Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.

2 PETER 1:14KJV
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2 Peter 1:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Peter 1:14 mean?

2 Peter 1:14 means that Peter knows he will soon die, describing his body as a "tabernacle" or tent that he will "put off," just as Jesus had previously shown him. Peter is openly telling his readers that his earthly life is coming to an end, following what Jesus had revealed to him about his future.

Peter is writing this letter to fellow Christians, aware that his time is short. The word "tabernacle" here refers to his physical body, using the image of a temporary shelter to highlight the brief nature of life. Peter connects his coming death to a specific promise or prophecy Jesus made to him, showing that he sees his fate as part of God's plan.

The Greek behind 2 Peter 1:14

  • "Tabernacle" (σκῆνος, skēnos): This word means "tent" or "temporary dwelling." Peter uses it to describe his body, emphasizing that life on earth is not permanent.
  • "Put off" (ἀποτίθημι, apotithēmi): This phrase means to lay something aside or remove it. Peter is saying he will soon lay aside his earthly body, not just die in a general sense.
  • "Shortly" (τάχινος, tachinos): This word means "soon" or "quickly." Peter is aware that his death is near, not just a distant possibility.
  • "Shewed" (δηλόω, dēloō): This means to make clear or reveal. Peter refers to a specific moment when Jesus revealed to him how he would die, likely recalling Jesus' words in John 21:18-19.

Why 2 Peter 1:14 matters

  • This verse clears up that Peter is not speaking about a spiritual experience or a metaphorical change, but about his actual, physical death.
  • The use of "tabernacle" highlights the temporary nature of human life and points to a hope beyond the present body.
  • By mentioning Jesus' prior revelation, Peter connects his own fate to Jesus' authority and plan, grounding his message in personal experience and prophecy.

Where else these words appear

“shortly” Greek G5031 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

“off” Greek G595 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us(not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

“tabernacle” Greek G4638 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 7:46 Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
  • 2 Peter 1:13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;

“shewed” Greek G1213 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
  • Colossians 1:8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
  • Hebrews 12:27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.