Bible Strands
2 Peter 1:9
But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Peter writes to believers to warn them about spiritual complacency following his instructions on cultivating Christian virtues. He addresses them during a period of moral instruction aimed at preserving their growth in Christ.
The words — The Greek term μυωπάζων (muōpazōn) literally means "being short-sighted," paired with τυφλός (tuphlos), "blind," to describe impaired spiritual perception. These terms contrast physical sight with the inability to recognize one's cleansed state.
The thread — This warning against spiritual myopia parallels 1 John 2:9, which links claiming to walk in the light with hating a brother while remaining in darkness. It also connects to Titus 2:14, which defines Christ's purpose as purifying a people free from lawlessness.
Why it lands — The text demands self-examination to ensure one's spiritual practices are active rather than dormant. It requires readers to recognize that neglecting cultivated virtues proves they have forgotten their past cleansing.
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
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
Cross-references
- 1 John 2:9 If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness.
- 2 Peter 2:18 With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error.
- Titus 2:14 He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
- Ephesians 5:26 to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,
- James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
- 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
- Romans 6:1 What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase?
- Romans 6:11 So you too must count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
- Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love.
- Galatians 5:13 For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.