New International VersionBut whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
New Living TranslationBut those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.
English Standard VersionFor whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.
Berean Standard BibleBut whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
Berean Literal BibleFor in whomever these things are not present, he is blind, being short sighted, having received forgetfulness of the purification from his former sins.
King James BibleBut he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
New King James VersionFor he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
New American Standard BibleFor the one who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.
NASB 1995For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.
NASB 1977For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.
Legacy Standard BibleFor in whom these things are not present, that one is blind, being nearsighted, having forgotten the purification from his former sins.
Amplified BibleFor whoever lacks these qualities is blind—shortsighted [closing his spiritual eyes to the truth], having become oblivious to the fact that he was cleansed from his old sins.
Christian Standard BibleThe person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins.
American Standard VersionFor he that lacketh these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.
Contemporary English VersionBut if you don't grow, you are like someone who is nearsighted or blind, and you have forgotten that your past sins are forgiven.
English Revised VersionFor he that lacketh these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationIf these qualities aren't present in your life, you're shortsighted and have forgotten that you were cleansed from your past sins.
Good News TranslationBut if you do not have them, you are so shortsighted that you cannot see and have forgotten that you have been purified from your past sins.
International Standard VersionFor the person who lacks these qualities is blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten the cleansing that he has received from his past sins.
NET BibleBut concerning the one who lacks such things--he is blind. That is to say, he is nearsighted, since he has forgotten about the cleansing of his past sins.
New Heart English BibleFor he who lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.
Webster's Bible TranslationBut he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purified from his old sins.
Weymouth New TestamentFor the man in whom they are lacking is blind and cannot see distant objects, in that he has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his old sins. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
World English BibleFor he who lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor he with whom these things are not present is blind, dim-sighted, having become forgetful of the cleansing of his old sins;
Berean Literal BibleFor in whomever these things are not present, he is blind, being short sighted, having received forgetfulness of the purification from his former sins.
Young's Literal Translation for he with whom these things are not present is blind, dim-sighted, having become forgetful of the cleansing of his old sins;
Smith's Literal TranslationFor in whom these are not present, he is blind, being affected with shortness of sight, having taken forgetfulness of the cleansing formerly of his sins. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor he that hath not these things with him, is blind, and groping, having forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor he who does not have these things at hand is blind and groping, being forgetful of his purification from his former offenses.
New American BibleAnyone who lacks them is blind and shortsighted, forgetful of the cleansing of his past sins.
New Revised Standard VersionFor anyone who lacks these things is short-sighted and blind, and is forgetful of the cleansing of past sins. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut he who lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishFor he in whom these things are not found is blind, because he does not see that he has forgotten the purification of his former sins. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut he who is wanting in these things is blind, and closes his eyes, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
Godbey New Testamentfor he unto whom these things are not present is blind, not seeing afar off, having received the forgetfulness of his purgation from his old sins.
Haweis New TestamentBut he that hath no possession of these things, is blind, dim-sighted, sinking into oblivion of his purification from the sins of his former days.
Mace New Testamentbut he that is destitute of them is blind or short-sighted, having forgot he was purified from his past sins.
Weymouth New TestamentFor the man in whom they are lacking is blind and cannot see distant objects, in that he has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his old sins.
Worrell New Testamentfor he to whom these things are lacking is blind, seeing dimly, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.
Worsley New TestamentBut he, that hath not these, is blind, or short-sighted, having forgot his baptismal purification from his former sins.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Partakers of the Divine Nature… 8For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9Butwhoeverlacksthese traitsisnearsightedto the point of blindness,having forgottenthathe has been cleansedfrom hispastsins.10Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,…
Cross References James 1:23-24For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
Hebrews 6:4-6It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, / who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age— / and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame.
Matthew 13:22The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
1 John 2:11But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
Revelation 3:17You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.
Titus 3:3-7For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. / But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, / He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. ...
Ephesians 4:18They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts.
Romans 2:4Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?
Galatians 5:22-23But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Colossians 1:21-22Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds, engaging in evil deeds. / But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence—
1 Corinthians 6:11And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
John 15:2He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful.
Philippians 1:9-11And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, / filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Isaiah 42:19-20Who is blind but My servant, or deaf like the messenger I am sending? Who is blind like My covenant partner, or blind like the servant of the LORD? / Though seeing many things, you do not keep watch. Though your ears are open, you do not hear.”
Jeremiah 4:22“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.”
Treasury of Scripture But he that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. lacketh. 2 Peter 1:5-7 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; … Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. Luke 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. blind. John 9:40,41 Andsome of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? … 2 Corinthians 4:3,4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: … 1 John 2:9-11 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now… that he. 2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 2:18-20 For when they speak great swellingwords of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh,through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error… Romans 6:1-4,11 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? … Jump to Previous AfarBlindCleansedCleansingDistantForgetfulForgottenLacksMemoryObjectsPresentPurgedPurgingPurificationPurifiedQualitiesSinsJump to Next AfarBlindCleansedCleansingDistantForgetfulForgottenLacksMemoryObjectsPresentPurgedPurgingPurificationPurifiedQualitiesSins2 Peter 1 1.Peter confirms the hope of the increase of God's grace,5.exhorts them, by faith, and good works, to make their calling sure;12.whereof he is careful to remind them, knowing that his death is at hand;16.and assures them of the authenticity of the Gospel, by the eyewitness of the apostles and the prophets.But whoever lacks these traitsThis phrase refers to the qualities listed in the preceding verses, such as faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. These traits are essential for spiritual growth and maturity. The absence of these qualities indicates a deficiency in one's spiritual life, suggesting a lack of transformation and sanctification that should accompany a believer's faith journey. is nearsighted to the point of blindness
The metaphor of nearsightedness and blindness highlights a spiritual condition where one is unable to see beyond immediate circumstances or personal desires. This condition reflects a lack of spiritual insight and understanding, akin to the Pharisees whom Jesus criticized for their spiritual blindness (John 9:39-41). It suggests a failure to grasp the eternal perspective and the deeper truths of the Christian faith. having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins
This phrase emphasizes the importance of remembering one's redemption and the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice. Forgetting this foundational truth can lead to a life that does not reflect the transformative power of the Gospel. The cleansing from past sins is a central theme in Christian doctrine, as seen in passages like 1John 1:9, which speaks of confession and forgiveness. This forgetfulness can result in a lack of gratitude and motivation to pursue holiness, as the believer loses sight of the grace that has been extended to them. Persons / Places / Events 1. PeterThe author of the epistle, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, known for his leadership in the early church and his close relationship with Jesus. 2. Recipients of the EpistleBelievers in the early church, likely facing challenges in maintaining their faith amidst false teachings and persecution. 3. False TeachersA recurring theme in 2 Peter, these individuals were leading believers astray with incorrect doctrines and immoral practices. 4. The Early ChurchThe community of believers during the first century, striving to live out their faith in a hostile environment. 5. Cleansing from Past SinsA reference to the transformative power of salvation through Jesus Christ, which is central to Christian doctrine. Teaching Points Spiritual Blindness and ForgetfulnessSpiritual blindness occurs when believers fail to cultivate the virtues listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7. This blindness is a result of forgetting the cleansing from past sins, which should motivate a life of godliness. The Importance of Spiritual GrowthPeter emphasizes the necessity of growing in faith and virtue. Stagnation in spiritual life can lead to a regression into old, sinful patterns. The Role of Remembrance in FaithRemembering the cleansing from past sins is crucial for maintaining a vibrant faith. This remembrance fuels gratitude and a desire to live in a way that honors God. The Danger of ComplacencyComplacency in spiritual life can lead to a lack of fruitfulness. Believers are called to be diligent in their pursuit of godliness to avoid spiritual stagnation. Practical Steps for Cultivating VirtueEngage in regular self-examination, prayer, and study of Scripture to ensure that the traits of faith are being developed and maintained. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Peter 1:9?
2.How does 2 Peter 1:9 describe the consequences of lacking spiritual growth?
3.What does "blind and shortsighted" mean in the context of 2 Peter 1:9?
4.How can we ensure we remember our "cleansing from past sins" daily?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize the importance of spiritual maturity and growth?
6.How can we apply 2 Peter 1:9 to strengthen our faith journey?
7.What does 2 Peter 1:9 imply about spiritual blindness and forgetfulness of past sins?
8.How does 2 Peter 1:9 challenge believers to examine their spiritual growth?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of 2 Peter 1:9?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Peter 1?
11.What does being called into marvelous light mean?
12.Who is Jesus Christ?
13.Is being clean akin to being godly?
