2 Peter 1:21
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Context
Completing his defense of Scripture's reliability (verses 19-21), Peter explains the divine source of prophecy just before confronting the false teachers described in chapter 2. The verse grounds the Bible's authority in the work of the Holy Spirit.
What Does 2 Peter 1:21 Mean?
In short, 2 Peter 1:21 explains that Scripture came not from human will but from people moved by the Holy Spirit to speak God's message. This verse gives the reason ("for") behind the claim of verse 20. Prophecy "came not in old time by the will of man" -- it was not the product of human ambition, cleverness, or wishful thinking. Its source lies beyond the prophet.
Peter describes the prophets as "holy men of God" who "spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." The word translated "moved" carries the picture of being carried along, the way wind fills a sail and bears a ship forward. The prophets were not passive instruments emptied of personality -- they spoke as real men, in their own words and circumstances -- yet the Holy Spirit carried them so that what they delivered was truly God's word. This is a beautiful partnership: human voices and divine breath together. The result is that Scripture is trustworthy and authoritative, not because the writers were brilliant, but because the Spirit guided them. For Peter's readers, facing teachers who twisted truth, this anchored their confidence: the word they had received came from God Himself and could be relied upon completely.
In the Original Language
The Greek "phero" (moved) means to be carried, borne, or driven along -- the same word used of a ship driven by the wind (Acts 27:15). It pictures the Spirit carrying the prophets along.
Cross References
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
- 2 Timothy 3:16
“Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.”
- Acts 1:16
“The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.”
- 2 Samuel 23:2
Application
Read the Scriptures with confidence and reverence, knowing they came through people carried along by God's Spirit; let the same Spirit who inspired the word guide you as you receive it.