Vincent's Word Studies in the NT

2 Peter 1:19

We have also a more sure word of prophecy [κ α ι ε χ ο μ ε ν β ε β α ι ο τ ε ρ ο ν τ ο ν π ρ ο φ η τ ι κ ο ν λ ο γ ο ν]. The A. V. is wrong, since more sure is used predicatively, and word has the definite article. We may explain either (a) as Rev., we have the word of prophecy made more sure, i e., we are better certified than before as to the prophetic word by reason of this voice; or (b) we have the word of prophecy as a surer confirmation of God's truth than what we ourselves saw, i e., Old - Testament testimony is more convincing than even the voice heard at the transfiguration.

The latter seems to accord better with the words which follow. "To appreciate this we must put ourselves somewhat in the place of those for whom St. Peter wrote. The New Testament, as we have it, was to them non - existent. Therefore we can readily understand how the long line of prophetic scriptures, fulfilled in so many ways in the life of Jesus, would be a mightier form of evidence than the narrative of one single event in Peter's life" (Lumby). "Peter knew a sounder basis for faith than that of signs and wonders. He had seen our Lord Jesus Christ receive honor and glory from God the Father in the holy mount; he had been dazzled and carried out of himself by visions and voices from heaven; but, nevertheless, even when his memory and heart are throbbing with recollections of that sublime scene, he says, 'we have something surer still in the prophetic word. '... It was not the miracles of Christ by which he came to know Jesus, but the word of Christ as interpreted by the spirit of Christ" (Samuel Cox).

Unto a light [λ υ χ ν ω]. More correctly, as Rev., a lamp.

In a dark place [ε ν α υ χ μ η ρ ω τ ο π ω]. A peculiar expression. Lit., a dry place. Only here in New Testament. Rev. gives squalid, in margin. Aristotle opposes it to bright or glistering. It is a subtle association of the idea of darkness with squalor, dryness, and general neglect.

Dawn [δ ι α υ γ α σ η]. Only here in New Testament. Compare the different word in Matthew 28:1, and Luke 23:54, ejpifwskw. The verb is compounded of dia, through, and aujgh, sunlight, thus carrying the picture of light breaking through the gloom.

The day - star [φ ω σ φ ο ρ ο ς]. Of which our word phosphorus is a transcript. Lit., light - bearer, like Lucifer, from lux, light, and fero, to bear. See Aeschylus, "Agamemnon," 245.

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Vincent's Word Studies in the NT

2 Peter 1:19

Old Testament

New Testament