-18). The "we" is crucial, referring to the apostles who were privileged witnesses of the Transfiguration. The emphasis is on possession – they have this confirmation.
• the prophetic word (τὸν προφητικὸν λόγον - ton prophētikon logon): Refers specifically to the divinely inspired utterances and writings of the Old Testament prophets concerning God's redemptive plan, particularly concerning the Messiah. This `logos` (word/message) is rooted in divine truth and authoritative. It encompasses prophecies regarding Christ's person, work, and coming glory, foundational to Christian hope.
• more fully confirmed (βεβαιότερον - bebaioteron): This is a comparative adverb, meaning "more certain," "more reliable," or "more firmly established." It's not that the prophetic word was uncertain before, but that the Transfiguration experience of the apostles (which validated God's word and voice) gave an added or further degree of certainty to an already certain truth. It enhanced the objective testimony through a direct divine manifestation, bolstering apostolic witness. This is a crucial polemical point against those who might prefer personal visions or philosophies over the reliable, objective, and publicly attested Scripture.
• to which (ᾧ - hō): Refers directly back to the "prophetic word."
• you will do well (καλῶς ποιείτε - kalōs poieite): A commendation and exhortation. It implies a moral and spiritual advantage, meaning "you are acting rightly" or "you will do a good thing" by doing this.
• to pay attention (προσέχοντες - prosechontes): This verb denotes a continuous and earnest mental application, a devoted heed, giving diligence, listening carefully. It implies not just casual reading, but a focused, persistent engagement with the prophetic word.
• as to a lamp (ὡς λύχνῳ - hōs lychnō): A metaphorical comparison. A `lychnos` was an oil lamp, essential in ancient homes for navigating darkness. The prophetic word serves this practical function, providing light and direction in an otherwise obscure and uncertain world.
• shining (φαίνοντι - phainonti): Present participle, indicating continuous shining. The lamp is actively giving light.
• in a dark place (ἐν αὐχμηρῷ τόπῳ - en auchmēro topō): "Auchmēros" means squalid, dry, murky, dark, unkempt. Metaphorically, this refers to the present age or world as characterized by spiritual, moral, and intellectual obscurity, uncertainty, and sin. It signifies the unenlightened state of the world outside of God's revelation.
• until the day dawns (μέχρις οὗ ἡμέρα διαυγάσῃ - mechris hou hēmera diaugasē): "Diugasē" means to shine through, to shine fully, to become fully light. This refers to the glorious dawning of the Lord's Day, often interpreted as Christ's Second Coming, when ultimate light and clarity will break through.
• and the morning star (καὶ φωσφόρος - kai phōsphoros): "Phosphoros" literally means "light-bringer" and refers to Venus, the brightest star visible before sunrise, signaling the dawn. This is an explicit reference to Jesus Christ Himself, as seen in Rev 22:16 where He declares, "I am the bright morning star."
• rises (ἀνατείλῃ - anateilē): Means to rise, like the sun or a star. It signifies an emerging, becoming clearly visible.
• in your hearts (ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν - en tais kardiais hymōn): This signifies an internal, spiritual, and personal experience. It implies a personal revelation of Christ, not just as an external figure but as the illuminated truth and reality within the deepest core of one's being. This personal internal illumination goes hand-in-hand with the external "day dawning." It could refer to full spiritual comprehension, Christ taking full lordship, or a personal anticipation of His return.

2 Peter 1 19 Bonus section

This verse encapsulates a profound theological interplay between objective revelation (the external word of prophecy) and subjective illumination (the internal rising of the Morning Star, Christ). It highlights the sufficiency of Scripture as a reliable guide in the present age of spiritual ambiguity. The 'dark place' refers to the moral and spiritual climate of the world, making the prophetic word absolutely indispensable. Peter is essentially urging the readers not to fall for sensationalism or deceptive private interpretations but to ground their hope and understanding in the solid, verified word of God. The phrase "more fully confirmed" acts as a powerful polemical response against Gnostic leanings or any tendency to elevate subjective, mystical experiences or human philosophy above divine revelation, asserting that the Transfiguration itself didn't make the word more true, but demonstrably confirmed its certainty to the witnesses. The spiritual understanding or illumination within the heart ("morning star rises in your hearts") is not divorced from but rooted in and responsive to diligent attention to the objective prophetic word.

2 Peter 1 19 Commentary

Peter anchors faith in the unshakeable reality of God's revealed word, validated by divine events like the Transfiguration. The prophetic word (Scripture) is not merely ancient text but a reliable source of light in a spiritually dim world. We are exhorted to devote consistent and earnest attention to it. This active engagement is not an end in itself but a means to navigate life's challenges, combat false teachings, and await ultimate clarity. The journey from partial illumination ("lamp in a dark place") to full brightness signifies progression. The "day dawning" points to the visible return of Christ and the eschatological fulfillment, while "the morning star rises in your hearts" speaks of an accompanying internal, experiential revelation of Christ, transforming spiritual perception and understanding within each believer. It's the move from external guidance to internal Christ-realization. The verse thus unites objective truth (the confirmed prophetic word) with subjective experience (the Morning Star in the heart), both culminating in Christ's glory.