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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 1:21 For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_peter/1-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/61_2Pe_01_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Peter 1:21 - Eyewitnesses of His Majesty" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_peter/1-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_peter/1-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_peter/">2 Peter</a> > <a href="/2_peter/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.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/1-20.htm" title="2 Peter 1:20">◄</a> 2 Peter 1:21 <a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm" title="2 Peter 2:1">►</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">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_peter/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_peter/1.htm">New International Version</a> For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/nlt/2_peter/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. <a href="/esv/2_peter/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/bsb/2_peter/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/blb/2_peter/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For no prophecy at any time was brought by the will of man, but men spoke from God, being carried by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/kjv/2_peter/1.htm">King James Bible</a> For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. <a href="/nkjv/2_peter/1.htm">New King James Version</a> for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/nasb_/2_peter/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. <a href="/nasb/2_peter/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. <a href="/nasb77/2_peter/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. <a href="/lsb/2_peter/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For no prophecy was ever made by the will of man, but men being moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. <a href="/amp/2_peter/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. <a href="/csb/2_peter/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/hcsb/2_peter/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/asv/2_peter/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/cev/2_peter/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The prophets did not think these things up on their own, but they were guided by the Spirit of God. <a href="/erv/2_peter/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Ghost. <a href="/gwt/2_peter/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> No prophecy ever originated from humans. Instead, it was given by the Holy Spirit as humans spoke under God's direction. <a href="/gnt/2_peter/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> For no prophetic message ever came just from the human will, but people were under the control of the Holy Spirit as they spoke the message that came from God. <a href="/isv/2_peter/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> because no prophecy ever originated through a human decision. Instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/msb/2_peter/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but holy men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/net/2_peter/1.htm">NET Bible</a> for no prophecy was ever borne of human impulse; rather, men carried along by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. <a href="/nheb/2_peter/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For no prophecy ever came by human will, but people spoke from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/wbt/2_peter/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/wey/2_peter/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> for never did any prophecy come by human will, but men sent by God spoke as they were impelled by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/web/2_peter/1.htm">World English Bible</a> For no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_peter/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for prophecy never came by [the] will of man, but men spoke from God, being brought by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/blb/2_peter/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For no prophecy at any time was brought by the will of man, but men spoke from God, being carried by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/ylt/2_peter/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for not by will of man did ever prophecy come, but by the Holy Spirit borne on holy men of God spake. <a href="/slt/2_peter/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For prophecy was not once brought by the will of man: but holy men of God spake, being moved by the Holy Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_peter/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For prophecy came not by the will of man at any time: but the holy men of God spoke, inspired by the Holy Ghost. <a href="/cpdv/2_peter/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For prophecy was not conveyed by human will at any time. Instead, holy men were speaking about God while inspired by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/nabre/2_peter/1.htm">New American Bible</a> for no prophecy ever came through human will; but rather human beings moved by the holy Spirit spoke under the influence of God. <a href="/nrsvce/2_peter/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_peter/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For the prophecy did not come by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke when they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_peter/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> The prophecy came not by the will of man in the ancient times, but when holy men of God spoke, being compelled by the Holy Spirit. <div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_peter/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> for the prophecy came not at any time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/godbey/2_peter/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For in the olden time prophecy did not come by the will of man: but men moved by the Holy Ghost spoke from God. <a href="/haweis/2_peter/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For prophecy in old time came not by the will of man: but the holy men of God spake under the impulse of the Holy Ghost.