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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Peter 3:6 through which the world of that time perished in the flood.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_peter/3-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/61_2Pe_03_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Peter 3:6 - The Coming Judgment" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="through which the world of that time perished in the flood." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_peter/3-5.htm" title="2 Peter 3:5">◄</a> 2 Peter 3:6 <a href="/2_peter/3-7.htm" title="2 Peter 3:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_peter/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_peter/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_peter/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_peter/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_peter/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />through which the world of that time perished in the flood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_peter/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />through which the world at that time perished, having been deluged with water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_peter/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_peter/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />by which the world <i>that</i> then existed perished, being flooded with water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_peter/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />through which the world at that time was destroyed by being flooded with water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_peter/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_peter/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_peter/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />through which the world at that time was destroyed, being deluged with water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_peter/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />through which the world at that time was destroyed by being flooded with water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_peter/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Through these the world of that time perished when it was flooded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_peter/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Through these waters the world of that time perished when it was flooded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_peter/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />by which means the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_peter/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Later it was destroyed by the waters of a mighty flood. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_peter/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />by which means the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_peter/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Water also flooded and destroyed that world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_peter/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and it was also by water, the water of the flood, that the old world was destroyed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_peter/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />by which the world at that time was deluged with water and destroyed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_peter/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />through which the world of that time perished in the flood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_peter/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Through these things the world existing at that time was destroyed when it was deluged with water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_peter/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />by which means the world that then was, being deluged with water, was destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_peter/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />By which the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_peter/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and that, by means of these, the then existing race of men was overwhelmed with water and perished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_peter/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />by which means the world that existed then, being overflowed with water, perished. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_peter/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />through which the world then, having been flooded by water, was destroyed;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_peter/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />through which the world at that time perished, having been deluged with water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_peter/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> through which the then world, by water having been deluged, was destroyed;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_peter/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />By which then the world, overflowed with water, perished:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_peter/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_peter/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />By water, the former world then, having been inundated with water, perished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_peter/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />through these the world that then existed was destroyed, deluged with water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_peter/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />through which the world of that time was deluged with water and perished.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_peter/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And those men, because of whose deeds the world of that time was overflowed with water, perished:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_peter/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />By which the world which then was, lay in water and was destroyed.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/2_peter/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />by which things the world that then was, having been overflowed with water, perished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_peter/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />by which the world at that time, being flooded with water, perished:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_peter/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />whence the world then existing, being deluged by water, was destroyed;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_peter/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />whence the former world was destroyed by an inundation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_peter/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and that, by means of these, the then existing race of men was overwhelmed with water and perished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_peter/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />through which means the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_peter/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Whence the old world being drowned in water perished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_peter/3-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gzcat0SlE18?start=525" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_peter/3.htm">The Coming Judgment</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>But they deliberately overlook the fact that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water, <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: di’ (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">through</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hōn (RelPro-GNP) -- Who, which, what, that. ">which</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2889.htm" title="2889: kosmos (N-NMS) -- Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).">world</a> <a href="/greek/5119.htm" title="5119: tote (Adv) -- Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.">of that time</a> <a href="/greek/622.htm" title="622: apōleto (V-AIM-3S) -- From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.">perished</a> <a href="/greek/2626.htm" title="2626: kataklystheis (V-APP-NMS) -- To flood over, overwhelm, inundate. From kata and the base of kludon; to dash down, i.e. to deluge.">in the flood.