Bible Strands
2 Peter 1:20
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The author addresses his readers, establishing a foundational rule for handling the prophetic word he previously confirmed as a lamp shining in darkness.
The words — προφητείας (prophēteias) means prophecy, and ἰδίας (idias) means of its own or private. Together they state that scriptural prophecy does not originate from individual interpretation.
The thread — The immediate context in 2 Peter 1:21 expands this by noting prophecy was never brought by human will but by the Holy Spirit. The theme of divine authority overriding human perspective also appears in Romans 12:6 and 2 Peter 3:3.
Why it lands — The text demands readers recognize that scriptural prophecy originates beyond personal interpretation. It requires submitting to the Spirit’s role in the text’s production before attempting to explain its meaning.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
Cross-references
- 2 Peter 3:3 Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.
- Romans 12:6 We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith;
- Romans 13:11 And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
- James 1:3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
- Romans 6:6 We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.
- 1 Timothy 1:9 We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers,