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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 3:4 "Where is the promise of His coming?" they will ask. "Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_peter/3-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/61_2Pe_03_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Peter 3:4 - The Coming Judgment" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Where is the promise of His coming? they will ask. Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation." /><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/3-4.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/3-4.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/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 4</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="/ad4.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/3-3.htm" title="2 Peter 3:3">◄</a> 2 Peter 3:4 <a href="/2_peter/3-5.htm" title="2 Peter 3:5">►</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/3.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/3.htm">New International Version</a> They will say, &#8220Where is this &#8216coming&#8217 he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/2_peter/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” <a href="/esv/2_peter/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” <a href="/bsb/2_peter/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.” <a href="/blb/2_peter/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For from the time that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." <a href="/kjv/2_peter/3.htm">King James Bible</a> And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. <a href="/nkjv/2_peter/3.htm">New King James Version</a> and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” <a href="/nasb_/2_peter/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue just as they were from the beginning of creation.” <a href="/nasb/2_peter/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> and saying, &#8220Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_peter/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” <a href="/lsb/2_peter/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” <a href="/amp/2_peter/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming [what has become of it]? For ever since the fathers fell asleep [in death], all things have continued [exactly] as they did from the beginning of creation.” <a href="/csb/2_peter/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> saying, “Where is his ‘coming’ that he promised? Ever since our ancestors fell asleep, all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation.” <a href="/hcsb/2_peter/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> saying, &#8220Where is the promise of His coming? Ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_peter/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. <a href="/cev/2_peter/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and say, "Didn't your Lord promise to come back? Yet the first leaders have already died, and the world hasn't changed a bit." <a href="/erv/2_peter/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. <a href="/gwt/2_peter/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> by saying, "What's happened to his promise to return? Ever since our ancestors died, everything continues as it did from the beginning of the world." <a href="/gnt/2_peter/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> and will ask, "He promised to come, didn't he? Where is he? Our ancestors have already died, but everything is still the same as it was since the creation of the world!" <a href="/isv/2_peter/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> by saying, "What happened to the Messiah's promise to return? Ever since our ancestors died, everything continues as it did from the beginning of creation." <a href="/net/2_peter/3.htm">NET Bible</a> and saying, "Where is his promised return? For ever since our ancestors died, all things have continued as they were from the beginning of creation." <a href="/nheb/2_peter/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> and saying, "Where is the promise of his coming? For, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." <a href="/wbt/2_peter/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. <a href="/wey/2_peter/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and, asking, "What has become of His promised Return? For from the time our forefathers fell asleep all things continue as they have been ever since the creation of the world."<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/2_peter/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> “Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.” <a href="/web/2_peter/3.htm">World English Bible</a> and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_peter/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things so remain from the beginning of the creation”; <a href="/blb/2_peter/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For from the time that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." <a href="/ylt/2_peter/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and saying, 'Where is the promise of his presence? for since the fathers did fall asleep, all things so remain from the beginning of the creation;' <a href="/slt/2_peter/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And saying, Where is the solemn promise of his presence? for from the time the fathers were set to sleep, so continue all things from the beginning of creation.