· Translation: KJV

2 Peter 1:20knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation.

The setting

Rome, ~65 AD. False teachers are twisting Scripture for personal gain. Peter warns that no individual has the right to make Scripture mean whatever they want...

The emotion here: protective urgency against deception

The original word

epilysis (ἐπιλύσεως) — personal unloosing or private解释, like untying a knot alone

Why it matters

Gnostic teachers were already claiming secret interpretations of Scripture

Read with care

What most readers miss in 2 Peter 1:20

This isn't about scholars studying—it's about individuals claiming their personal interpretation trumps community discernment

Common misconceptionPeople think this forbids personal Bible study, but Peter is warning against individuals claiming their private interpretation is the only correct one—especially when it contradicts established Christian understanding.

Bible Genome reading

2 Peter 1:20 — Bible Genome reading

SpeakerPeter
Eraearly_church
Primary emotiondeciding
Literary typeletter

Emotional genome

Comfort power30%
Quotability70%
Memorability60%
Crisis relevance50%
Standalone60%
Themes:scriptureinterpretation

In context

No verse stands alone.

Read the conversation around it.

Open 2 Peter 1

2 Peter 1:20 comes from the book of 2 Peter, written during the early_church period. These words are attributed to Peter. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 30% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the letter genre of biblical literature. Key themes include scripture, interpretation. Notable phrases: no prophecy of Scripture; private interpretation.

Your reflection

What does 2 Peter 1:20 mean to you, today?

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