Related resource: see Master's Seminary Journal article in Pdf - 2 Peter 1:16-21 The Only Sure Word

Have (2192) (echo) means to have, hold or possess and the present tense indicates that it is a continuous and abiding precious possession of all believers.

The rendering of the NASB translation (as does the ISV - see verses above) tends to suggest that the eyewitness account confirmed the Scriptures. However the literal Greek word order is crucial

“And we have more firm the prophetic word.”

This Greek word order supports the interpretation that Peter is ranking Scripture over experience.

The prophetic word (Scripture) in other words is more complete, more permanent, and more authoritative than the experiences of anyone, even the experience of the Transfiguration, as grand as that must have been. The Word of God is a more reliable verification of the teachings about the Person, atonement, and second coming of Christ than even the genuine first hand experiences of the apostles themselves! How privileged we are today to have the full revelation of God in His holy word. Oh, how we should seek with all our heart to love His law and meditate on it all the day long (Ps 119:97). Remember that it is filled with God's precious and magnificent promises!.

Vincent explains the 2 possible ways to interpret this verse

"We may explain either (a) as Revised, 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" (Bolding added)

Interestingly A T Robertson tends to favor Vincent's first explanation. I would agree with Vincent rather than Robertson for the context (specifically the next two verses vv. 20, 21) favors the latter. Why? Because Peter goes on to speak of that which makes the OT scriptures unmistakably reliable, specifically their divine inspiration which emphasizes the sure, trustworthy origin of the prophetic word. In short, as valid as Peter's experience was, the written Word of God is more sure as testified to by numerous passages...

Every word of God is tested. He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. (Pr 30:5)

The words of the LORD are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times. (Ps 12:6 )

The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. (Ps 19:7-9)

THE PROPHETIC WORD [MADE] MORE SURE: bebaioteron ton prophetikon logon: (Ps 19:7-9; Isa 8:20; 41:23;41:26 Lu 16:29-31; Jn 5:39; Acts 17:11)

Note that there is no Greek verb for "made", which has been added by the NAS translators. Literally the text reads "more certain the prophetic word".

Prophetic (4397) (prophetikos from pró =before or forth + phemí = tell) means pertaining to a foreteller ("prophetic"). It refers to that which was uttered (and recorded) by the prophets.

Word (3056) (lógos from légō = to speak intelligently source of English "logic, logical") means something said and describes a communication whereby the mind finds expression in words. (Click in depth study of lógos)

The phrase "prophetic word" refers not just to the OT major and minor prophets, but to the entire OT as a whole. Of course, all of the OT was written by “prophets” in the truest sense, since they spoke and wrote God’s Word, which was the task of a prophet, and they looked forward, in some sense, to the coming Messiah. In the Gospels for example we read...

And (Jesus) beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them (Cleopas and another follower of Jesus on the road to Emmaus) the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures (synonymous with the entire Old Testament)  (Lu 24:27).

Now He (Jesus after entering through the walls into the room where the 11 disciples were shut in) said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." (Lu 24:44)

(Jesus speaking) "You (Jews) search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me (John 5:39) (Comment: The Lord was speaking of the Old Testament Scriptures, for there was nothing else at that time. These Scriptures are replete with testimonies of the coming Christ.) (Click all 52 NT uses of the word Scriptures)

More sure (949) (bebaios) (Click in depth discussion of bebaios) means fixed, sure, certain (known or proven to be true) or to something that can be relied on not to cause disappointment because it is reliable.

The idea in the Greek is

“We have the prophetic word as a surer foundation than even the signs and wonders which we have seen."

Peter is saying that...

"Here is the second line of evidence to give you confidence in what I have been saying."

Bebaios has the special nuance (taken from the commercial world) of what is legally guaranteed and is found frequently in the papyri of the settlement of a business transaction. Paul has a parallel thought

"For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (see note Romans 15:4).

Morris summarizes this section writing that...

As sure as Peter was of what he had seen and heard, this was only his own experience and could only be given as a personal testimony to others. Thus, he stressed that God's written Word, available to all in the holy Scriptures, was more sure than any personal experience he or others might have. It is not in Peter or Paul as men, no matter how sincere or holy they may be, that we must trust, but in Christ as revealed (not in our experience, either) in God's written Word. (Morris, Henry: Defenders Study Bible. World Publishing)

Click for an in depth analysis of the translation/interpretation of this verse.

