What does 2 Peter 1:9 mean?

But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 2 Peter 1:9

Explanation

2 Peter 1:9 presents a metaphorical concept of spiritual blindness. The apostle Peter speaks to his audience about the qualities of a Christian life that were previously listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7, which include faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. He argues that those who lack these characteristics are “blind” and unable to see “afar off,” meaning they have lost the clarity of vision regarding eternal truths and their redemption. The phrase “hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” signifies that such individuals have become oblivious to the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice, which cleansed them from past transgressions.

Historical Context

The Second Epistle of Peter was likely written between 60 and 68 A.D. The early Christian community faced false teachings and persecution. Peter sought to encourage and instruct believers in how to live out their faith authentically and remain steadfast amid false doctrines. The cultural and historical context of this letter involves the tension between the faithful adherence to Christian doctrine and the influences of the surrounding Hellenistic and Roman cultures.

Theological Insights

From a Protestant perspective, this verse is often seen as stressing the importance of sanctification as evidence of one’s salvation. The Catholic interpretation might highlight the necessity of growing in virtue as a response to God’s grace. Some theologians consider the verse as a warning against complacency in spiritual growth.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages self-examination and persistent effort in spiritual growth. It serves as a reminder not to become complacent in faith but to continuously cultivate the virtues that are indicative of a transformed life in Christ.

Cross-References

• 2 Peter 1:5-7: “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge…”
• Hebrews 6:4-6: “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened…”
• James 1:23-24: “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass…”

Language Study

Key words in 2 Peter 1:9 include:

• “Blind” (τυφλός – typhlos): Literally or figuratively blind, often indicating a lack of perception or understanding.
• “Cannot see afar off” (μυωπάζω – myopazo): Short-sighted or nearsighted, with a figurative implication of not recognizing spiritual truths.
• “Forgotten” (ληθέω – letheo): To forget, neglect, or no longer care for something.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The metaphor of blindness is commonly found in religious texts to describe a lack of spiritual insight or moral direction. In Hinduism, the concept of ‘avidya’ resembles spiritual ignorance, which keeps individuals from seeing the ultimate truth. Similarly, in Buddhism, ‘avidya’ represents ignorance, which is the root of suffering in the cycle of rebirth.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology might interpret the “blindness” described in the verse as akin to cognitive biases or a lack of metacognition. That is, failing to recognize and challenge personal shortcomings can hinder self-improvement and ethical development.

Commentaries

Commentators have provided various interpretations of this verse:

• Matthew Henry comments that a forgetfulness of the cleansing from past sins denotes a person is ungrateful for the grace of God.
• John MacArthur argues that this spiritual blindness and forgetfulness indicate a lack of evidence for genuine conversion.
• The Pulpit Commentary speaks to the danger of failing to develop Christian virtues, likening it to returning to a state of blindness and sin.