Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

2 Peter 1:8

πλεονάζοντα : “abound”. In classical use = “exaggerate”. The word here again emphasises the display of a regal, uncalculating and unwearied spirit in the practice of the Christian graces. ἀργοὺς. Perhaps “ineffective” or “ineffectual,” a meaning which is further emphasised in ἀκάρπους. In The Didache, 12, are given directions for discriminating genuine from false among the itinerant teachers. “If he wishes to settle with you and is a tradesman, let him work and let him eat. If he has no trade, according to your wisdom provide how he shall live as a Christian among you, but not in idleness (μὴ ἀργός). If he will not do this, he is making merchandise of Christ. Beware of such men.” Here is illustrated the passage from the ordinary sense of ἀργός, which really signifies “idle” for want of occupation, and not by choice, to the ethical significance. Cf. James 2:20, “Faith without works is ἀργή ”. Matthew 20:6, “Why stand ye here all the day, ἀργοί ?” and the reply. Cf. also use of ἀργεῖ in 2 Peter 2:3. In P. Par. II. 4(9) (iii. B.C.), certain quarrymen complain that they “are idle (ἀργοῦμεν) for want of slaves to clear away the sand”. Cf. P. Par. II. 20. ὅπως … μὴ ἀργῆι τὰ πλοῖα. P. Lond. 208 (2. A.D.). λόγος ἐργατῶν ἀργησάντων. In P. Lond. III. p. 27 (a census-return of 160 or 161 A.D.) a certain Apollonius is described as belonging to “the leisured class of Memphis”. (τῶν ἀπὸ Μέμφεως ἀργῶν). P. Fior. 1. P. Amh, 97? (both ii. A.D.) ἐλαιουργίου ἀργοῦ = “an oil-press which is out of working order” εἰς τὴν … ἐπίγνωσιν. Here the writer returns to the idea, introduced by ἀποφυγόντες … φθορᾶς in 2 Peter 1:4, that morality and religion are intimately connected. Some have sought to interpret the words as meaning “with reference to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ,” on the ground that ἐπίγνωσις has already been postulated as the source of “all things needed for life and godliness,” and cannot now be regarded as an end to be attained. Yet ἐπίγνωσις may be regarded as both the beginning and the end of morality (cf. 2 Peter 3:18; Colossians 1:6 ff. Philippians 1:9). The translation of A.V. is correct (εἰς = in, expressive of result). ἐπίγν. contrasted with γνῶσις marks “a higher degree of intensity, an energy of deeper penetration. It is not a quiescent state, the resting in an acquirement, but the advance of one to whom easy attainment is but the impulse of fresh effort; one who is not content to know, but ever, in Hosea's words (Hosea 6:3), follows on to know” (Paget, Spirit of Discipline, p. 112). Each advance in the Christian life deepens and widens our spiritual understanding. “Die ἐπίγν. ist ihrer Natur nach etwas, was wächst” (Von Soden).

Continues after advertising

BibliaPlus

Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

2 Peter 1:8

Old Testament

New Testament