Bible Strands
2 Peter 1:21
For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author addresses his readers while explaining the origin of biblical prophecy. He writes to establish that Scripture does not originate from human initiative.
The words — `ἠνέχθη` (ēnechthē) translates literally as "was carried along" or "was brought forth," describing the mechanism of prophetic utterance. `προφητεία` (prophēteia) means "prophecy," referring specifically to the inspired message itself.
The thread — This theme connects to 2 Samuel 23:2, where the Spirit of the LORD speaks through a human speaker. It aligns with 1 Peter 1:11, which describes the Spirit of Christ predicting future events, and 2 Timothy 3:15, which affirms Scripture's divine purpose.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to abandon self-derived interpretations and acknowledge God as the source of biblical prophecy. It demands submission to the Spirit's authority rather than personal reasoning.
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
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.
Cross-references
- 2 Timothy 3:15 From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
- 2 Samuel 23:2 The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.
- 1 Peter 1:11 trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.
- Luke 1:70 as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past,
- Acts 1:16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus.
- Acts 3:18 But in this way God has fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Christ would suffer.
- Hebrews 10:15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First He says:
- Revelation 19:10 So I fell at his feet to worship him. But he told me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who rely on the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
- Numbers 16:28 Then Moses said, “This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things, for it was not my own doing:
- Mark 12:36 Speaking by the Holy Spirit, David himself declared: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’