TO WHICH YOU DO WELL TO PAY ATTENTION: o kalos poieite (2 PPAI) prosechontes (PAPMPN):

“You do well” was a common way of suggesting that a person do something (i.e., “You ought to do this”).

Peter is saying that this is the appropriate attitude a believer should have to the prophetic word. He desires their continued study of Scripture as the safeguard against errors of the false teachers in chapter 2.

To pay attention (4337) (prosecho from pros = toward + echo = have or hold) means to hold the mind or the ear toward something and so to pay attention.

In non-biblical writings the primary meaning of prosecho was to "have in close proximity to"  especially referring to mental processes as in the saying ‘turn one’s mind to.’  Such a person would be in a state of alert.

Prosecho was also a nautical term meaning to hold a ship in a direction, to sail towards. Thus Peter is saying in a sense to hold your course toward your final destination. To keep holding your mind like a lamp in a dark stormy night on the glimmer of the distant lighthouse which keeps the ship on course so that it doesn't crash. Peter was warning believers that since they would be exposed to false teachers, they must pay careful attention to Scripture.

In today’s experience oriented society many people, including Christians, seek to determine truth by the way God has worked in their own lives. But for Peter the splendor of his experience of the transfiguration faded as he spoke of the surety of the written revelation of the prophets. It is an amazing assessment of the validity of holy Scripture that Peter declares it to be more dependable than a voice from heaven heard with the natural ear.

As an aside, if you have never studied the Bible inductively or you are uncertain of the meaning of inductive study, you might take a moment and read the overview tutorial entitled Inductive Bible Study.

Peter was saying you will do well if you make it a habit (present tense = lifestyle) to keep before your mind the living and active Word of Truth which in the context of this letter would expose the error of false teachers.

AS TO A LAMP SHINING: os luchno phainonti (PAPMSD): (The following are some great cross references. Hold your pointer over each or click to read in context. They will make you want to bless the LORD from the depths of your soul - Isa 9:2; 60:1,2; Mt 4:16; Lu 1:78,79; Jn 1:7-8;9 5:35; 8:12; Ep 5:7,8)

Thy word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path. (Ps 119:105)

For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life, (Pr 6:23)

Lamp (3088) (luchnos) referred to a portable lamp fed with oil, not a candle, and which was usually placed on a stand in the house.

Shining (5316) (phaino) means to illuminate, give light, shine forth as a luminous body. Shining is present tense (continuous action) which pictures the OT prophetic "lamp" as still shedding its light. The lamp that is shining brightly is the Old Testament, which in the NT is usually indicated by the term "Scriptures".  (Click all 52 uses of the term "Scriptures "used as a synonym of a part or all of the Old Testament)

IN A DARK PLACE: en auchmero topo: (cf Torrey's parallel topic "Spiritual Blindness")

Place (5117) (topos)  means an area of any size (space, place, room), a defined place, the present use being in a geographical or topographical sense, such as a place, a part of a country or even the entire world. Peter combines this word with the adjective below to describe the murky darkness of the fallen world which obscures the truth until the lamp of divine revelation shines forth.

Dark (850) (auchmeros from auchmós = drought produced by excessive heat, dust as in a place where water is evaporated by drought) means dry, without rain parched. The idea is obscure or murky (murky = characterized by a heavy dimness or obscurity caused by or like that caused by overhanging fog or smoke), dismal, dark, squalid (squalid = marked by filthiness and degradation from neglect or poverty and implies sordidness as well as baseness and dirtiness).

Auchmeros pertains to being not only dark, but also dirty and miserable

Auchmeros is used only here in the NT and is not found in the Septuagint (LXX).

Auchmeros does not imply absolute darkness, but that which is dingy, dirty, dusty and filthy as a result of neglect. Dirty things are things devoid of brightness. The light of the (prophetic) lamp exposes the squalid state of the spiritually dark world.

