Bible Strands
2 Peter 3:17
Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Peter writes to his readers immediately after warning them that unstable individuals distort apostolic letters to their own destruction. He addresses them as "beloved" while concluding his discussion on the certainty of Christ's return and the reliability of Scripture.
The words — phulassesthe (φυλάσσεσθε) translates literally as "do beware" or "be on guard," and proginōskontes (προγινώσκοντες) means "knowing beforehand" or "already knowing."
The thread — The warning against deceptive teachings aligns with Colossians 2:8's caution against empty deception and 2 Corinthians 11:13's description of false apostles masquerading as truth-tellers. The call to maintain spiritual stability mirrors Hebrews 3:14's instruction to hold firmly to the assurance held at first.
Why it lands — The text commands readers to actively guard against being diverted by false teaching and to preserve their established faith. It requires deliberate vigilance rather than passive belief.
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
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
Cross-references
- Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.
- Hebrews 3:14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first.
- 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
- 1 Corinthians 10:12 So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.
- Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.
- Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
- 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.
- Proverbs 1:17 How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it!
- Romans 16:18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.