2 Peter 2:9

2 Peter 2:9 the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment;

Expanded Translation

(From the preservation of Noah and Lot with their families, remember that) the Lord knows how to rescue (save, deliver. Literally, draw, drag) the pious, godly, and devout out of temptation, and (or, but) keep the unrighteous under guard while being punished, unto the Judgment Day.

_______________________

the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation

As one may see from the previous examples cited. A key question here is, in what sense is the word temptation (peirasmos) to be taken? Evidently in the broad sense of trials, afflictions, or troubleincluding the idea of direct inducement to sin, but not limited to it. It is the same word that is translated trial in 1 Peter 4:12, but certainly refers to a direct temptation to sin in Luke 4:13, 1 Corinthians 10:13.[66]

[66] See notes under 1 Peter 1:6-7 where the same word is again rendered trials. It has a number of meanings; in each of its occurrences the context must be carefully considered.

Here again we see the apostle encouraging the Christians to steadfastness, even as he so often does in the first epistle.

and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment

The word keep, (tereo) meant properly to guard a prisoner or one who was in a prison, Acts 12:5 (kept) Acts 16:23-24, etc. These unrighteous ones would be confined in Tartarus (as the angels who sinned, 2 Peter 2:4) a place of punishment, unto (eis, literally, into, that is, until) the Judgment Day when they would receive God's sentence of doom and be abandoned to the fires of hell.

Punishment (kolazo) means properly, to prune or lop, as trees or wings. Thus it began to assume the meaning of checking, curbing, or restraining, and eventually to chastise or punish. In what way is Tartarus or Hades a place of punishment?

1.

It is a place of torments (Luke 16:28).

2.

It is a place of anguish (Luke 16:24).

3.

It is a place of extreme thirst (Luke 16:24).

4.

It is a place of flame (Luke 16:24).

5.

It is a place of complete separation from God and his people (Luke 16:26).

6.

It is a place of blackness, darkness, and gloom (2 Peter 2:4; 2 Peter 2:17).