The New Testament writers records that...

the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend (or overcome) it. (John 1:5)

"And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God." (John 3:19-21)

(Jesus instructed Paul to take the Word of the Gospel to the Gentiles) "to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me." (Acts 26:18)

(Paul explained to the Colossians that the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Living Word) "delivered us from the domain (authority and power) of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son," (see note Colossians 1:13)

Peter does not specifically identify the "dark place" and commentators have advanced several interpretations. It seems most natural however to view this dark place as the world as it presently exists.

The NT frequently refers to the present darkness of this world as shown in these passages...

(Paul explains that) our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Eph 6:12)

(Paul explains to the saints at Thessalonica that) "you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness" (1Th 5:4ff)

(John explains that) On the other hand, I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. (1Jn 2:8)

To summarize, Peter is almost certainly using "dark place" as a metaphor to describe this corrupt world system. However "advanced" our secular civilization becomes, this world in its willful rebellion to God (Whose essence is Light), lies in the darkness of sin, ignorance, despair and death which keeps people from seeing God's truth until His light shines into their hearts.

Wiersbe adds that the Greek word auchmeros...

"is the picture of a dank cellar or a dismal swamp. Human history began in a lovely Garden, but that Garden today is a murky swamp. What you see when you look at this world system is an indication of the spiritual condition of your heart. We still see beauty in God’s creation, but we see no beauty in what mankind is doing with God’s creation. Peter did not see this world as a Garden of Eden, nor should we."

UNTIL THE DAY DAWNS: eos ou hemera diaugase (3SAAS):

Dawns (1306) (diaugazo from diá = through + augázo = shine)  means literally to shine through. This word was used to describe daylight breaking through the darkness of night, picturing the first gleams of the sun piercing the darkness.

The day Peter is referring to here is when Christ returns in glory to establish His 1000 Messianic Kingdom. (See notes on The Millennium 1, The Millennium 2, The Millennium 3)

Vincent adds that

 "the verb (diaugazo) is compounded of dia = through, and auge = sunlight, thus carrying the picture of light breaking through the gloom."

Diligent use of the prophetic lamp will be needed only until the day dawns. The word "until" indicates that we are now in the period of waiting, at the end of which prophecy upon its fulfillment will pass away as taught by Paul (1Cor13:8). In other words, the truths in the Bible will continue to point to the source of all truth, Christ, until He returns in glory (At His Second Coming recorded in Revelation  19:13 John records that Christ is "clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God.")

AND THE MORNING STAR ARISES N YOUR HEARTS: kai phosphoros anateile (3SAAS)  en tais kardiais humon:

Morning Star (KJV = Day-star) (5459) (phophoros from phos = light + phero = to bring; English = phosphorus = a substance that glows in the dark) means light bringing, light bearer or bringer or bringing morning light.

 The Latin Vulgate translates "phosphoros" with the word "Lucifer". 

The day-star or morning-star was the name that Greeks assigned to the planet Venus which was the brightest object in the sky apart from the sun and moon and appeared sometimes as the evening star and sometimes as the morning star. In the desert the morning star is so brilliant that it appears as though the sun were about to rise.

Vine adds that phosphoros

 is used of the morning star, as the light–bringer, 2 Pet. 1:19, where it indicates the arising of the light of Christ as the Personal fulfilment, in the hearts of believers, of the prophetic Scriptures concerning His Coming to receive them to Himself. (Vine, W E: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. 1996. Nelson)

In the context these images (day dawning and morning star arising) point to the parousia or the appearing of Jesus Christ.

Consider the following parallel passages...

Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise (KJV = Dayspring = Messiah) from on high shall visit us, TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH, to guide our feet into the way of peace." ( Lu 1:78) (Comment: This was partially fulfilled at Messiah's first coming but will be fulfilled at His return, His light driving away the spiritual darkness of this present evil age)

"I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star." (Rev 22:16).(Comment: Many evangelical commentators feel that Isaiah 14:12 is a reference to Satan. In that verse the Hebrew and the Greek Septuagint  (Hebrew = heylel = Strong's # 1966 ; LXX translates it with the Greek word heosphoros = bringer of morn, the morning star) are translated Lucifer meaning "light bearer" who represents the counterfeit morning star. Here in the Revelation 22:16, Christ triumphantly proclaims that He is the true "Morning Star". And so we see the final conquest of the counterfeit, the serpent of old, just as was prophesied in the promise in Genesis 3:15 where Moses recorded that the Seed of the woman would crush the head of the serpent. Hallelujah!)