<CM> <a href="/mace/2_peter/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> from the prophet's OWN MOTION; but the holy men of God spoke by the IMPULSE of the holy spirit. <a href="/wey/2_peter/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> for never did any prophecy come by human will, but men sent by God spoke as they were impelled by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/worrell/2_peter/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> for prophecy was never brought by the will of man, but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/worsley/2_peter/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> for prophecy was not delivered of old at the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit. <a href="/parallel/2_peter/1-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gzcat0SlE18?start=200" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_peter/1.htm">Eyewitnesses of His Majesty</a> …20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. 21<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">no such</a> <a href="/greek/4394.htm" title="4394: prophēteia (N-NFS) -- Prophecy, prophesying; the gift of communicating and enforcing revealed truth. From prophetes; prediction.">prophecy</a> <a href="/greek/4218.htm" title="4218: pote (Prtcl) -- At one time or other, at some time, formerly. From the base of pou and te; indefinite adverb, at some time, ever.">was ever</a> <a href="/greek/5342.htm" title="5342: ēnechthē (V-AIP-3S) -- To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb.">brought forth</a> <a href="/greek/2307.htm" title="2307: thelēmati (N-DNS) -- An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination.">by the will</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpou (N-GMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">of man,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpoi (N-NMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">men</a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: elalēsan (V-AIA-3P) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">spoke</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/5342.htm" title="5342: pheromenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb.">as they were carried along</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">by</a> <a href="/greek/40.htm" title="40: Hagiou (Adj-GNS) -- Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.">the Holy</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: Pneumatos (N-GNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">Spirit.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16</a> All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, <a href="/hebrews/1-1.htm">Hebrews 1:1</a> On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. <a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a> However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-13.htm">1 Corinthians 2:13</a> And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. <a href="/acts/1-16.htm">Acts 1:16</a> “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus. <a href="/1_peter/1-10.htm">1 Peter 1:10-11</a> Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, / trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. <a href="/jeremiah/1-9.htm">Jeremiah 1:9</a> Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. <a href="/ezekiel/3-4.htm">Ezekiel 3:4</a> Then He said to me, “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak My words to them. <a href="/numbers/12-6.htm">Numbers 12:6-8</a> He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream. / But this is not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house. / I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?” <a href="/amos/3-7.htm">Amos 3:7</a> Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. <a href="/1_samuel/10-6.htm">1 Samuel 10:6</a> Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person. <a href="/micah/3-8.htm">Micah 3:8</a> As for me, however, I am filled with power by the Spirit of the LORD, with justice and courage, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin. <a href="/matthew/22-43.htm">Matthew 22:43</a> Jesus said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord’? For he says: <a href="/luke/1-70.htm">Luke 1:70</a> as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past, <a href="/acts/3-18.htm">Acts 3:18</a> But in this way God has fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Christ would suffer.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.the prophecy.<a href="/luke/1-70.htm">Luke 1:70</a> As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:<a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16</a> All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:<a href="/1_peter/1-11.htm">1 Peter 1:11</a> Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.in old time.<a href="/deuteronomy/33-1.htm">Deuteronomy 33:1</a> And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.<a href="/joshua/14-6.htm">Joshua 14:6</a> Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.<a href="/1_kings/13-1.htm">1 Kings 13:1</a> And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD unto Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense.spake.<a href="/numbers/16-28.htm">Numbers 16:28</a> And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.<a href="/2_samuel/23-2.htm">2 Samuel 23:2</a> The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.<a href="/micah/3-7.htm">Micah 3:7</a> Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God.by the Holy.<a href="/mark/12-36.htm">Mark 12:36</a> For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.<a href="/acts/1-16.htm">Acts 1:16</a> Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.<a href="/acts/3-18.htm">Acts 3:18</a> But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_peter/2-16.htm">Act</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-18.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-3.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-12.htm">Ghost</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-18.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-2.htm">Human</a> <a href="/acts/20-22.htm">Impelled</a> <a href="/james/3-4.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-3.htm">Origin</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">Power</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-20.htm">Prophecy</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-20.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-15.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-18.htm">Uttered</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-20.