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2 Peter 3:12

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

2 Peter 3:12 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from 2 Peter 3:12 speaks about the anticipation and eagerness for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Believers are encouraged to eagerly await the day of God, where the current heavens and earth will be destroyed by fire and replaced with a new heaven and new earth. The idea of hastening towards this day implies a sense of urgency and readiness for the return of Christ. The imagery of the heavens being on fire and the elements melting with fervent heat conveys the idea of a cataclysmic event that will bring about the end of the current world order. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to live holy and godly lives, preparing themselves for the day when Jesus will return to establish his kingdom on earth. It is a call to be vigilant, steadfast, and faithful in the midst of a world that is passing away, knowing that a new eternal kingdom awaits those who believe and eagerly await the coming of the Lord.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse is that it emphasizes the importance of living with anticipation and urgency for the second coming of Christ. The phrase "looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God" conveys a sense of eagerness and readiness for the fulfillment of God's plan. Believers are encouraged to actively await the day when the current heavens and earth will be transformed and renewed by God's power. The imagery of the heavens being on fire and the elements melting with fervent heat symbolizes the ultimate purification and restoration that will take place when Christ returns. This verse serves as a reminder to believers to live in a manner that reflects their hope and expectation of the future glory that awaits them in God's presence.

2 Peter 3:12 in other translations

American Standard Version

looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

World English Bible

looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, which will cause the burning heavens to be dissolved, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?

Douay-Rheims

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of the Lord, by which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with the burning heat?

Geneva Bible (1599)

Looking for, and hasting vnto the comming of that day of God, by the which the heauens being on fire, shall be dissolued, and the elements shall melt with heate?