and then (at the end of the Great Tribulation) the sign of the Son of Man (the sign = the glory of Christ) will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory (the fulfillment of the Shekinah glory described in Genesis) (Mt 24:30)

(Jesus declares that to those who overcome = those who believe as shown by 1John 5:4-5) 'I will give him the morning star" (Revelation 2:28) (Comment: Christ will give His Own presence to His people, cf 1Thes 4:16-17)

Much as a lamp at night anticipates and is outshined by the bright morning star, so Old Testament prophecy looks ahead to the coming of Christ “the bright Morning Star” Who will outshine all things.

Christians today have the light of Christ within their hearts. At Christ's Second Coming, He will bring all believers into a perfect day. His outward coming will bring light to all people. On this day, the spirits of the godly will take on “an illuminating transformation” as the light of Christ fills them.

Arises  (393) (anatello from aná = up + téllo = set out for a goal) means to cause to arise, spring up, be up. It was used especially of things in natural creation, like the rising of the sun or moon.

Hearts  (2588) (kardia)  (Click in depth study of kardia) is not used to refer literally to the physical heart in the NT but describes the seat of the desires, feelings, affections, passions, impulses. Kardia refers to the causative source of a person’s psychological life in its various aspects, and with special emphasis upon thoughts—‘heart, inner self, mind.'

"Heart" refers to the  the volition (your will), the mind, the desires, etc., though the facility of the intellect may be slightly more emphasized in Scripture. In Hebraic thought the heart is the center of intellectual activity. 

John MacArthur comments on kardia noting that...

Throughout Scripture, as well as in many languages and cultures throughout the world, the heart is used metaphorically to represent the inner person, the seat of motives and attitudes, the center of personality. But in Scripture it represents much more than emotion, feelings. It also includes the thinking process and particularly the will. In Proverbs we are told, “As [a man] thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Pr 23:7, KJV). Jesus asked a group of scribes, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?” (Mt 9:4; cf. Mk 2:8; 7:21)... The heart is the control center of mind and will as well as emotion...The problem that caused God to destroy the earth in the Flood was a heart problem. “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5)....God has always been concerned above all else with the inside of man, with the condition of his heart." ( MacArthur, J: Matthew 1-7 Chicago: Moody Press)

The second coming of Christ will have not only an externally transforming impact on the universe (See notes on 2 Peter 3:7-8, 3:9, 10, 11-13), but also an internally transforming impact (in your hearts) on those believers who are alive when Jesus returns, forever removing any of their remaining doubts. The perfect, albeit limited, revelation of the Scriptures will be replaced with the perfect and complete revelation of Jesus Christ at the second coming (Jn 14:7-11; 21:25). Then the Scriptures will have been fulfilled and believers, will be made like Christ, John recording this encouraging truth...

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1Jn 3:1,2)

At that time believers will have perfect knowledge and all prophecy will be abolished

"for now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now (we) know in part, but then (we) will know fully just as (we) also have been fully known." (1Cor 13:14)

Hiebert has an interesting comment on the somewhat difficult to interpret phrase "in your hearts" writing that...

"The truth that Christ is coming again must first arise in their hearts, like the morning star, giving assurance of coming day. Assured of His anticipated return, they will be alert to detect the gleams of dawn breaking through the darkness. Those who disregard the light of prophecy will not understand the significance of these harbingers of coming day. Such a living hope must have a transforming impact upon daily life."

BUT KNOW THIS FIRST OF ALL: touto proton ginoskontes (PAPMPN):

First of all (4413) (proton) means first in in time, place, order or importance. This is of primary importance (and it is placed first in the Greek sentence for emphasis). The upshot is that what Peter is going to say is very important!  Recognition that Scripture is not of human origin is an absolute priority!

"But" introduces a contrast with those who spoke moved by the Holy Spirit (1:21). Literally the Greek says "this first knowing".

Know (1097) (ginosko) refers to the act of acquiring by experience rather than intuitively. The basic meaning of ginosko indicates the taking in knowledge in regard to something or someone. The knowledge however in ginosko goes beyond the merely factual. By extension, ginosko frequently was used of a special relationship between the person who knows and the object of the knowledge. For example, in certain contexts ginosko even referred to the intimate relationship between husband and wife and between God and His people.