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/3-10.htm">Act</a> <a href="/1_john/5-9.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-17.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/1_john/5-7.htm">Ghost</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-21.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-16.htm">Human</a> <a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Impelled</a> <a href="/revelation/6-14.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">Origin</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-11.htm">Power</a> <a href="/revelation/1-3.htm">Prophecy</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/1_john/2-20.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-3.htm">Time</a> <a href="/revelation/10-3.htm">Uttered</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-3.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">2 Peter 1</div>1. <a href="/2_peter/1-1.htm">Peter confirms the hope of the increase of God's grace,</a> 5. <a href="/2_peter/1-5.htm">exhorts them, by faith, and good works, to make their calling sure;</a> 12. <a href="/2_peter/1-12.htm">whereof he is careful to remind them, knowing that his death is at hand;</a> 16. <a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">and assures them of the authenticity of the Gospel, by the eyewitness of the apostles and the prophets.</a> </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 biblical context, prophecy is seen as a revelation from God, not a product of human will or desire. This aligns with the understanding that true prophecy is inspired by God, as seen in <a href="/jeremiah/1-9.htm">Jeremiah 1:9</a>, where God puts His words in the prophet's mouth. Historically, false prophets often arose, claiming divine insight, but their messages were self-serving or misleading, as warned against in <a href="/deuteronomy/18-20.htm">Deuteronomy 18:20-22</a>.but men spoke from God This indicates that the prophets were instruments through whom God communicated His messages. The prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, were chosen by God to deliver His words to the people. This concept is supported by <a href="/amos/3-7.htm">Amos 3:7</a>, which states that God reveals His plans to His servants, the prophets. The role of the prophet was not to express personal opinions but to convey God's truth, often calling people back to faithfulness and obedience.as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit The phrase "carried along" suggests a guiding force, indicating that the Holy Spirit directed the prophets in their speech and writings. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching of the Holy Spirit's role in inspiration, as seen in <a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16</a>, which states that all Scripture is God-breathed. The imagery of being "carried along" can be likened to a ship moved by the wind, suggesting that the prophets were moved by the Spirit's power, ensuring the accuracy and divine authority of their messages. This also prefigures the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament, guiding the apostles and early church in truth, as promised by Jesus in <a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a> The apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage believers in their faith and to warn against false teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/p/prophets.htm">Prophets</a> The individuals who, throughout the Old Testament, received and communicated God's messages to His people. They were instrumental in revealing God's will and future plans. 3. <a href="/topical/h/holy_spirit.htm">Holy Spirit</a> The third person of the Trinity, who plays a crucial role in inspiring the prophets and ensuring the divine origin of the Scriptures. 4. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The ultimate source of all prophecy, who communicates His will and truth through chosen individuals. 5. <a href="/topical/s/scripture.htm">Scripture</a> The sacred writings of Christianity, which include the prophecies and teachings inspired by God through the Holy Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_inspiration_of_scripture.htm">Divine Inspiration of Scripture</a> The Bible is not a product of human creativity or initiative. It is divinely inspired, with God as its ultimate author, ensuring its truth and authority. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">Role of the Holy Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit is essential in the process of inspiration, guiding the prophets and ensuring that God's message is accurately conveyed. <a href="/topical/r/reliability_of_prophecy.htm">Reliability of Prophecy</a> Since prophecy is from God, it is trustworthy and reliable. Believers can have confidence in the fulfillment of God's promises and the truth of His Word. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_false_teachings.htm">Guarding Against False Teachings</a> Understanding the divine origin of Scripture helps believers discern truth from falsehood, equipping them to stand firm against false teachings. <a href="/topical/a/active_engagement_with_scripture.htm">Active Engagement with Scripture</a> Believers are encouraged to actively engage with the Bible, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to understand and apply its truths in their lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_peter_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Peter 1</a> <a href="/q/what_are_coptic_christian_beliefs.htm">What defines the beliefs of Coptic Christianity?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_prophetic_word.htm">What defines a prophetic word?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_young's_literal_translation.htm">What is Young's Literal Translation?</a> <a href="/q/advice_for_a_new_convert.htm">What distinguishes 'prophecy' from 'prophesy'?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_peter/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) For the prophecy came not in old time.--Rather, For prophecy was never sent, or brought. Wiclif and Rheims alone have "brought"; all the rest "came." The verb is the same as that used of the voice from heaven (<a href="/context/2_peter/1-17.htm" title="For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.">2Peter 1:17-18</a>), and also in this verse for "moved," so that there is a telling antithesis, difficult to preserve in English. Prophecy was not brought in by men; but men were brought to utter it by the Spirit. (Comp. <a href="/2_john/1-10.htm" title="If there come any to you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:">2John 1:10</a>.) The rendering in the margin is right--"not at any time" rather than "not in old time." "Not at any time"--"never," which both Tyndale and Cranmer have; Wiclif has "not ony time." The erroneous "in old time" comes from Geneva.But holy men of God . . .