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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 1:20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one's own interpretation.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_peter/1-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/61_2Pe_01_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Peter 1:20 - Eyewitnesses of His Majesty" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one's own interpretation." /><script type="application/javascript" 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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_peter/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet&#8217s own interpretation of things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_peter/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_peter/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_peter/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_peter/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />knowing this first, that any prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_peter/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_peter/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_peter/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>But</i> know this first <i>of all,</i> that no prophecy of Scripture becomes <i>a matter</i> of <i>someone’s</i> own interpretation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_peter/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one&#8217s own interpretation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_peter/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is <i>a matter</i> of one’s own interpretation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_peter/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes by one’s own interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_peter/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But understand this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is <i>a matter</i> of <i>or</i> comes from one’s own [personal or special] interpretation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_peter/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Above all, you know this: No prophecy of Scripture comes from the prophet’s own interpretation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_peter/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />First of all, you should know this: No prophecy of Scripture comes from one&#8217s own interpretation, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_peter/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_peter/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But you need to realize that no one alone can understand any of the prophecies in the Scriptures. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_peter/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_peter/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />First, you must understand this: No prophecy in Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_peter/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Above all else, however, remember that none of us can explain by ourselves a prophecy in the Scriptures. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_peter/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />First of all, you must understand this: No prophecy in Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_peter/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one?s own interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_peter/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Above all, you do well if you recognize this: No prophecy of scripture ever comes about by the prophet's own imagination,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_peter/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_peter/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_peter/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But, above all, remember that no prophecy in Scripture will be found to have come from the prophet's own prompting;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_peter/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_peter/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Writing comes of private exposition,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_peter/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />knowing this first, that any prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_peter/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> this first knowing, that no prophecy of the Writing doth come of private exposition,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_peter/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Knowing this first, that every prophecy of the writing is not of private solution.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_peter/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Understanding this first, that no prophecy of scripture is made by private interpretation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_peter/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Understand this first: that every prophecy of Scripture does not result from one’s own interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_peter/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Know this first of all, that there is no prophecy of scripture that is a matter of personal interpretation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_peter/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_peter/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Knowing this first, that not every prophetic writing is made clear in its own book.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_peter/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />While you first know this: No prophecy is its own exposition of the Scriptures.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/2_peter/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture came from private interpretation:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_peter/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />know this in the first place, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_peter/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Knowing this in the first place, that all scriptural prophecy is not from any man?s own suggestions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_peter/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />But you must above all consider, that no prophecy of the scripture did proceed<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_peter/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But, above all, remember that no prophecy in Scripture will be found to have come from the prophet's own prompting;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_peter/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />knowing this, first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of one's own interpretation;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_peter/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_peter/1-20.