There is a process in getting spiritual knowledge and it primarily involves obedience to the Word of God. As I obey the truth I have heard (choosing to deny my flesh choosing God's way regardless of the cost), I began to "assimilate" that truth. This principle was taught by Jesus Who plainly stated that...

"If anyone is willing to DO His will, he will KNOW (ginosko) of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself." (Jn 7:17)

Do you see the link Jesus establishes between "doing" and "knowing"? As this truth becomes an experiential part of my thinking, the product is gnosis and the process of is ginosko. Like Wayne Barber likes to say, most of us want the final product "spiritual gnosis" but not many of us want to walk through the sometimes painful process of ginosko to obtain the gnosis. If this explanation confuses you like it did me when I first heard this teaching, persevere and I think you will see that this principle is Biblical.

THAT NO PROPHECY OF SCRIPTURE IS OF ONE'S OWN INTERPRETATION: hoti pasa propheteia graphes idias epiluseos ou ginetai; (3SPMI):

No is the Greek word (ou) that conveys absolute negation.

Scripture (1124)(see in depth study of graphe)

The verb "is" (1096) (ginomai = to cause to become become or to come into existence)  means to come into existence or to originate.

Peter's point is that absolutely no portion of Scripture came into existence based on the prophet's own ideas or thoughts, as was the case of false prophecies.  Peter is saying in essence what a man thinks or wants has absolutely nothing to do with divine prophecy. When the prophets sat down to write, they did not give their own thoughts on events or their own conclusions.

Much of the confusion on this passage originates from the word "interpretation" which is misleading because that word normally refers to how one understands a passage. Peter however (as explained more below) is not referring to the explanation of Scripture but to the origin of Scripture!

The NKJV has the word "origin" in its marginal note referring to the word "interpretation" which is retained in the translation.

Some of the "interpretations" of this passage are ridiculous, such as the view that right to interpret of Scripture belongs to the church and that individuals should not study it!

Other interpretation by commentaries I highly respect are somewhat askew on this particular verse. Thus J Vernon McGee (who I highly recommend otherwise) writes that...

What Peter is saying here is that no portion of the Scripture is to be interpreted apart from other references to the same subject. (McGee, J V: Thru the Bible Commentary:  Nashville: Thomas Nelson)

Dr McGee's explanation is a true statement and a vital exercise to assure accurate interpretation of Scripture (Scripture being the best commentary on Scripture) but that is not the meaning of 2 Peter 1:20 as shown by the immediate context (see below).

Similarly the Ryrie Study Bible offers this explanation of 2 Peter 1:20 writing that...

Several meanings are possible: (1) prophecies must be interpreted in the light of other Scriptures; (2) prophecies are often capable of several fulfillments; (3) prophecies must be interpreted only with God's help, since they were given only as the prophets were moved by God and not by any impulse of man. (The Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Translation: 1995. Moody Publishers)

Again, while these 3 statements are true, they are not what Peter is saying in this verse for all three focus on the idea of "interpretation". To reiterate, Peter is not teaching us about how the Bible is to be interpreted but how the Scriptures originated.

Prophecy (4394) (propheteia from pró = before or forth + phemí = to tell) has the literal meaning of speaking forth, with no connotation of prediction or other supernatural or mystical significance. The gift of prophecy is simply the gift of preaching, of proclaiming the Word of God.

Propheteia is a discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; esp. by foretelling future events

Propheteia is not used here in the sense of prediction but in its basic and broader meaning of speaking forth, of proclaiming a message. Peter is referring here to ALL the OT Scriptures.

One's own (2398) (idios) (KJV = "private") basically denotes that which belongs to an individual, in contrast to that which belongs to another. It means pertaining to self, private, properly one’s own.

It was the mark of a false teacher to speak ''his own thing'' or ''from himself''.

Some religious groups have taught that what Peter is teaching is that only certain “spiritual leaders” may interpret Scripture (picking up on the idea of "private") and they have used this verse as their defense. But Peter was not writing about the interpretation of Scripture, but about the origin of Scripture as explained in the next note below. 

Interpretation (1955) (epilusis from epi = up + luo = to loose) literally means ''a release", a loosening, an untying, as of hard knots of scripture and denotes a solution, explanation or interpretation.