--The Greek is uncertain. A reading of very high authority would give us, But men spoke from God moved by the Holy Ghost. This is probably to be preferred. Men spoke not out of their own hearts, but as commissioned by God; not "by the will of man," but under the influence of the Holy Spirit. (Comp. St. Peter's speech at the election of Matthias, and again in Solomon's Porch, <a href="/acts/1-16.htm" title="Men and brothers, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spoke before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.">Acts 1:16</a>; <a href="/acts/3-18.htm" title="But those things, which God before had showed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he has so fulfilled.">Acts 3:18</a>.) The word for "moved" is a strong one, meaning "borne along," as a ship before the wind (<a href="/context/acts/27-16.htm" title="And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:">Acts 27:16-17</a>). Theophilus of Antioch (Autolycus, II. ix.) writes "men of God, moved (or, filled) by the Holy Ghost, and becoming prophets, inspired and made wise by God Himself, became taught of God." Here, again, the parallel is too slight to be relied on as evidence that Theophilus was acquainted with this Epistle. (See above, third Note on <a href="/2_peter/1-19.htm" title="We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:">2Peter 1:19</a>.) The same may be said of a passage in Hippolytus (Antichrist, 2), "These fathers were furnished with the Spirit and largely honoured by the Word Himself. . . . and when moved by Him the Prophets announced what God willed. For they spake not of their own power, neither did they declare what pleased themselves, &c. &c." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_peter/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; literally, for not by the will of man was prophecy borne at any time. The verb is that already used in verses 17, 18, "was not borne or brought;" it refers not to the utterance of prophecy, but to its origin - it came from heaven. But holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost; literally, but being borne on by the Holy Ghost, the holy men of God spake; or, if we follow the Vatican Manuscript, "But being borne on by the Holy Ghost, men spake from God." We have again the same verb, "being borne on" (φερόμενοι); comp. <a href="/acts/27-15.htm">Acts 27:15, 17</a>, where it is used of a ship being borne on by the wind. So the prophets were borne on in their prophetic utterance by the Holy Spirit of God. They were truly and really inspired. The mode of that inspiration is not explained; perhaps it cannot be made plain to our human understanding; all the points of contact between the finite and the Infinite are involved in mystery. But the fact is clearly revealed - the prophets were borne on by the Holy Spirit of God. This is not, as some have fancied, the language of Montanism. Prophecy is but a lamp shining in a dark place; it is not the day-star. Prophecy came not by the will of man; the prophets were moved or borne on by the Holy Ghost. But St. Peter does not say that their human consciousness was suspended, or that they were passive as the lyre when swept by the plectrum. Had this passage been written after the rise of Montanism early in the second century, the writer, if a Montanist, would have said more; if not a Montanist, he would have carefully guarded his words from possible misunderstanding. <a href="/commentaries/2_peter/1-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. no οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. prophecy προφητεία (prophēteia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4394.htm">Strong's 4394: </a> Prophecy, prophesying; the gift of communicating and enforcing revealed truth. From prophetes; prediction. {was} ever ποτέ (pote) Particle <a href="/greek/strongs_4218.htm">Strong's 4218: </a> At one time or other, at some time, formerly. From the base of pou and te; indefinite adverb, at some time, ever. brought about ἠνέχθη (ēnechthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5342.htm">Strong's 5342: </a> To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb. through human initiative, θελήματι (thelēmati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2307.htm">Strong's 2307: </a> An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. men ἄνθρωποι (anthrōpoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. spoke ἐλάλησαν (elalēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. from ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. as they were carried along φερόμενοι (pheromenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5342.htm">Strong's 5342: </a> To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb. by ὑπὸ (hypo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when). [the] Holy Ἁγίου (Hagiou) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. Spirit. Πνεύματος (Pneumatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_peter/1-21.htm">2 Peter 1:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_peter/1-21.htm">2 Peter 1:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_peter/1-21.htm">2 Peter 1:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_peter/1-21.htm">2 Peter 1:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_peter/1-21.htm">2 Peter 1:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_peter/1-21.htm">2 Peter 1:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_peter/1-21.htm">2 Peter 1:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_peter/1-21.htm">2 Peter 1:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_peter/1-21.htm">2 Peter 1:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_peter/1-21.htm">2 Peter 1:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-21.htm">NT Letters: 2 Peter 1:21 For no prophecy ever came by (2 Pet. 2P iiP ii Pet) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_peter/1-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Peter 1:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Peter 1:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Peter 2:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Peter 2:1" /></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>