As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

2 PETER 3:16KJV
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2 Peter 3:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Peter 3:16 mean?

2 Peter 3:16 says that some of Paul’s letters contain things that are hard to understand, and that people who lack learning or stability twist these writings—just as they do other Scriptures—to their own harm. This verse warns that misunderstanding or distorting Scripture can lead to serious consequences.

Peter is writing to Christians, acknowledging that Paul’s letters can be challenging and that not everyone handles them responsibly. He points out that those who are “unlearned and unstable” misinterpret these teachings, which puts them in spiritual danger. This also shows that even in the early church, Paul’s writings were recognized as Scripture alongside other sacred texts.

The Greek behind 2 Peter 3:16

  • ἀμαθεῖς (amathéis, “unlearned”): This word means lacking education or knowledge, especially in spiritual matters. Peter is describing people who do not have a solid understanding of the faith.
  • ἀστήρικτοι (astēriktoi, “unstable”): This word refers to those who are not firmly grounded or steady in their beliefs. It highlights the risk of being easily swayed or misled.
  • στρεβλοῦσιν (streblousin, “wrest”): The Greek word means to twist or distort, as if bending something out of shape. Peter is saying these people are not just misunderstanding but actively misrepresenting the meaning of Scripture.
  • γραφάς (graphas, “scriptures”): This term is used for sacred writings. By using it for Paul’s letters, Peter is placing them on the same level as other recognized holy texts.

Why 2 Peter 3:16 matters

  • 2 Peter 3:16 shows that even early Christians found some parts of Paul’s letters difficult, which can encourage modern readers who struggle with certain passages.
  • The verse warns that twisting Scripture is not just a minor mistake but can lead to serious spiritual harm, stressing the importance of careful interpretation.
  • By calling Paul’s letters “Scripture,” Peter affirms their authority and value within the early Christian community, connecting them to the broader story of the Bible.

Where else these words appear

“unstable” Greek G793 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Peter 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

“destruction” Greek G684 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
  • Romans 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
  • 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.

“epistles” Greek G1992 · used in 23 verses

  • Acts 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.

“other” Greek G3062 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 22:6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
  • Acts 17:9 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.
  • Ephesians 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,