Epilusis conveys the idea of a “loosing” as if to say no Scripture is the result of any human being privately “untying” and “loosing” the truth. No prophecy came into being through anyone's personal (private) disclosure. No true prophecy springs forth from the private reasoning of the man speaking or writing. The idea is that men did not bring forth or birth the ideas of Scripture. The writers of Scripture did not put their own construction upon the ‘God–breathed’ words they wrote. No prophet is a "self starter" as it were in regard to the writing of God's Word. No one starts a prophecy by himself.

In sum, Peter’s point is not about how to interpret Scripture, but rather  how Scripture originated and what its source was.

The false prophets "untied and loosed" their own ideas. But no part of God’s revelation was unveiled or revealed from a human source or out of the prophet’s unaided understanding.

The NLT although a paraphrase accurately conveys the meaning of this verse in context...
 

"no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves."

As an aside with some practice and attention to the context, one can often use a paraphrase like the NLT (this is my recommendation over other popular versions like the Message as this latter is a very loose translation at best) to help understand or interpret a specific passage. The Amplified Bible also can also function as a virtual "mini" commentary. However, this does take some practice and one needs to be a Berean because sometimes the paraphrases and even the more literal Amplified may be somewhat misleading.

In the present case, the NLT is saying that no message of Scripture was originated and sent forth by men’s own wisdom and will. Rather, the godly men through whom Scripture was revealed and recorded were divinely instructed and carried along by the Holy Spirit (in verse 21).

The strongest argument supporting this interpretation is the context. In the next verse (the original Greek did not have verses) Peter begins with "for" introducing the explanation for what he has just stated in (v20) and clearly this explanation speaks to the origin of Holy Scripture, not to a man's interpretation of it. The ultimate source was the Holy Spirit. End of argument.  (see related discussion on inspiration of Scripture in notes on 2Timothy 3:16-17).

Morris writes that...
 

The meaning here is that no true prophecy springs forth from the private reasoning of the man speaking or writing. He may or may not understand the meaning and intent of his writing in terms of his own current situation, but its ultimate meaning involves far more than that. This would especially be true for Messianic predictions (see note 1 Peter 1:10-12) but also applies to "all Scripture...given by inspiration of God" (see note 2 Timothy 3:16-17). (Morris, Henry: Defenders Study Bible. World Publishing)

R. C. Sproul adds that
 

“Private interpretation never meant that individuals have the right to distort the Scriptures. With the right of private interpretation comes the sober responsibility of accurate interpretation. Private interpretation gives us license to interpret, not to distort.”

Calvin said
 

''They did not blab their inventions or their own accord or according to their own judgments.''

No (3756) (ou) is the Greek word which means absolutely none. Furthermore ou is placed first in Greek order for added emphasis.

Peter explains the previous statement of why no prophet starts a prophecy himself. He is not a self-starter but a "Spirit-supercharged" man.

Ever (4218) (pote ) means at some time or another (past or future) and in this context referring to some time in the past.

Prophecy (4394) (propheteia from pró = before or forth + phemí = to tell) has the literal meaning of speaking forth, with no connotation of prediction or other supernatural or mystical significance. Propheteia is not used here in the sense of prediction but in its basic and broader meaning of speaking forth, of proclaiming a message.

Made (5342) (phero) means to bear, bring forth (see discussion of the second use of phero below)

What was "borne along"? In context phero refers to bearing along or conveying a divine proclamation (prophecy). The bearing along was not the result of men's power but of the Spirit. 

Will (2307) (thelema from thélo = to will) means what one wishes or has determined shall be done or that which is desired or wished for. It refers to a desire which proceeds from one’s heart or emotions. This term expresses the result of one’s purpose or desire.

Thelema has both an objective meaning (“what one wishes to happen”) and a subjective connotation (“the act of willing or desiring”). The word conveys the idea of desire, even a heart’s desire, for the word primarily expresses emotion instead of volition. Thus God’s will is not so much God’s intention, as it is His heart’s desire.

Note that Peter does not say "was never interpreted", reiterating the teaching in v20 that the speaking forth of God's word did not originate with the speaker.

Click for an in depth study on Inspiration and Inerrancy.

The verbs "made...moved" are both the same phero and both in the passive voice (action exerted on the men from without). In other words it was not man's that originated the Scriptures. And yet Peter explains that men were involved in the process for the Holy Spirit bore them along as they wrote, guarding them from writing error and guiding them to write God's Word to us.

Prophecy is of divine origin, not of one’s private origination. As Scripture is not of human origin, neither is it the result of human will. The emphasis in the phrase is that no part of Scripture was ever at any time produced because men wanted it to be produced. The Bible is not the product of human effort. To the contrary, even the human writers of Scripture wrote that sometimes they wrote things (under divine inspiration) that even they could not fully understand.

"As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made, careful, searches & inquiries seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow" (1Pet 1:10,11).

Even though they had incomplete understanding of what they wrote, the human authors were still faithful to write what God had revealed to them

"in many portions and in many ways". (see notes of Hebrews 1:1-2)

Words derived from the will of man not only deceive the perpetrator's own heart but they also poison the hearer. And this is exactly the scenario Peter is building up to in Chapter 2, one of the clearest exposes of false teachers in the entire Word of God. This same type of deceptive teaching was found in the OT, for example in Jeremiah where God compared their false, deceptive teaching to straw (God's word like a hammer, fire Jer 23:29) which offered no spiritual benefit to the hearers and in fact led them astray (see Jer 23:25-26,27,28-29,32).

BUT MEN MOVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT SPOKE FROM GOD: alli hupi (by, under) pneumatos hagiou pheromenoi (PPPMPN) elalesan (3PAAI) api theou anthropoi: (Lu 1:70; 2Ti 3:16; 1Pe 1:10,11, Jos 14:6; 1Ki 17:18,24; Nu 16:28; 2Sa 23:2; Micah 3:7; Rev 19:10 Mk 12:36; Acts 1:16; 3:18; 28:25; Heb 3:7; 9:8; 10:15) (See Torrey's Topic "Inspiration of the Holy Spirit")

But (alla) means "on the contrary" which presents a strong antithesis to the idea that prophecy originated from the mind & will of men. Peter supports Paul's doctrine that Scripture is not a man-made creation but represents the words breathed by God (see notes on inspiration of Scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Holy Spirit and not the will of men was the Source of Holy Scripture. In the OT alone, the human writers refer to their writings as the words of God over 3800 times.

These "Men" (the human instruments who "transcribed" as it were the the Words of God) were continually carried or borne along by the Spirit of God.

Moved (5342) (phero) means to bear or carry of a ship carried along by the wind. Phero is in the present tense meaning that they were continually carried or borne along. The passive voice conveys the sense that they were not borne along by their own power but by an external source, in this case by the Holy Spirit.

Luke describes the ship taking Paul to Rome being caught in the dangerous wind known as Euraquilo recording that...

And after they had hoisted it up, they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship; and fearing that they might run aground on the shallows of Syrtis, they let down the sea anchor, and so let themselves be driven (phero) along. (Acts 27:17)

This is a beautiful figurative use of the phero picturing these men being moved along like ships by the Ruach HaKodesh (OT Hebrew words for the "Holy Spirit") are a picture of the PROPHETS who were "vessels" raising their sails so to speak (they were not inanimate ships but were receptive and obedient "vessels" nevertheless) and the Holy Spirit filling them and carrying their craft along in the direction HE wished. Men spoke but what they spoke was from God. So these prophets were continually being moved along by the Spirit, much as the Spirit moved over the waters at Creation: [Ge 1:2]

"and the Spirit of God was moving over (LXX uses the related verb epiphero) the surface of the waters."