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=193" 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/1.htm">Eyewitnesses of His Majesty</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/4412.htm" title="4412: prōton (Adv-S) -- First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.">Above all,</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: ginōskontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">you must understand</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. "></a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</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</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasa (Adj-NFS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole."></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/1124.htm" title="1124: graphēs (N-GFS) -- (a) a writing, (b) a passage of scripture; plur: the scriptures. A document, i.e. Holy Writ.">of Scripture</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: ginetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">comes</a> <a href="/greek/2398.htm" title="2398: idias (Adj-GFS) -- Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.">from one’s own</a> <a href="/greek/1955.htm" title="1955: epilyseōs (N-GFS) -- Solution, explanation, interpretation; release. From epiluo; explanation, i.e. Application.">interpretation.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">21</span>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.…<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="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16</a></span><br />All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-13.htm">1 Corinthians 2:13</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-13.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:13</a></span><br />And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also now at work in you who believe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/1-1.htm">Hebrews 1:1</a></span><br />On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-10.htm">1 Corinthians 2:10-12</a></span><br />But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. / For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. / We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-15.htm">2 Timothy 2:15</a></span><br />Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-16.htm">Acts 1:16</a></span><br />“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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a></span><br />For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-10.htm">1 Peter 1:10-12</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-29.htm">Matthew 22:29</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/5-39.htm">John 5:39</a></span><br />You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/24-44.htm">Luke 24:44-45</a></span><br />Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” / Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-11.htm">Isaiah 55:11</a></span><br />so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-29.htm">Jeremiah 23:29</a></span><br />“Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.</p><p class="hdg">Knowing.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_peter/3-3.htm">2 Peter 3:3</a></b></br> Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/6-6.htm">Romans 6:6</a></b></br> Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with <i>him</i>, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Romans 13:11</a></b></br> And that, knowing the time, that now <i>it is</i> high time to awake out of sleep: for now <i>is</i> our salvation nearer than when we believed.</p><p class="hdg">that.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Romans 12:6</a></b></br> Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, <i>let us prophesy</i> according to the proportion of faith;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_peter/1-14.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-2.htm">Exposition</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-17.htm">First</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-17.htm">Found</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-2.htm">Interpretation</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-16.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-17.htm">One's</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-33.htm">Particular</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-6.htm">Private</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-19.htm">Prophecy</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-10.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-22.htm">Prophet's</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-15.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/revelation/17-9.htm">Scope</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">Scripture</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-19.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">Special</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-23.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-18.htm">Words</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">Writing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/3-14.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-2.htm">Exposition</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-20.htm">First</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-11.htm">Found</a> <a href="/genesis/40-5.htm">Interpretation</a> <a href="/jude/1-5.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/revelation/20-15.htm">One's</a> <a href="/matthew/25-15.htm">Particular</a> <a href="/genesis/17-11.htm">Private</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-21.htm">Prophecy</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-21.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-16.htm">Prophet's</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-2.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/revelation/13-18.htm">Scope</a> <a href="/daniel/10-21.htm">Scripture</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/genesis/41-11.htm">Special</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-12.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-21.htm">Words</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-1.htm">Writing</a><div class="vheading2">2 Peter 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_peter/1-1.htm">Peter confirms the hope of the increase of God's grace,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_peter/1-5.htm">exhorts them, by faith, and good works, to make their calling sure;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_peter/1-12.htm">whereof he is careful to remind them, knowing that his death is at hand;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><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></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'; </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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/1.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/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Above all,</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the utmost importance of the statement that follows. It serves as a reminder to prioritize the understanding of the nature of prophecy in Scripture. In biblical literature, such phrases are often used to draw attention to a critical teaching or truth that the author wants the audience to grasp fully.<p><b>you must understand</b><br>The imperative "must understand" indicates a non-negotiable requirement for believers. It suggests that comprehension of this truth is essential for proper faith and doctrine. The use of "understand" implies a deep, thoughtful consideration rather than a superficial acknowledgment, urging believers to seek wisdom and discernment.<p><b>that no prophecy of Scripture</b><br>This phrase refers specifically to the prophecies contained within the Holy Scriptures, which include both the Old and New Testaments. Prophecy in this context is not limited to foretelling future events but also includes the proclamation of God's will and truth. The term "Scripture" underscores the divine authority and inspiration of these writings, as seen in passages like <a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16</a>, which affirms that all Scripture is God-breathed.<p><b>comes from one’s own interpretation.</b><br>This statement asserts that the origin of prophecy is not from human insight or personal interpretation. It highlights the divine source of prophecy, as opposed to human invention or understanding. This aligns with <a href="/2_peter/1-21.htm">2 Peter 1:21</a>, which explains that prophecy is delivered by men who spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. The emphasis here is on the divine inspiration and authority of Scripture, ensuring that its message is not subject to personal bias or distortion. This principle is crucial for maintaining the integrity and unity of biblical teaching, as seen in the consistent message of salvation and the revelation of Jesus Christ throughout the Bible.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a></b><br>The apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is traditionally credited with writing this epistle. He addresses the letter to believers, emphasizing the importance of true knowledge and warning against false teachings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/prophets.htm">Prophets</a></b><br>The prophets of the Old Testament, who were divinely inspired to deliver God's messages to His people. Their prophecies were not based on personal interpretation but were revelations from God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_teachers.htm">False Teachers</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of 2 Peter includes warnings against false teachers who distort the truth of Scripture for their own purposes.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_origin_of_scripture.htm">Divine Origin of Scripture</a></b><br>Scripture is not a product of human thought or creativity but is divinely inspired. Believers should approach the Bible with reverence, recognizing its authority and divine origin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guard_against_misinterpretation.htm">Guard Against Misinterpretation</a></b><br>Since prophecy does not come from personal interpretation, believers must be cautious of teachings that deviate from the core truths of Scripture. It is essential to study the Bible diligently and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping believers understand and interpret Scripture. Prayer and reliance on the Spirit are vital in discerning the true meaning of biblical texts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_doctrine.htm">Unity in Doctrine</a></b><br>The consistent message of Scripture across different books and authors points to its divine authorship. Believers should strive for unity in understanding and applying biblical truths, avoiding divisions caused by personal interpretations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_peter_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Peter 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_prophecy_prove_the_bible's_truth.htm">Is biblical prophecy evidence of the Bible's reliability?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_bible_genuinely_one-of-a-kind.htm">Is the Bible genuinely one-of-a-kind?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'narcigesis'_mean.htm">What does "Narcigesis" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_prophecy.htm">What does the Bible say about prophecy?</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>(20) <span class= "bld">Knowing this first.</span>--The participle belongs to "take heed" in <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>. "First" means "first of all" (<a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm" title="I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;">1Timothy 2:1</a>), not "before I tell you." In studying prophecy this is the first thing to be borne in mind.<p><span class= "bld">Is of any private interpretation.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">comes to be, </span>or <span class= "ital">becomes of private interpretation.</span> The word rendered "interpretation" occurs nowhere else in the New Testament; but the cognate verb occurs in <a href="/mark/4-34.htm" title="But without a parable spoke he not to them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.">Mark 4:34</a>, where it is translated "expound." (See Note there.) There can be little doubt that "interpretation," or "solution," is the right rendering here, although others have been suggested. The main question however, is the meaning of the word rendered "private," which may also mean "its own." Hence three explanations are possible. The term may refer (1) to the recipients of the prophecies--that we may not expound prophecy according to our own fancy; or (2) to the utterers of the prophecies--that the prophets had not the power of expounding their own prophecies; or (3) to the prophecies themselves--that no prophecy comes to be of its own interpretation, <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>no prophecy explains itself. The guide to the right explanation is <a href="/2_peter/1-21.htm" title="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.">2Peter 1:21</a>, which gives the reason <span class= "ital">why</span> "no prophecy of the scripture," &c. This consideration excludes (3); for <a href="/2_peter/1-21.htm" title="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.">2Peter 1:21</a> yields no sense as showing why prophecy does not interpret itself. Either of the other two explanations may be right. (1) If prophecy came "by the will of man," then it might be interpreted according to man's fancy. But it did not so come; consequently the interpretation must be sought elsewhere--viz., at the same source from which the prophecy itself proceeded. (2) If the prophets spoke just as they pleased, they would be the best exponents of what they meant. But they spoke under divine influence, and therefore need not know the import of their own words. Prophecy must be explained by prophecy and by history, not by the individual prophet. The whole body of prophecy, "the prophetic word" (<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>), is our lamp in the wilderness, not the private <span class= "ital">dicta</span> of any one seer. In modern phraseology, interpretation must be comparative and scientific. This view is strengthened by comparing <a href="/context/1_peter/1-10.htm" title="Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come to you:">1Peter 1:10-12</a>, where it is stated that the prophets did not know how or when their own predictions would be fulfilled. Possibly this passage is meant to refer to <a href="/context/1_peter/1-10.htm" title="Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come to you:">1Peter 1:10-12</a>, and if so, we have a mark of genuineness; a forger would have made the reference more clear. If the coincidence is accidental, this also points in the same direction; in any case, the coincidence is worth noting. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_peter/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation.</span> By "knowing this first" (<span class="greek">γινώσκοντες</span>) is meant that we must recognize this truth as of primary importance, or, before we commence the study of prophecy; the phrase occurs again in chapter 2 Peter 3:3. The literal translation of the following clause is, "that all prophecy of Scripture [there is no article] is not; all... not" (<span class="greek">πᾶσα</span>... <span class="greek">οὐ</span>) being a common Hebraism for none, <span class="greek">οὑδεμία</span>; but the verb is not <span class="greek">ἔστι</span>, "is," but <span class="greek">γίνεται</span>, "becomes, arises, comes into being." The word for "private" is <span class="greek">ἰδίας</span>, "special," or commonly, "one's own" (see <a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">1 Peter 3:1, 5</a>; chapter 2 Peter 2:16, 22; 3:3, 16, 17). The word rendered "interpretation" is <span class="greek">ἐπιλύσεως</span>, which is found nowhere else in the New Testament; the corresponding verb occurs in <a href="/mark/4-34.htm">Mark 4:34</a>, "He expounded all things;" and <a href="/acts/19-39.htm">Acts 19:39</a>, "It shall be determined or settled." These considerations, strengthened by the context, seem to guide us to the following explanation: No prophecy of Scripture arises from the prophet's own interpretation of the vision presented to his mind; for it was from God that the prophecy was brought, and men spoke as they were borne on by the Holy Spirit. This view of the passage is also supported by the remarkable parallel in the First Epistle (<a href="/1_peter/1-10.htm">1 Peter 1:10-12</a>). The prophets searched diligently into the meaning of the revelation vouchsafed to them; they did not always comprehend it in all its details; they could not interpret it to themselves; the written prophecy arose out of the interpretation of the revelation supplied by the same Spirit from whom the revelation itself proceeded. Therefore the prophetic books of Holy Scripture are sacred and precious, and we do well in giving heed to them; though the day-star of the Lord's own presence, shining in the illuminated heart, is holier still. Other views of this difficult passage are: Prophecy is not its own interpreter; the guidance of the Spirit is necessary. Or, prophecy is not a matter for the private interpretation of the readers; only the Holy Spirit can explain it. But the explanation adopted seems most accordant with the Greek words and with the general sense of the context (compare St. Paul's teaching in <a href="/1_corinthians/12-10.htm">1 Corinthians 12:10</a>). The gifts of the Spirit are divided as he will; to one man are given "divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues." Not every one, it seems, who had the first gift, had also the latter. Tongues and the interpretation of tongues were two distinct gifts. It may be so with prophecy and the interpretation of prophecy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_peter/1-20.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">Above all,</span><br /><span class="grk">πρῶτον</span> <span class="translit">(prōton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Superlative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4412.htm">Strong's 4412: </a> </span><span class="str2">First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you must understand</span><br /><span class="grk">γινώσκοντες</span> <span class="translit">(ginōskontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐ</span> <span class="translit">(ou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">prophecy</span><br /><span class="grk">προφητεία</span> <span class="translit">(prophēteia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4394.htm">Strong's 4394: </a> </span><span class="str2">Prophecy, prophesying; the gift of communicating and enforcing revealed truth. From prophetes; prediction.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Scripture</span><br /><span class="grk">γραφῆς</span> <span class="translit">(graphēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1124.htm">Strong's 1124: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) a writing, (b) a passage of scripture; plur: the scriptures. A document, i.e. Holy Writ.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">comes</span><br /><span class="grk">γίνεται</span> <span class="translit">(ginetai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from [the prophet’s] own</span><br /><span class="grk">ἰδίας</span> <span class="translit">(idias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">interpretation.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπιλύσεως</span> <span class="translit">(epilyseōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1955.htm">Strong's 1955: </a> </span><span class="str2">Solution, explanation, interpretation; release. From epiluo; explanation, i.e. Application.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_peter/1-20.htm">2 Peter 1:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_peter/1-20.htm">2 Peter 1:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_peter/1-20.htm">2 Peter 1:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_peter/1-20.htm">2 Peter 1:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_peter/1-20.htm">2 Peter 1:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_peter/1-20.htm">2 Peter 1:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_peter/1-20.htm">2 Peter 1:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_peter/1-20.htm">2 Peter 1:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_peter/1-20.htm">2 Peter 1:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_peter/1-20.htm">2 Peter 1:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_peter/1-20.htm">NT Letters: 2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first that no prophecy (2 Pet. 2P iiP ii Pet) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_peter/1-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Peter 1:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Peter 1:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_peter/1-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Peter 1:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Peter 1:21" /></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>