2 Peter 2:9 if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

◄ 2 Peter 2:9 ►

New International Version
if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

New Living Translation
So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.

English Standard Version
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,

Berean Standard Bible
if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

Berean Literal Bible
then the Lord knows to deliver the devout out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous being punished unto the day of judgment,

King James Bible
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

New King James Version
then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,

New American Standard Bible
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from a trial, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,

NASB 1995
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,

NASB 1977
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,

Legacy Standard Bible
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,

Amplified Bible
then [in light of the fact that all this is true, be sure that] the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial, and how to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,

Christian Standard Bible
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,

American Standard Version
the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment;

Contemporary English Version
This shows that the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their sufferings and to punish evil people while they wait for the day of judgment.

English Revised Version
the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Since the Lord did all this, he knows how to rescue godly people when they are tested. He also knows how to hold immoral people for punishment on the day of judgment.

Good News Translation
And so the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials and how to keep the wicked under punishment for the Day of Judgment,

International Standard Version
then the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials and to hold unrighteous people for punishment on the day of judgment,

Majority Standard Bible
if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

NET Bible
--if so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from their trials, and to reserve the unrighteous for punishment at the day of judgment,

New Heart English Bible
the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment;

Webster's Bible Translation
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust to the day of judgment to be punished:

Weymouth New Testament
Since all this is so, the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from temptation, and on the other hand how to keep the unrighteous under punishment in readiness for the Day of Judgement,

World English Bible
then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
the LORD has known to rescue [the] pious out of temptation, and to keep [the] unrighteous being punished to [the] day of judgment,

Berean Literal Bible
then the Lord knows to deliver the devout out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous being punished unto the day of judgment,

Young's Literal Translation
The Lord hath known to rescue pious ones out of temptation, and unrighteous ones to a day of judgment, being punished, to keep,

Smith's Literal Translation
The Lord knows to deliver the religious out of temptation, and to keep the unjust restrained for the day of judgment;

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly from temptation, but to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be tormented.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Thus, the Lord knows how to rescue the pious from trials, and how to reserve the iniquitous for torments on the day of judgment;

New American Bible
then the Lord knows how to rescue the devout from trial and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,

New Revised Standard Version
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
The LORD knows how to deliver from distress those who revere him, and he will reserve the wicked to be punished at the judgment day.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
THE LORD JEHOVAH knows to deliver from suffering those who reverence him, but he keeps the evil for the day of judgment while they are being tormented,

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
then, the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the ungodly for the day of judgment, to be punished;

Godbey New Testament
for the Lord knows how to rescue the godly out of temptations, and to keep the unrighteous unto the day of judgment enduring punishment:

Haweis New Testament
the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, but to reserve the wicked unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Mace New Testament
I say, the Lord will deliver those, who fear him, from their affliction, and reserve the wicked to be punish'd at the day of judgment.

Weymouth New Testament
Since all this is so, the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from temptation, and on the other hand how to keep the unrighteous under punishment in readiness for the Day of Judgement,

Worrell New Testament
the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous enduring punishment unto the day of judgment;

Worsley New Testament
iniquitous deeds) then the Lord knoweth how to deliver the pious from temptation, and to reserve the wicked to the day of judgement to be punished:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Deliverance from False Prophets
…8(for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— 9if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. 10Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

Psalm 34:17-19
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. / The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. / Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

Revelation 3:10
Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

Nahum 1:7
The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him.

2 Timothy 4:18
And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 37:39-40
The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their stronghold in time of trouble. / The LORD helps and delivers them; He rescues and saves them from the wicked, because they take refuge in Him.

Proverbs 3:25-26
Do not fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked, / for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Psalm 91:14-15
“Because he loves Me, I will deliver him; because he knows My name, I will protect him. / When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.

Jude 1:24
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy—

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Hebrews 2:18
Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.

Psalm 145:20
The LORD preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy.

1 Peter 1:5
who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Treasury of Scripture

The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust to the day of judgment to be punished:

knoweth.

Job 5:19
He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

Psalm 34:15-19
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry…

1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

the godly.

Psalm 4:3
But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

Psalm 12:1
To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

Psalm 32:6
For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

and.

2 Peter 2:4
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

Job 21:30
That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.

Proverbs 16:4
The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

unto.

2 Peter 3:7
But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

Romans 2:5
But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

2 Corinthians 5:10,11
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad…

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Able Deliver Evil-Doers Godly Hand Hold Judgement Judging Judgment Pious Punished Punishment Readiness Rescue Reserve Safe Temptation Temptations Testing Time Trial Trials Unjust Unrighteous Upright

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Able Deliver Evil-Doers Godly Hand Hold Judgement Judging Judgment Pious Punished Punishment Readiness Rescue Reserve Safe Temptation Temptations Testing Time Trial Trials Unjust Unrighteous Upright

2 Peter 2

1. Peter warns of false teachers, showing the impiety and punishment both of them and their followers;
7. from which the godly shall be delivered, as Lot was out of Sodom;
10. and more fully describes the manners of those profane and blasphemous seducers.