"To assure verbal precision God, in communicating His revelation, must be verbally precise, and inspiration must extend to the very words. This does not mean that God dictated every word. Rather His Spirit so pervaded the mind of the human writer that he chose out of his own vocabulary and experience precisely those words, thoughts and expressions that conveyed God's message with precision. In this sense the words of the human authors of Scripture can be viewed as the word of God." (LaSor, Hubbard and Bush, Old Testament Survey, p. 15)

Spoke from God (2980) (laleo) (Click here for in depth analysis of laleo) 

Though the human writers of Scripture were active (spoke is in the "active voice" indicating the subject carries out the action) rather than passive in the process of writing Scripture, God the Holy Spirit superintended them so that, using their own individual personalities, thought processes, and vocabulary, they composed and recorded without error the exact words God wanted written. The original copies of Scripture are therefore inspired, i.e., God-breathed (cf. 2Ti3:16) and inerrant, i.e., without error. Peter defined the process of inspiration which created an inerrant original text (cf Pr 30:5 Ps 12:6 18:30 19:7)

John Piper comments

"Yes, men spoke. They spoke with their own language and style. But Peter mentions two other dimensions of their speaking. First, they spoke from God. What they have to say is not merely from their own limited perspective. They are not the origin of the truth they speak; they are the channel. The truth is God's truth. Their meaning is God's meaning. Second, not only is what they spoke from God, but how they spoke it is controlled by the Holy Spirit. "Men, moved by the Holy Spirit, spoke from God." God did not simply reveal truth to the writers of Scripture and then depart in hopes that they might communicate it accurately. Peter says that in the very communicating of it they were carried by the Holy Spirit. The making of the Bible was not left to merely human skills of communication; the Holy Spirit Himself carried the process to completion....But what about the New Testament? Did the apostles and their close associates (Mark, Luke, James, Jude and the writer to the Hebrews) experience divine inspiration as they wrote? Were they "carried" by the Holy Spirit to speak from God? The Christian church has always answered yes. Jesus said to his apostles in Jn 16:12-13,

"I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot * bear them now. 13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come."

Then the apostle Paul confirms this when he says of his own apostolic teaching in 1Cor 2:12-13, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, 13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words." In 2Cor 13:3 he said that Christ speaks in him. And in Gal 1:12 he said, "For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ." If we take Paul as our model for what it meant to be an apostle of Christ, then it would be fair to say that the New Testament as well as the Old is not merely from man but also from God. The writers of the Old Testament and New Testament spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (Read the entire sermon The Holy Spirit: Author of Scripture) (Bolding and links added)

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Always Right - A weatherman boasted, "I'm 90 percent right—10 percent of the time." That's a ridiculous statement, but some people resort to that type of doubletalk to cover up a poor record.

The Bible's prophetic record, though, truly is accurate. Let's look at a few examples.

The Lord Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) at the time specified (Daniel 9:25). Infants in Bethlehem were massacred as prophesied (Jeremiah 31:15). Jesus went down into Egypt and returned (Hosea 11:1). Isaiah foretold Christ's ministry in Galilee (Isaiah 9:1-2). Zechariah predicted His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a colt (Zechariah 9:9) and His betrayal for 30 pieces of silver (Zech 11:12-13). David had never seen a Roman crucifixion, yet in Psalm 22, under divine inspiration, he penned a graphic portrayal of Jesus' death. Isaiah 53 gives a detailed picture of our Lord's rejection, mistreatment, death, and burial. These few prophecies (and there are many more) should impress us with the reliability of the Bible.

Since these predictions have all been fulfilled, let us also accept with confidence what the Bible says about the future. Remember, we have a book of prophecy that is right—all of the time!—Richard De Haan (Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

I'll trust in God's unchanging Word
Till soul and body sever;
For though all things shall pass away,
His Word shall stand forever! —Luther

You can trust the Bible—God always keeps His word.

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Windtalkers - Their contribution to victory in World War II was enormous, but few people even knew about them. In 1942, the US Army recruited and trained 29 young Navajo Indians and sent them to a base surrounded in secrecy. These people, who were called "windtalkers," had been asked to devise a special code in their native language that the enemy couldn't break. They succeeded, and the code was never broken. It secured and greatly speeded up war communications. For 23 years after the war, that secret code remained classified in case it might be needed again.

By contrast, the Bible was not sent down to us in some unbreakable code impossible to understand. Although it contains rich imagery, vivid metaphors, and the record of magnificent visions, it was written by human authors to give people the message of God's love and salvation.

That message is clear and unmistakable. The biblical writers were moved by God's Spirit to record exactly what He wanted us to know. For centuries people have been freed from their sin and guilt by believing His message.

We owe a great debt to the windtalkers. We owe an even greater debt to the writers of Scripture, who received God's Word and wrote it down. So let's read it often. —David C. Egner (Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)