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

2 PETER 1:20KJV
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2 Peter 1:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Peter 1:20 mean?

2 Peter 1:20 says that no prophecy in the Bible comes from someone's own private explanation or personal idea. The verse stresses that the meaning of scriptural prophecy is not up to individual interpretation but has a source and meaning beyond any one person's opinion.

Peter is writing to early Christians, reminding them that the prophecies found in Scripture are not just human thoughts or inventions. In the context of this letter, Peter is emphasizing the reliability and divine origin of biblical prophecy, setting up his argument that these messages come from God, not from the prophets themselves.

The Greek behind 2 Peter 1:20

  • "Private" (ἰδίας, idias): This word means "one's own" or "private." Peter is highlighting that prophecy does not originate from a prophet's personal insight or agenda.
  • "Interpretation" (ἐπιλύσεως, epilyseōs): This term refers to "explanation" or "unraveling." The verse is often understood as saying that the meaning of prophecy is not something each person can decide for themselves, but is tied to its divine source.
  • "Prophecy" (προφητεία, prophēteia): This word refers specifically to messages from God delivered through chosen individuals. Peter is focusing on these as having authority beyond human invention.

Why 2 Peter 1:20 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that anyone can interpret biblical prophecy however they wish, emphasizing that prophecy has a meaning rooted in God’s intention, not personal opinion.
  • It sets up the next verse (2 Peter 1:21), which explains that prophecy comes as people are moved by the Holy Spirit, not by their own will.
  • The verse encourages readers to approach Scripture with humility, recognizing that its true meaning is not determined by private ideas but by its divine origin.

Where else these words appear

“prophecy” Greek G4394 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
  • 1 Corinthians 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
  • Revelation 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

“scripture” Greek G1124 · used in 51 verses

  • Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
  • John 10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
  • Romans 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

“first” Greek G4412 · used in 61 verses

  • Matthew 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
  • Luke 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
  • Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

“private” Greek G2398 · used in 109 verses

  • Matthew 9:1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
  • John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
  • Galatians 6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden.