Meaning, commentary and cross references
2 Peter 1:21
“For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
NIV · New International Version
For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
WEB · World English Bible
For no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
What does 2 Peter 1:21 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on 2 Peter 1:21
For the prophecy,.... The whole Scripture, all the prophetic writings; so the Jews call the Scriptures "the prophecy" (g), by way of eminence, and from the subject matter of the sacred word: came not in old time by the will of man; was not brought into the world at first, or in any period of time, as and when man would, according to his pleasure, and as he thought fit: neither Moses, nor David, nor Isaiah, nor Jeremiah, nor Ezekiel, nor Daniel, nor any other of the prophets, prophesied when they pleased, but when it was the will of God they should; they were stirred up to prophesy, not by any human impulse, but by a divine influence: with this agrees what R. Sangari says, "that the speech…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on 2 Peter 1:19–21
When the light of the scripture is darted into the blind mind and dark understanding by the Holy Spirit of God, then the spiritual day dawns and the day-star arises in that soul. This enlightening of a dark benighted mind is like the day-break that improves and advances, spreads and diffuses itself through the whole soul, till it makes perfect day, Pro 4:18. It is a growing knowledge; those who are this way enlightened never think they know enough, till they come to know as they are known. To give heed to this light must needs be the interest and duty of all; and all who do truth come to this light, while evil-doers keep at a distance from it.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on 2 Peter 1:19–21
21. Neque enim voluntate hominis allata est quondam prophetia; sed ? Spiritu Sancto impulsi, loquuti sunt sancti Dei homines. 19. We have also.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: 2 Peter 1:18–21 (WEB)
18We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. 19We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts, 20knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. 21For no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
Cross references
- 2 Timothy 3:15–17
From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
- 2 Samuel 23:2
“The LORD’s Spirit spoke by me. His word was on my tongue.
- 1 Peter 1:11
searching for who or what kind of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them pointed to when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow them.
- Luke 1:70
(as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets who have been from of old),
- Acts 1:16
“Brothers, it was necessary that this Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to those who took Jesus.
- Acts 3:18
But the things which God announced by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled.
- Hebrews 10:15
The Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying,
- Revelation 19:10
I fell down before his feet to worship him. He said to me, “Look! Don’t do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy.”
Key words
In the Baptist Catechism
- Q4. What is the Word of God?
The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, being given by divine inspiration, are the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice.