2 Peter 1:9
“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Whoever lacks these qualities is spiritually blind, shortsighted, and has forgotten the cleansing they received.
What Does 2 Peter 1:9 Mean?
Peter gives the sobering contrast to verse 8. The believer who lacks these growing virtues is described in three ways: "blind," unable to see; shortsighted, "cannot see afar off," squinting only at what is near; and forgetful, having lost sight of the cleansing from "old sins" that came at the start of their faith.
Spiritual stagnation has a cause: forgetting. When a believer loses the wonder of being purged from past sin, the motivation for growth withers, and vision shrinks to the immediate and earthly. Such a person cannot see the glorious destiny verse 4 described. Peter's remedy is implicit — remember. Recall the cleansing Christ gave, and the eyes clear and the long view returns. A grateful memory of forgiveness is not optional spiritual sentiment; it is the very thing that keeps a believer's sight sharp and their growth alive.
In the Original Language
myopazo (μυωπάζω), 'cannot see afar off' — to be shortsighted, seeing only what is close at hand.