</a> <a href="/greek/5204.htm" title="5204: hydati (N-DNS) -- Water. And genitive case, hudatos, etc. From the base of huetos; water literally or figuratively."></a> </span> <span class="reftext">7</span>And by that same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/7-11.htm">Genesis 7:11-24</a></span><br />In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month, all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. / And the rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights. / On that very day Noah entered the ark, along with his sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and his wife, and the three wives of his sons— ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/6-17.htm">Genesis 6:17</a></span><br />And behold, I will bring floodwaters upon the earth to destroy every creature under the heavens that has the breath of life. Everything on the earth will perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/9-11.htm">Genesis 9:11</a></span><br />And I establish My covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-37.htm">Matthew 24:37-39</a></span><br />As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. / For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. / And they were oblivious until the flood came and swept them all away. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/17-26.htm">Luke 17:26-27</a></span><br />Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man: / People were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-7.htm">Hebrews 11:7</a></span><br />By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-20.htm">1 Peter 3:20</a></span><br />who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In the ark a few people, only eight souls, were saved through water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/8-21.htm">Genesis 8:21</a></span><br />When the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, He said in His heart, “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth. And never again will I destroy all living creatures as I have done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/9-15.htm">Genesis 9:15</a></span><br />I will remember My covenant between Me and you and every living creature of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/22-15.htm">Job 22:15-16</a></span><br />Will you stay on the ancient path that wicked men have trod? / They were snatched away before their time, and their foundations were swept away by a flood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-9.htm">Isaiah 54:9</a></span><br />“For to Me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/104-6.htm">Psalm 104:6-9</a></span><br />You covered it with the deep like a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. / At Your rebuke the waters fled; at the sound of Your thunder they hurried away— / the mountains rose and the valleys sank to the place You assigned for them— ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:3</a></span><br />While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/11-18.htm">Revelation 11:18</a></span><br />The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come. The time has come to judge the dead and to reward Your servants the prophets, as well as the saints and those who fear Your name, both small and great—and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/16-20.htm">Revelation 16:20</a></span><br />Then every island fled, and no mountain could be found.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_peter/2-5.htm">2 Peter 2:5</a></b></br> And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth <i>person</i>, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/7-10.htm">Genesis 7:10-23</a></b></br> And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/9-15.htm">Genesis 9:15</a></b></br> And I will remember my covenant, which <i>is</i> between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_peter/2-12.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-3.htm">End</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-5.htm">Existed</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-8.htm">Existing</a> <a href="/daniel/11-22.htm">Flooded</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-4.htm">Means</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-14.htm">Overflowed</a> <a href="/james/1-21.htm">Overflowing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-7.htm">Overwhelmed</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-31.htm">Perished</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">Race</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-4.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-5.htm">Water</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-5.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-4.htm">Whereby</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-4.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_peter/3-10.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-11.htm">End</a> <a href="/1_john/2-13.htm">Existed</a> <a href="/acts/19-40.htm">Existing</a> <a href="/genesis/7-24.htm">Flooded</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-15.htm">Means</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-15.htm">Overflowed</a> <a href="/joshua/3-15.htm">Overflowing</a> <a href="/exodus/17-13.htm">Overwhelmed</a> <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Perished</a> <a href="/judges/16-7.htm">Race</a> <a href="/1_john/2-18.htm">Time</a> <a href="/1_john/5-6.htm">Water</a> <a href="/revelation/1-15.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/1_john/2-18.htm">Whereby</a> <a href="/1_john/2-2.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">2 Peter 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_peter/3-1.htm">He assures them of the certainty of Christ's coming to judgment;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_peter/3-8.htm">warning the godly, for the long patience of God, to hasten their repentance.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_peter/3-10.htm">He describes also the manner how the world shall be destroyed;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_peter/3-11.htm">exhorting them to all holiness of life;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_peter/3-16.htm">and again to think the patience of God to tend to their salvation, as Paul wrote to them in his epistles.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the context of <a href="/2_peter/3.htm">2 Peter 3</a>, the "through which" points back to the "water" mentioned in the previous verse. Water is a recurring symbol of both judgment and purification in the Bible. The floodwaters in <a href="/genesis/6.htm">Genesis 6-9</a> were the instrument of God's judgment on a sinful world, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation.<p><b>the world of that time</b><br>This phrase indicates the specific period before the flood, often referred to as the antediluvian world. This era was characterized by widespread wickedness and corruption, as described in <a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Genesis 6:5-7</a>. The "world of that time" contrasts with the post-flood world, highlighting the drastic change brought about by God's intervention. Archaeological evidence of ancient flood narratives in various cultures supports the biblical account of a significant flood event.<p><b>perished</b><br>The term "perished" underscores the totality of the destruction that occurred. In <a href="/genesis/7-21.htm">Genesis 7:21-23</a>, it is recorded that all living creatures on the earth were wiped out, except for those preserved in the ark. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the seriousness of God's judgment. The flood is a type of the final judgment, as Jesus Himself draws a parallel in <a href="/matthew/24-37.htm">Matthew 24:37-39</a>, warning of the suddenness and completeness of the coming judgment.<p><b>in the flood</b><br>The flood is a central event in biblical history, marking a pivotal point in God's dealings with humanity. It serves as a type of baptism, as noted in <a href="/1_peter/3-20.htm">1 Peter 3:20-21</a>, symbolizing both death to the old world and the emergence of a new creation. The flood narrative also foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, who provides a way of salvation from judgment, just as the ark provided safety for Noah and his family. The floodwaters, while destructive, also purged the earth, allowing for a fresh start, much like the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a></b><br>The apostle and author of the epistle, addressing the early Christian church and warning them about false teachers and scoffers.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_world_of_that_time.htm">The World of That Time</a></b><br>Refers to the pre-flood world, which was characterized by widespread wickedness and ultimately judged by God through the flood.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_flood.htm">The Flood</a></b><br>A cataclysmic event described in Genesis, where God judged the earth with water, sparing only Noah and his family.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/n/noah.htm">Noah</a></b><br>A righteous man who found favor with God and was instructed to build the ark, through which he and his family were saved from the flood.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/scoffers.htm">Scoffers</a></b><br>Individuals mentioned earlier in the chapter who mock the promise of Christ's return, questioning the reality of divine judgment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_certainty_of_divine_judgment.htm">The Certainty of Divine Judgment</a></b><br>Just as the flood was a real historical event, so too is the promise of Christ's return and final judgment. Believers are called to live in readiness and reverence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_righteous_living.htm">The Importance of Righteous Living</a></b><br>Noah's life serves as a model of faith and obedience. Christians are encouraged to pursue righteousness, even in a world that may be indifferent or hostile to God's ways.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_patience.htm">God's Sovereignty and Patience</a></b><br>The flood account demonstrates God's control over creation and His patience in delaying judgment to allow for repentance. Believers should trust in God's timing and extend grace to others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith_in_salvation.htm">The Role of Faith in Salvation</a></b><br>Just as Noah's faith led to his salvation, faith in Jesus Christ is essential for salvation today. This faith should be active, leading to a transformed life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_be_watchful.htm">The Call to Be Watchful</a></b><br>The comparison to the days of Noah serves as a warning to remain vigilant and not be lulled into complacency by the apparent delay of Christ's return.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_peter_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Peter 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_a_global_flood_occur_on_earth.htm">Was there a global flood in Earth's history?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_the_flood_global_or_local.htm">Was the flood worldwide or confined to one area?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_the_flood_align_with_evidence.htm">2 Peter 3:5–6: How can the global flood claims be squared with geological and historical evidence? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/interpret_the_bible_literally.htm">Should the Bible be interpreted literally?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_peter/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">Whereby.</span>--The meaning of this is much disputed. The original literally signifies, <span class= "ital">by means of which things.</span> But what things? The context allows various alternatives: (1) These facts about the Creation; (2) the heavens and the earth; (3) the water out of which, and the water by means of which, the world was made; (4) any or all of these together with the word of God. There is good reason for preferring the second of these. Both the heavens and the earth contributed to the deluge; for then "all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened" (<a href="/genesis/7-11.htm" title="In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.">Genesis 7:11</a>). The English "whereby" is as vague as the original.<p><span class= "bld">The world that then was, . . . perished.</span>--So that it is absurd to say that all things continue unchanged since the Creation. The world was so transformed by the deluge that the world previous to that catastrophe perished, chaos for the moment returned, and a new world issued from the crisis. "The world that then was, perished" is equivalent to "He spared not the old world" in <a href="/2_peter/2-5.htm" title="And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;">2Peter 2:5</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_peter/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.</span> The Greek for" whereby" is <span class="greek">δἰ ῶν</span>, literally, "through which things." The plural here presents some difficulty. The most obvious antecedents are "the heavens and the earth" of the last verse; but many commentators refer the relative to the twice-repeated "water." The meaning will be the same whichever view we take. "The fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened;" that is, the Deluge was brought to pass by means of the heavens, <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, the waters that were above the firmament, and the earth, <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, the waters that were below the firmament, which came from the earth as the waters first mentioned came from the heavens. Another possible view is that of Huther, who refers <span class="greek">δἱ ῶν</span> to the water and the Word of God. By the world here must be meant the world of living creatures. This is St. Peter's answer to the mockers: there had been one great catastrophe; there will be another. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_peter/3-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">through</span><br /><span class="grk">δι’</span> <span class="translit">(di’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">which</span><br /><span class="grk">ὧν</span> <span class="translit">(hōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">world</span><br /><span class="grk">κόσμος</span> <span class="translit">(kosmos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2889.htm">Strong's 2889: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of that time</span><br /><span class="grk">τότε</span> <span class="translit">(tote)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5119.htm">Strong's 5119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">perished</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπώλετο</span> <span class="translit">(apōleto)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_622.htm">Strong's 622: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the flood.</span><br /><span class="grk">κατακλυσθεὶς</span> <span class="translit">(kataklystheis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2626.htm">Strong's 2626: </a> </span><span class="str2">To flood over, overwhelm, inundate. From kata and the base of kludon; to dash down, i.e. to deluge.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_peter/3-6.htm">2 Peter 3:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_peter/3-6.htm">2 Peter 3:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_peter/3-6.htm">2 Peter 3:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_peter/3-6.htm">2 Peter 3:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_peter/3-6.htm">2 Peter 3:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_peter/3-6.htm">2 Peter 3:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_peter/3-6.htm">2 Peter 3:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_peter/3-6.htm">2 Peter 3:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_peter/3-6.htm">2 Peter 3:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_peter/3-6.htm">2 Peter 3:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_peter/3-6.htm">NT Letters: 2 Peter 3:6 By which means the world that then (2 Pet. 2P iiP ii Pet) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_peter/3-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Peter 3:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Peter 3:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_peter/3-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Peter 3:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Peter 3:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>