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_peter/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Saying: Where is his promise or his coming? for since the time that the fathers slept, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. <a href="/cpdv/2_peter/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> saying: “Where is his promise or his advent? For from the time that the fathers have slept, all things have continued just as they were from the beginning of creation.” <a href="/nabre/2_peter/3.htm">New American Bible</a> and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? From the time when our ancestors fell asleep, everything has remained as it was from the beginning of creation.” <a href="/nrsvce/2_peter/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_peter/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since our fathers passed away, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_peter/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And they say, “Where is The Promise of his coming? For from when our forefathers fell asleep, everything continues in the same way from the beginning of creation.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_peter/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> and saying: Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. <a href="/godbey/2_peter/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for from the day when the fathers fell asleep, all things remain as from the beginning of creation. <a href="/haweis/2_peter/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue in the same state as from the beginning of the creation. <a href="/mace/2_peter/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> "where is the promise of his coming? for since our fathers are dead, the state of things is the same it has ever been since the beginning of the world." <a href="/wey/2_peter/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and, asking, "What has become of His promised Return? For from the time our forefathers fell asleep all things continue as they have been ever since the creation of the world." <a href="/worrell/2_peter/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? for, from the day the fathers fell asleep, all things remain as they were from the beginning of the creation." <a href="/worsley/2_peter/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the declaration of his coming? for except that the fathers are fallen asleep, all things remain as they were from the beginning of the creation. <a href="/parallel/2_peter/3-4.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=503" 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/3.htm">The Coming Judgment</a> …3Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4<a href="/greek/4226.htm" title="4226: Pou (Adv) -- Genitive case of an interrogative pronoun pos otherwise obsolete; as adverb of place; at what locality.">“Where</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- 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/1860.htm" title="1860: epangelia (N-NFS) -- A promise. From epaggello; an announcement.">promise</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3952.htm" title="3952: parousias (N-GFS) -- From the present participle of pareimi; a being near, i.e. Advent; physically, aspect.">coming?”</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">they will ask.</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">“</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: aph’ (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">Ever</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hēs (RelPro-GFS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">since</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">our</a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: pateres (N-NMP) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">fathers</a> <a href="/greek/2837.htm" title="2837: ekoimēthēsan (V-AIP-3P) -- From keimai; to put to sleep, i.e. to slumber; figuratively, to decease.">fell asleep,</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: panta (Adj-NNP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">everything</a> <a href="/greek/1265.htm" title="1265: diamenei (V-PIA-3S) -- To remain, continue. From dia and meno; to stay constantly.">continues</a> <a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).">as it has</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: ap’ (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from</a> <a href="/greek/746.htm" title="746: archēs (N-GFS) -- From archomai; a commencement, or chief.">the beginning</a> <a href="/greek/2937.htm" title="2937: ktiseōs (N-GFS) -- From ktizo; original formation.">of creation.”</a> 5But 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,…<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="/matthew/24-48.htm">Matthew 24:48-51</a> But suppose that servant is wicked and says in his heart, ‘My master will be away a long time.’ / And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. / The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. ... <a href="/luke/12-45.htm">Luke 12:45-46</a> But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk. / The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. <a href="/jude/1-18.htm">Jude 1:18</a> when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.” <a href="/hebrews/9-28.htm">Hebrews 9:28</a> so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:2-3</a> For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. / 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. <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">1 Timothy 4:1-2</a> Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, / influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron. <a href="/2_timothy/3-1.htm">2 Timothy 3:1-5</a> But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. / For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, / unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, ... <a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Romans 13:11-12</a> And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. / The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. <a href="/1_peter/1-10.htm">1 Peter 1:10-12</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. / It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. <a href="/revelation/22-20.htm">Revelation 22:20</a> He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! <a href="/genesis/3-4.htm">Genesis 3:4</a> “You will not surely die,” the serpent told the woman. <a href="/isaiah/5-19.htm">Isaiah 5:19</a> to those who say, “Let Him hurry and hasten His work so that we may see it! Let the plan of the Holy One of Israel come so that we may know it!” <a href="/jeremiah/17-15.htm">Jeremiah 17:15</a> Behold, they keep saying to me, “Where is the word of the LORD? Let it come now!” <a href="/ezekiel/12-22.htm">Ezekiel 12:22-28</a> “Son of man, what is this proverb that you have in the land of Israel: ‘The days go by, and every vision fails’? / Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will put an end to this proverb, and in Israel they will no longer recite it.’ But say to them: ‘The days are at hand when every vision will be fulfilled. / For there will be no more false visions or flattering divinations within the house of Israel, ... <a href="/malachi/2-17.htm">Malachi 2:17</a> You have wearied the LORD with your words; yet you ask, “How have we wearied Him?” By saying, “All who do evil are good in the sight of the LORD, and in them He delights,” or, “Where is the God of justice?”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.where.<a href="/genesis/19-14.htm">Genesis 19:14</a> And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:9</a> The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.<a href="/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:11</a> Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.from the beginning.<a href="/mark/13-19.htm">Mark 13:19</a> For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.<a href="/revelation/3-14.htm">Revelation 3:14</a> And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_peter/2-3.htm">Asleep</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-20.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-8.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-9.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/james/1-25.htm">Continues</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">Creation</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-12.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-18.htm">Died</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-10.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-9.htm">Forefathers</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-22.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-4.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-6.htm">Making</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-11.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-19.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/james/2-5.htm">Promised</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-13.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-20.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/41-5.htm">Asleep</a> <a href="/1_john/1-1.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/1_john/2-24.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/1_john/2-19.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/1_john/2-10.htm">Continues</a> <a href="/revelation/3-14.htm">Creation</a> <a href="/1_john/3-12.htm">Death</a> <a href="/revelation/1-18.htm">Died</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-17.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/1_john/2-13.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/revelation/1-17.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/exodus/13-5.htm">Forefathers</a> <a href="/1_john/2-11.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/1_john/2-25.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">Making</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-14.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/1_john/2-25.htm">Promised</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-6.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-6.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">2 Peter 3</div>1. <a href="/2_peter/3-1.htm">He assures them of the certainty of Christ's coming to judgment;</a> 8. <a href="/2_peter/3-8.htm">warning the godly, for the long patience of God, to hasten their repentance.</a> 10. <a href="/2_peter/3-10.htm">He describes also the manner how the world shall be destroyed;</a> 11. <a href="/2_peter/3-11.htm">exhorting them to all holiness of life;</a> 16. <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> </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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_peter/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_peter/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_peter/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>“Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. This phrase reflects skepticism and doubt regarding the return of Jesus Christ, a central tenet of Christian eschatology. The promise of His coming refers to the Second Coming of Christ, a future event prophesied in the New Testament (e.g., <a href="/matthew/24-30.htm">Matthew 24:30</a>, <a href="/acts/1-11.htm">Acts 1:11</a>). The question posed by scoffers highlights a common challenge faced by early Christians: maintaining faith in the face of delay and opposition. This skepticism is not new; it echoes the disbelief encountered by Noah before the flood (Genesis 6-7) and the Israelites' doubt in the wilderness (Exodus 32). The phrase underscores the tension between divine promises and human impatience.“Ever since our fathers fell asleep,” The term "fathers" likely refers to the patriarchs or the early generations of believers, including the apostles and early church leaders. "Fell asleep" is a euphemism for death, used frequently in the New Testament (e.g., <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:13-15</a>) to convey the temporary nature of death for believers, who await resurrection. This phrase suggests a historical continuity and a perceived delay in the fulfillment of God's promises. It reflects a cultural understanding of time and history, where the passing of generations without the anticipated divine intervention leads to doubt.“everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.” This statement reflects a worldview known as uniformitarianism, the belief that the natural world operates in a consistent and unchanging manner. It implies skepticism about divine intervention in history, contrasting with the biblical narrative of a God who acts decisively in creation and history (e.g., the flood in <a href="/genesis/6.htm">Genesis 6-9</a>, the Exodus). The phrase challenges the reader to consider the evidence of God's past interventions and the reliability of His promises. It also connects to the broader biblical theme of creation, where God is both the initiator and sustainer of the universe (<a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16-17</a>), and the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes is assured despite apparent delays.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a> The apostle and author of this epistle, addressing the early Christian community and warning them about false teachers and scoffers. 2. <a href="/topical/s/scoffers.htm">Scoffers</a> Individuals who mock or doubt the promises of God, particularly the promise of Christ's return. 3. <a href="/topical/f/fathers.htm">Fathers</a> Refers to the patriarchs or ancestors of the faith, possibly including the early church leaders or Old Testament figures. 4. <a href="/topical/c/creation.htm">Creation</a> The beginning of the world as described in Genesis, which is referenced to emphasize the continuity of God's plan. 5. <a href="/topical/p/promise_of_his_coming.htm">Promise of His Coming</a> The anticipated return of Jesus Christ, a central tenet of Christian eschatology.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_scoffers.htm">Understanding Scoffers</a> Recognize that skepticism about Christ's return is not new. It was present in Peter's time and continues today. This skepticism often stems from a misunderstanding or rejection of God's timeline. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_promises.htm">Faith in God's Promises</a> Just as the patriarchs believed in promises they did not see fulfilled in their lifetime, Christians are called to trust in God's promises, including the return of Christ, despite delays or doubts. <a href="/topical/g/god's_timelessness.htm">God's Timelessness</a> God's perception of time is different from ours. What seems like a delay to us is part of His perfect plan. Trust in His timing and remain steadfast in faith. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_expectation.htm">Living in Expectation</a> The certainty of Christ's return should influence how we live daily. We are called to live holy and godly lives, anticipating His coming. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_community.htm">Encouragement in Community</a> Encourage one another in the faith, especially when faced with doubts or scoffing. Community support is vital in maintaining hope and perseverance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_peter_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Peter 3</a> <a href="/q/did_the_moabite_king_sacrifice_his_son.htm">What does it mean to be full of hope?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_my_spiritual_gifts.htm">What are my spiritual gifts?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_psalm_40_1_mention_waiting.htm">Psalm 40:1 – If God instantly answers prayer, why does the psalmist say he “waited patiently,” suggesting divine delays inconsistent with an omnipotent, benevolent deity?</a> <a href="/q/does_2_peter_1_4_contradict_god's_uniqueness.htm">In 2 Peter 1:4, what does it practically mean for believers to be 'partakers of the divine nature,' and doesn't this contradict other passages stressing God's uniqueness?</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>(4) Where is the promise?--Not meaning, of course, "In what passages of Scripture is any such promise to be found?"--but, "What has come of it? where is there any accomplishment of it?" (Comp. <a href="/psalms/42-3.htm" title="My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say to me, Where is your God?">Psalm 42:3</a>; <a href="/psalms/79-10.htm" title="Why should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of your servants which is shed.">Psalm 79:10</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/17-15.htm" title="Behold, they say to me, Where is the word of the LORD? let it come now.">Jeremiah 17:15</a>; <a href="/malachi/2-17.htm" title="You have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet you say, Wherein have we wearied him? When you say, Every one that does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?">Malachi 2:17</a>.)Of his coming.--"His" instead of "the Lord's" indicates not merely that only one Person could be meant, but also the irreverent way in which these scoffers spoke of Him.Since the fathers fell asleep.--What fathers are meant? Four answers have been given to this question: (1) The ancestors of the human race; (2) the patriarchs and prophets; (3) the first generation of Christians; (4) each generation of men in relation to those following. Probably nothing more definite than our remote ancestors is intended. The expression "fell asleep" is used of St. Stephen's death in <a href="/acts/7-60.htm" title="And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.">Acts 7:60</a> (comp. <a href="/matthew/27-52.htm" title="And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,">Matthew 27:52</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/7-39.htm" title="The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.">1Corinthians 7:39</a>, where the word is not literally translated; <a href="/1_corinthians/15-6.htm" title="After that, he was seen of above five hundred brothers at once; of whom the greater part remain to this present, but some are fallen asleep.">1Corinthians 15:6</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/15-18.htm" title="Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.">1Corinthians 15:18</a>, &c). The thoroughly Christian term "cemetery" (=sleeping-place), in the sense of a place of repose for the dead, comes from the same Greek root. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_peter/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? (comp. <a href="/malachi/2-17.htm">Malachi 2:17</a>, "Where is the God of judgment?"). The Lord had prophesied of his coming; St. Paul had spoken more than once as if that coming were very near at hand (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-51.htm">1 Corinthians 15:51</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/5-4.htm">2 Corinthians 5:4</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:15</a>). Yet he came not. Already men were beginning to mock, and to question whether the long-delayed promise would ever be fulfilled. For since the fathers fell asleep; better, from the day that. By "the fathers" must be meant here the fathers of the Christian Church. St. Peter was writing more than thirty years after the Ascension. The first generation of Christians was rapidly passing away. Stephen "fell asleep" first, then James the son of Zebedee, the other James the Lord's brother, and many others who had looked, it may be, to see the coming of the Lord among those "which are alive and remain" (<a href="/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:17</a>). But they had died, and he came not; and from the day of their death things went on as they were. Should men look for him still, the mockers asked, when the fathers looked in vain? The mockers adopted, in mockery, doubtless, the Christian phrase for death. The Lord first had said, "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth ;" then the holy Stephen "fell asleep;" and so "they which are asleep" became the recognized name for the dead in Christ. Death is like sleep; the holy dead rest from their labours. They "sleep not idly," for they are at home with the Lord, and they are blessed; but yet the quiet rest of Paradise, though "far better" than this earthly life, is sleep compared with the perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, which the redeemed of the Lord shall enjoy at last in his eternal glory. All things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation; literally, all things continue thus, as they are, and as they have been from the beginning. There has been no sudden catastrophe; the world has gone on as it was; the laws of nature are still working with their changeless uniformity" (see a remarkable parallel in Clement, I, 23, which is important also as an independent proof that this argument of the scoffers is as old as the end of the first century). <a href="/commentaries/2_peter/3-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“Where Ποῦ (Pou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4226.htm">Strong's 4226: </a> Genitive case of an interrogative pronoun pos otherwise obsolete; as adverb of place; at what locality. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. promise ἐπαγγελία (epangelia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1860.htm">Strong's 1860: </a> A promise. From epaggello; an announcement. of τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. coming?” παρουσίας (parousias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3952.htm">Strong's 3952: </a> From the present participle of pareimi; a being near, i.e. Advent; physically, aspect. they will ask. λέγοντες (legontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “Ever ἀφ’ (aph’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. since ἧς (hēs) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. [our] οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. fathers πατέρες (pateres) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. fell asleep, ἐκοιμήθησαν (ekoimēthēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2837.htm">Strong's 2837: </a> From keimai; to put to sleep, i.e. to slumber; figuratively, to decease. everything πάντα (panta) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. continues διαμένει (diamenei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1265.htm">Strong's 1265: </a> To remain, continue. From dia and meno; to stay constantly. as it has οὕτως (houtōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3779.htm">Strong's 3779: </a> Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows). from ἀπ’ (ap’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. [the] beginning ἀρχῆς (archēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_746.htm">Strong's 746: </a> From archomai; a commencement, or chief. of creation.” κτίσεως (ktiseōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2937.htm">Strong's 2937: </a> From ktizo; original formation. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_peter/3-4.htm">2 Peter 3:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_peter/3-4.htm">2 Peter 3:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_peter/3-4.htm">2 Peter 3:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_peter/3-4.htm">2 Peter 3:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_peter/3-4.htm">2 Peter 3:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_peter/3-4.htm">2 Peter 3:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_peter/3-4.htm">2 Peter 3:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_peter/3-4.htm">2 Peter 3:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_peter/3-4.htm">2 Peter 3:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_peter/3-4.htm">2 Peter 3:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-4.htm">NT Letters: 2 Peter 3:4 And saying Where is the promise (2 Pet. 2P iiP ii Pet) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_peter/3-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Peter 3:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Peter 3:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_peter/3-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Peter 3:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Peter 3:5" /></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>