Berean Study Bible

if all this is so
This phrase serves as a conditional statement, linking the preceding examples of divine intervention and judgment to the present assurance. The Greek word "εἰ" (ei) introduces a logical conclusion based on previous arguments. In the context of 2 Peter, the apostle Peter has just recounted instances of God's judgment and deliverance, such as the flood in Noah's time and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. This phrase underscores the certainty and reliability of God's actions in history, affirming that His past interventions are a basis for present and future hope.

then the Lord knows
The Greek word for "knows" is "οἶδεν" (oiden), which implies not just awareness but an intimate, comprehensive understanding. This knowledge is not passive; it is active and purposeful. The Lord's knowledge is perfect and encompasses all circumstances, reflecting His omniscience. This assurance is comforting to believers, as it emphasizes that God is fully aware of their situations and needs.

how to rescue
The term "rescue" comes from the Greek "ῥύεσθαι" (rhuesthai), meaning to deliver or save from danger. This word is often used in the New Testament to describe God's deliverance of His people from peril. It conveys the idea of a powerful intervention, where God actively pulls the godly out of trials. This reflects God's sovereignty and His ability to protect and preserve His faithful ones amidst adversity.

the godly
The Greek word "εὐσεβεῖς" (eusebeis) refers to those who are devout, pious, and live in reverence to God. In the biblical context, the godly are those who have aligned their lives with God's will and are committed to His ways. This term highlights the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing that those who are faithful to Him can expect His deliverance.

from trials
The word "trials" is translated from the Greek "πειρασμοῦ" (peirasmou), which can mean tests, temptations, or afflictions. In the biblical narrative, trials are often seen as opportunities for growth and refinement of faith. This phrase assures believers that God is not only aware of their trials but is also actively working to deliver them from such challenges, reinforcing the idea that trials are temporary and under God's control.

and to hold
The Greek word "τηρεῖν" (terein) means to keep, guard, or preserve. In this context, it refers to God's ability to keep the unrighteous under His judgment. This word underscores God's justice and His commitment to ensuring that justice is served. It is a reminder that God's patience should not be mistaken for inaction; He is actively preserving the unrighteous for a future reckoning.

the unrighteous
The term "ἀδίκους" (adikous) refers to those who are unjust, wicked, or morally wrong. In the biblical worldview, the unrighteous are those who live in opposition to God's laws and principles. This phrase serves as a warning that God's justice is impartial and that those who persist in unrighteousness will face consequences.

for punishment
The Greek word "κολαζομένους" (kolazomenous) implies correction or retribution. It is a term that conveys the idea of divine justice being meted out. This phrase assures believers that God will not overlook sin and that there is a set time for the unrighteous to face the consequences of their actions.

on the day of judgment
This phrase refers to the eschatological event when God will judge the living and the dead. The "day of judgment" is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the finality and certainty of God's justice. It serves as both a warning to the unrighteous and a comfort to the godly, affirming that God's justice will ultimately prevail. This future-oriented perspective encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that God's righteous judgment is assured.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(9) The Lord knoweth.--This is the main sentence to which the various conditional clauses beginning 2Peter 2:4 (see Note there) have been leading. But the construction is disjointed, owing to the eagerness of the writer, and the main clause does not fit on to the introductory clauses very smoothly. Even the main clause itself is interrupted by the insertion of "to deliver the godly out of temptations." What the writer specially wishes to prove is that "the Lord knoweth how to reserve the ungodly unto the day of judgment under punishment," as is shown by the "for" connecting 2Peter 2:4 with 2Peter 2:3.

To be punished.--Rather, being punished, or under punishment. They are already suffering punishment while waiting for their final doom. The error in our version is parallel to that in Acts 2:47, where "such as should be saved" stands instead of "those who were being saved." The participle is present, not future.

The same double moral--that God will save the righteous and punish the ungodly--is drawn from the same historical instance by Clement of Rome (Epistle to the Corinthians, xi.): "For his hospitality and godliness Lot was saved from Sodom, when all the country round was judged by fire and brimstone; the Master having thus foreshown that He forsaketh not them who set their hope on Him, but appointeth unto punishment and torment them who swerve aside." possible, but not a certain, reference to our Epistle. (See Note below on 2Peter 3:4.) . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 9. - The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. We have here the apodosis corresponding with the conditional sentence beginning at verse 4. The three examples cited by St. Peter show that the Lord knows (and with the Lord knowledge involves power) how to deliver the righteous and to punish the wicked. The Greek words for "godly" and "unjust" are both without the article. The word rendered "to be punished" (καλαζομένους) is a present participle, not future, and is better rendered, as in the Revised Version, "under punishment." The wicked are already under punishment while awaiting the judgment; the Lord had taught this in the parable of Dives and Lazarus (comp. also Jude 1:6, 7, and verse 4 of this chapter). Aristotle makes a distinction between κόλασις and τιμωρία, the first being "chastisement inflicted for the good of those chastised;" the second, "punishment inflicted on the incorrigible for the satisfaction of justice" (see 'Rhet.,' 1:10); but it is doubtful whether this distinction exists in the New Testament (comp. Matthew 25:46). Therefore it seems dangerous to lay much stress on the use of the word κολαζομένους here (comp. Clement, I, 11.).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

[ if all this is so, then the ] Lord
Κύριος (Kyrios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

knows how
οἶδεν (oiden)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

to rescue
ῥύεσθαι (rhyesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 4506: To rescue, deliver (from danger or destruction).

[the] godly
εὐσεβεῖς (eusebeis)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2152: Pious, God-fearing, devout. From eu and sebomai; well-reverent, i.e. Pious.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

trials
πειρασμοῦ (peirasmou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3986: From peirazo; a putting to proof (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity.

and
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

to hold
τηρεῖν (tērein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 5083: From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.

[the] unrighteous
ἀδίκους (adikous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 94: Unjust, unrighteous, wicked. Specially, heathen.

for punishment
κολαζομένους (kolazomenous)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2849: To chastise, curtail, punish; mid: I cause to be punished. From kolos; properly, to curtail, i.e. to chastise.

on
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the] day
ἡμέραν (hēmeran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

of judgment.
κρίσεως (kriseōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2920: Decision; by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice.

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NT Letters: 2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knows how to deliver (2 Pet. 2P iiP ii Pet)