Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

2 PETER 3:11KJV
Know the Bible

2 Peter 3:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Peter 3:11 mean?

2 Peter 3:11 says that since everything in the world will one day be destroyed, people should seriously consider what kind of lives they live, focusing on living in a holy and godly way. The verse urges readers to think about their character and actions in light of the coming end of all things.

Peter is writing to Christians, reminding them that the world as they know it will not last forever. He points out that because everything will be "dissolved," or come to an end, it is important for believers to live lives marked by holiness and reverence for God. The verse is part of a larger warning about the future and a call to live in a way that reflects faith and respect for God’s coming judgment.

The Greek behind 2 Peter 3:11

  • "dissolved" (λυομένων, lyomenōn): This word means to be loosened, broken up, or destroyed. Peter uses it to describe the complete undoing of the present world, stressing the seriousness and finality of what is coming.
  • "holy" (ἁγίαις, hagiais): This word means set apart or dedicated to God. Peter is not just talking about outward behavior but a life that is distinct because it belongs to God.
  • "conversation" (ἀναστροφαῖς, anastrophais): In Greek, this word refers to one's way of life or conduct, not just speech. Peter is urging a whole pattern of living that reflects holiness.
  • "godliness" (εὐσεβείᾳ, eusebeia): This means reverence or respect toward God, often shown in practical devotion. Peter connects daily living with an attitude of deep respect for God.

Why 2 Peter 3:11 matters

  • The verse clears up the idea that Christian living is only about beliefs; Peter links faith directly to everyday actions and attitudes.
  • It emphasizes that the coming end of the world is not just a warning but a motivation for living differently now, with a focus on holiness and godliness.
  • The verse ties into the wider passage by showing that the knowledge of God’s future plans should shape how believers live in the present, not just what they think about the future.

Where else these words appear

“manner” Greek G4217 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
  • Mark 13:1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!
  • Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

“conversation” Greek G391 · used in 13 verses

  • Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
  • James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
  • 1 Peter 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

“godliness” Greek G2150 · used in 15 verses

  • Acts 3:12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
  • 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
  • 2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

“dissolved” Greek G3089 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 19:31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.
  • Acts 24:26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.