What does 2 Peter 3:6 mean?

Explanation

2 Peter 3:6 is a verse in the New Testament that describes a catastrophic event in ancient times.

It refers to the Great Flood that is detailed in the book of Genesis, which was sent as a divine judgment upon the world due to its wickedness.

According to Scripture, during the time of Noah, humanity had become so corrupt that God decided to destroy all living creatures with a flood.

However, God spared Noah, his family, and representatives of each animal species by instructing Noah to build an ark.

The verse uses the term "world" to signify both the people and the established order of things that were impacted by the flood. It emphasizes that the world of that time "perished," meaning it was completely destroyed and wiped out by the waters.

Deeper meanings of this verse explore themes of judgment, the transitory nature of the present world, and God's sovereign control over the creation.

The temporal state of the earth and its inhabitants suggests an eschatological warning to the readers concerning a future judgment that will again transform the world.

Historical Context

This verse is from the Second Epistle of Peter, traditionally attributed to the Apostle Peter, although some biblical scholars debate its authorship.

It was likely written in the late first century, perhaps between 65-68 AD.

At that point in history, the early Christian church faced growing persecution, false teachers, and doctrinal challenges.

The letter addresses how believers should live in anticipation of Christ's return and the accompanying judgment.

The Great Flood narrative that the verse references originates from the Old Testament book of Genesis, which is part of the Torah and predates the New Testament era by many centuries.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, 2 Peter 3:6 is rich with implications:

• Divine Judgment: It emphasizes God’s moral judgment on corrupt societies and his authority to bring about transformative and sometimes destructive events as consequences for sin.

• Historicity of the Flood: The verse implicitly asserts the historical reality of the Great Flood, thereby grounding a theological argument in a physical event.

• Eschatology: It serves as a parallel and a type for future judgment that Peter expounds upon in the surrounding context, specifically the ultimate judgment and purification by fire at the end of the present age.

Different theological traditions interpret this verse and its implications about judgment and the end times in various ways.

Practical Applications

The verse can be seen as a call for self-examination and repentance, reminding individuals that a righteous life is what is expected by God.

It may also inspire believers to hold an eternal perspective, not becoming overly attached to the current world, which is transient compared to the eternal kingdom of God.

Cross-References

• Genesis 6:17: "And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die."
• Genesis 7:21-23: "And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, ...

And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, ... and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark."

• Matthew 24:37-39: "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. ... until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."
• Hebrews 11:7: "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."

Language Study

The key words from this verse such as "world" (Greek: κόσμος, "kosmos"), "overflowed" (Greek: κατακλύζω, "katakluzo"), and "perished" (Greek: ἀπόλλυμι, "apollumi") provide profound insights:

• "Kosmos" commonly refers to the world or universe, but in this context, it refers to the corrupted system of life on Earth before the flood.
• "Katakluzo" gives the imagery of an overwhelming flood, suggesting total submersion and devastation.
• "Apollumi" indicates destruction, but in the New Testament, it can also mean ruin or loss of well-being rather than annihilation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Great Flood bears similarities to other ancient flood myths, such as the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh or the Greek story of Deucalion.

While differing in details and purpose, these stories also describe divine or semi-divine retribution through flooding and a select few being spared.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific views on a global flood are generally skeptical, regarding it as a myth rather than a historical event. Geology and paleontology do not provide evidence for a worldwide flood as described in Genesis or 2 Peter.

Some Christian scientists and creationists argue for the plausibility of the flood within a young earth framework, but these views are not widely accepted in the scientific community.

commentaries

Commentaries on 2 Peter 3:6 offer a range of interpretations.

Generally, conservative scholarship holds to the historical accuracy of the flood account, seeing it as a type of divine judgment and a warning to the present-day world.

Liberal scholarship often treats the flood narrative as mythical or allegorical, using it to illustrate principles of morality or divine justice.

Both streams of thought tend to agree on the thematic elements of judgment and a call to righteousness.