For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

2 PETER 1:21KJV
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2 Peter 1:21 (KJV)

What does 2 Peter 1:21 mean?

2 Peter 1:21 says that the messages God’s people spoke in the past did not begin with a person’s own decision to speak for God. The verse instead presents those speakers as people through whom the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, was at work.

Following the statement about prophecy in verse 20, the writer explains why its source matters. The image of being “moved” pictures the speakers as being carried along, while “spake” shows that they were the ones who put the message into words.

The Greek behind 2 Peter 1:21

  • “moved” — φέρω (pherō): The word can mean “carried” or “brought along.” Here it gives a vivid picture of the Holy Spirit acting upon the speakers, rather than their simply setting out on their own.
  • “will” — θέλημα (thelēma): The word refers to what someone wants or decides. In this verse, it points to human desire or choice as the source being ruled out.

Why 2 Peter 1:21 matters

  • The verse concerns both a message and its speakers. The KJV names “the prophecy,” then describes the “holy men of God” who spoke it.
  • The writer gives a reason for the statement just made. The opening word “For” connects verse 21 to verse 20’s discussion of how prophecy is understood.

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.

“time” Greek G4218 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
  • Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

“came” Greek G5342 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 14:11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
  • Luke 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
  • Acts 12:10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

“will” Greek G2307 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  • Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
  • Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,