2 Peter 1:20 kjv

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

2 Peter 1:20 nkjv

knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,

2 Peter 1:20 niv

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things.

2 Peter 1:20 esv

knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation.

2 Peter 1:20 nlt

Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet's own understanding,

2 Peter 1 verses

2 Peter 1 20 Meaning

This verse states a foundational truth: that the message of Scripture's prophecy does not originate from a prophet's subjective understanding or personal ingenuity, nor is its meaning to be determined by individual, self-derived interpretation. Its true significance and intent are divinely given, requiring a humble and Spirit-led understanding aligned with the divine Author, rather than being molded by human perspectives or private opinions.

2 Peter 1 20 Context

This verse serves as a crucial preface to Peter's reaffirmation of the reliability of the prophetic word concerning Christ's glorious coming, which he witnessed at the Transfiguration (2 Pet 1:16-18). Having established the eyewitness testimony for the gospel, Peter moves to affirm that prophetic Scripture is an even "more sure word" (2 Pet 1:19). Verse 20 sets the stage for understanding why prophecy is so reliable: it is not a human product but originates entirely from God. This immediately transitions into verse 21, which details the mechanism of divine inspiration through the Holy Spirit.

The broader context of 2 Peter involves a fervent warning against false teachers who were infiltrating the church, subtly introducing "destructive heresies" (2 Pet 2:1-3) and distorting established truth for personal gain (2 Pet 2:3). These false teachers likely relied on private revelations or personal reinterpretations of Scripture to justify their doctrines and immoral practices, undermining apostolic teaching. Peter's insistence on the objective, divine origin and non-private nature of prophetic interpretation directly counters these subjective and manipulative approaches, reinforcing the authority and objective meaning of the sacred writings as the sole foundation for faith and conduct. This was a direct polemic against Gnostic tendencies or similar beliefs that elevated individual "gnosis" (secret knowledge) over public revelation.

2 Peter 1 20 Word analysis

• knowing: (Greek: ginōskontes) - A present active participle, implying a continuous or established knowledge. It functions as a command or a foundational premise the readers must understand and accept as they approach Scripture. It points to a certain, settled recognition of this truth.
• this first: (Greek: touto prōton) - "This" refers to the principle that follows. "First" denotes primary importance or a foundational understanding that must be grasped before all else. It prioritizes the origin of Scripture as central to its proper understanding.
• that no prophecy: (Greek: hoti pasa prophēteia with negation idias) - Literally, "that all prophecy...is not of its own..."
  • prophecy: (Greek: prophēteia) - Refers to the divine message revealed by God. In the context of "Scripture," it specifically denotes the inspired utterances and writings of the Old Testament prophets, and by extension, all divinely inspired written revelation contained in Scripture.
  • of Scripture: (Greek: graphēs) - Refers specifically to the sacred writings, primarily the Old Testament. This emphasizes the objective, written form of God's revealed truth, which serves as a stable and enduring reference point.
• is of any private interpretation: (Greek: ginetai idias epilyseōs)
  • is: (Greek: ginetai) - Means "comes to be," "originates," or "happens." It refers to the source or manner of coming into being.
  • private: (Greek: idias, from idios) - Denotes "one's own," "personal," "peculiar to oneself," "distinct from common." It stresses individuality and subjectivity, setting it apart from a divinely ordained or universally accessible meaning.
  • interpretation: (Greek: epilyseōs, from epilysis) - Signifies an "unloosing," "untying," "solution," or "explanation." It describes the act of resolving or making clear the meaning of something. Here, combined with "private," it refers to a self-generated or individually derived meaning that deviates from the true divine intent.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "knowing this first": This phrase establishes a prerequisite understanding for approaching prophetic Scripture. It implies that a correct grasp of how prophecy works is essential. It's not a mere suggestion but a vital truth the readers must comprehend.
• "that no prophecy of Scripture": This is a sweeping statement encompassing all divine revelation contained in the written Word. The use of "no" combined with the negative interpretation emphasizes that absolutely no part of God's inspired word stems from or allows for subjective human originating in its meaning. Its nature is wholly from God.
• "is of any private interpretation": This core prohibition means the source of Scripture's meaning and its proper explanation does not come from the prophet's individual mind, nor can it be imposed by a reader's independent, subjective ideas. The truth contained within Scripture is fixed by its divine Author and must be discovered according to His intent, not invented or distorted by human preference. It speaks to both the origin of prophecy (the prophet wasn't just expressing his thoughts) and the interpretation of prophecy (its meaning isn't derived by a person's independent ingenuity apart from divine guidance).

2 Peter 1 20 Bonus section

• Implications for Hermeneutics: This verse profoundly impacts how Christians approach interpreting the Bible. It highlights that the meaning of Scripture is inherent within the text, stemming from its divine Author, and is not to be externally imposed by a reader's own ideas, biases, or subjective experiences. True interpretation involves discovery of the author's intended meaning, not creation of new meaning.
• Corporate Understanding: While not explicitly stated here, the principle that prophecy is not of private interpretation has historically been understood within Christian tradition to imply the need for corporate discernment and guidance by the Holy Spirit within the believing community. This communal aspect helps to check individualistic biases and ensure that interpretations remain consistent with the broader witness of Scripture and the faith once delivered to the saints.
• Distinction between Revelation and Application: The verse addresses the origin and meaning of prophecy (revelation). It does not preclude personal application of Scripture. Once the true meaning is discerned by divine illumination, believers are to apply it personally, but that application must flow from the objective, divinely intended truth, not a self-invented interpretation of that truth.

2 Peter 1 20 Commentary

2 Peter 1:20 safeguards the divine authority and integrity of Scripture. By stating that no prophecy "is of any private interpretation," Peter is not prohibiting individual reading or study of the Bible. Rather, he asserts that the meaning of prophetic Scripture does not originate from the human mind of the prophet, nor does it yield its true sense to mere private, subjective understanding apart from the illuminating Spirit and the objective revelation. The Spirit-breathed word, spoken through holy men (2 Pet 1:21), possesses an objective meaning intended by God. This implies that true interpretation must seek the divine authorial intent, relying on the Spirit for illumination, submitting to the text, and often benefiting from corporate discernment within the body of Christ. This foundational principle prevents the abuse of Scripture through arbitrary individualistic readings, guarding against manipulative teachings and ensuring that God's word retains its fixed, authoritative meaning. It stands against all forms of Gnostic claims of special, esoteric understanding or any philosophy that places human intellect above divine revelation.