14.Some argue 2 Peter 1 contradicts other scriptures by emphasizing human effort (“make every effort” in verse 5) within salvation; how is this tension resolved?What Does 2 Peter 1:9 Mean But whoever lacks these traitsPeter has just listed faith’s essential supplements—goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2 Peter 1:5-7). Here he makes the sober observation that a believer who does not cultivate these qualities is spiritually impoverished. • The absence of these virtues signals stunted growth, like a fruit tree that never matures (cf.John 15:2-6). • Faith without the evidence of these traits is “dead” in practice, even if genuine in origin (James 2:17). • The Lord expects His people to “bear fruit in every good work” (Colossians 1:10); to lack these traits is to resist His clear purpose.
is nearsighted to the point of blindnessPeter pictures a believer who sees only the concerns right in front of him, missing the larger horizon of God’s kingdom. • Spiritual myopia causes: – short-term priorities to eclipse eternal ones (Matthew 6:19-21); – a fixation on earthly trials instead of future glory (Romans 8:18); – a tendency to stumble because the next step is all that’s visible (1 John 2:11). • “Blindness” does not mean loss of salvation; rather, the person forfeits clarity, joy, and usefulness (Revelation 3:17-18). • Christ offers “eye salve” through His Word and Spirit, enabling believers to regain clear sight when they turn back to Him (Psalm 19:8;Ephesians 1:18).
having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sinsSpiritual forgetfulness sits at the root of the problem. • At conversion we were washed—“You were sanctified…in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). • Forgetting this cleansing dulls gratitude; gratitude is the fuel for obedience (Luke 7:47). • When the certainty of forgiveness fades, believers may drift back toward the very sins they were freed from (Hebrews 9:14;Galatians 5:1). • Regular remembrance—through Scripture, fellowship, and the Lord’s Supper—keeps the reality of cleansing fresh (1 Corinthians 11:24-26;2 Peter 3:1-2).
summary2 Peter 1:9 warns that a believer who fails to build on faith with Christ-like virtues becomes spiritually shortsighted, losing sight of both God’s future and God’s past work in cleansing him. The remedy is deliberate growth in the qualities Peter lists, aided by constant remembrance of the cleansing accomplished by Jesus. Clear vision, fruitful living, and joyful assurance flourish wherever gratitude for the cross remains vivid. (9) But he that lacketh.--Rather, for he that lacketh. Geneva and Rheims have "for." The "for" introduces the second reason for the exhortation to furnish forth all these graces--viz., the evil of not having them. The Greek implies absence of possession in any degree, not merely absence of permanent possession. (See first Note on 2Peter 1:8.) Is blind.--We might have expected "will be idle and unfruitful, &c.," but the writer is not content with merely emphasizing what has just been said, after the manner of St. John (e.g.,2Peter 1:3;1John 1:5;1John 2:4;1John 2:27-28;1John 4:2-3;1John 4:6); he puts the case in a new way, with a new metaphor equally, applicable to the subject of knowledge. Note that he does not say "will be blind," but" is blind." The very fact of his possessing none of these graces shows that he has no eye for them. . . . Verse 9. - But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off; literally, for he to whom these things are not present is blind, short-sighted. We cannot attain to the knowledge of Christ without these graces, for he who has them not is blind, or, at the best, short-sighted, like one who blinks with his eyes when he tries to see distant objects, and cannot bear the full light of day. Such a man can only see the things which lie close around him - earth and earthly things; he cannot lift up his eyes by faith and behold "the land that is very far off;" he cannot "see the King in his beauty" ( Isaiah 33:17). The word for "short-sighted" ( μυωπάζων) occurs only here in the New Testament. And hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins; literally, having incurred forgetfulness of the cleansing from his old sins. St. Peter is apparently thinking of the one baptism for the remission of sin. Ananias had said to Saul, "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins" ( Acts 22:16); St. Peter himself had said, in his first great sermon, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." Those who do not realize in the religious life that death unto sin of which holy baptism is the sign and the beginning, incur forgetfulness of the cleansing from sin which they then received; they do not use the grace once given for the attainment of those higher graces of which St. Peter has been speaking. The one talent once entrusted to them must be taken from them; they are idle and unfruitful, and cannot reach unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (comp. 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 5:26; 1 Peter 3:21).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [But]γὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.whoeverᾧ(hō)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.lacksπάρεστιν(parestin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3918:From para and eimi; to be near, i.e. At hand; neuter present participle time being, or property.these [ traits ]ταῦτα(tauta)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.isἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.nearsightedμυωπάζων(myōpazōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3467:To be short-sighted, blink, see dimly. From a compound of the base of musterion and ops; to shut the eyes, i.e. Blink.to the point of blindness,τυφλός(typhlos)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5185:Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind.having forgottenλήθην(lēthēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3024:Forgetfulness, oblivion. From lanthano; forgetfulness.thatτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.he has been cleansedκαθαρισμοῦ(katharismou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2512:From katharizo; a washing off, i.e. ablution, expiation.from hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.pastπάλαι(palai)Adverb
Strong's 3819:Of old, long ago, in times past, former. Probably another form for palin; formerly, or sometime since; ancient.sins.ἁμαρτιῶν(hamartiōn)Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 266:From hamartano; a sin.
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NT Letters: 2 Peter 1:9 For he who lacks these things (2 Pet. 2P iiP ii Pet) |
