2 Peter 1:9
New International Version
But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

New Living Translation
But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.

English Standard Version
For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

Berean Standard Bible
But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Berean Literal Bible
For in whomever these things are not present, he is blind, being short sighted, having received forgetfulness of the purification from his former sins.

King James Bible
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

New King James Version
For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

New American Standard Bible
For the one who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.

NASB 1995
For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.

NASB 1977
For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.

Legacy Standard Bible
For in whom these things are not present, that one is blind, being nearsighted, having forgotten the purification from his former sins.

Amplified Bible
For whoever lacks these qualities is blind—shortsighted [closing his spiritual eyes to the truth], having become oblivious to the fact that he was cleansed from his old sins.

Christian Standard Bible
The person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins.

American Standard Version
For he that lacketh these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.

Contemporary English Version
But if you don't grow, you are like someone who is nearsighted or blind, and you have forgotten that your past sins are forgiven.

English Revised Version
For he that lacketh these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If these qualities aren't present in your life, you're shortsighted and have forgotten that you were cleansed from your past sins.

Good News Translation
But if you do not have them, you are so shortsighted that you cannot see and have forgotten that you have been purified from your past sins.

International Standard Version
For the person who lacks these qualities is blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten the cleansing that he has received from his past sins.

Majority Standard Bible
But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

NET Bible
But concerning the one who lacks such things--he is blind. That is to say, he is nearsighted, since he has forgotten about the cleansing of his past sins.

New Heart English Bible
For he who lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.

Webster's Bible Translation
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purified from his old sins.

Weymouth New Testament
For the man in whom they are lacking is blind and cannot see distant objects, in that he has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his old sins.

World English Bible
For he who lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for he with whom these things are not present is blind, dim-sighted, having become forgetful of the cleansing of his old sins;

Berean Literal Bible
For in whomever these things are not present, he is blind, being short sighted, having received forgetfulness of the purification from his former sins.

Young's Literal Translation
for he with whom these things are not present is blind, dim-sighted, having become forgetful of the cleansing of his old sins;

Smith's Literal Translation
For in whom these are not present, he is blind, being affected with shortness of sight, having taken forgetfulness of the cleansing formerly of his sins.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For he that hath not these things with him, is blind, and groping, having forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For he who does not have these things at hand is blind and groping, being forgetful of his purification from his former offenses.

New American Bible
Anyone who lacks them is blind and shortsighted, forgetful of the cleansing of his past sins.

New Revised Standard Version
For anyone who lacks these things is short-sighted and blind, and is forgetful of the cleansing of past sins.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But he who lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For he in whom these things are not found is blind, because he does not see that he has forgotten the purification of his former sins.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But he who is wanting in these things is blind, and closes his eyes, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

Godbey New Testament
for he unto whom these things are not present is blind, not seeing afar off, having received the forgetfulness of his purgation from his old sins.

Haweis New Testament
But he that hath no possession of these things, is blind, dim-sighted, sinking into oblivion of his purification from the sins of his former days.

Mace New Testament
but he that is destitute of them is blind or short-sighted, having forgot he was purified from his past sins.

Weymouth New Testament
For the man in whom they are lacking is blind and cannot see distant objects, in that he has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his old sins.

Worrell New Testament
for he to whom these things are lacking is blind, seeing dimly, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.

Worsley New Testament
But he, that hath not these, is blind, or short-sighted, having forgot his baptismal purification from his former sins.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Partakers of the Divine Nature
8For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 10Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,…

Cross References
James 1:23-24
For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

Hebrews 6:4-6
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, / who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age— / and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame.

Matthew 13:22
The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

1 John 2:11
But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Revelation 3:17
You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.

Titus 3:3-7
For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. / But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, / He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. ...

Ephesians 4:18
They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts.

Romans 2:4
Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Colossians 1:21-22
Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds, engaging in evil deeds. / But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence—

1 Corinthians 6:11
And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

John 15:2
He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful.

Philippians 1:9-11
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, / filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Isaiah 42:19-20
Who is blind but My servant, or deaf like the messenger I am sending? Who is blind like My covenant partner, or blind like the servant of the LORD? / Though seeing many things, you do not keep watch. Though your ears are open, you do not hear.”

Jeremiah 4:22
“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.”


Treasury of Scripture

But he that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

lacketh.

2 Peter 1:5-7
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; …

Mark 10:21
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

Luke 18:22
Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

blind.

John 9:40,41
And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? …

2 Corinthians 4:3,4
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: …

1 John 2:9-11
He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now…

that he.

2 Peter 1:4
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

2 Peter 2:18-20
For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error…

Romans 6:1-4,11
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? …

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Afar Blind Cleansed Cleansing Distant Forgetful Forgotten Lacks Memory Objects Present Purged Purging Purification Purified Qualities Sins
2 Peter 1
1. Peter confirms the hope of the increase of God's grace,
5. exhorts them, by faith, and good works, to make their calling sure;
12. whereof he is careful to remind them, knowing that his death is at hand;
16. and assures them of the authenticity of the Gospel, by the eyewitness of the apostles and the prophets.














But whoever lacks these traits
This phrase introduces a condition of spiritual deficiency. The "traits" refer to the virtues listed in the preceding verses, such as faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. The Greek word for "lacks" (λεῖπον) implies a deficiency or shortcoming. In a historical context, this suggests a failure to cultivate the Christian virtues that are essential for spiritual growth and maturity. The absence of these traits indicates a stagnation in one's spiritual journey, which is contrary to the transformative power of the Gospel.

is nearsighted to the point of blindness
The imagery of "nearsightedness" (μυωπάζων) and "blindness" (τυφλός) is powerful, suggesting a spiritual myopia where one is unable to see beyond the immediate, earthly concerns to the eternal truths of God. In the ancient world, blindness was often seen as a severe limitation, and here it metaphorically represents a lack of spiritual insight and discernment. This condition is a warning against complacency and the danger of losing sight of the eternal perspective that faith in Christ provides.

having forgotten
The Greek word for "forgotten" (λήθην) implies a willful neglect or disregard. This forgetfulness is not merely a lapse in memory but a deeper spiritual amnesia where one fails to remember the foundational truths of their faith. In the scriptural context, remembering is often associated with covenant faithfulness, and forgetting is akin to turning away from God's promises and commands.

that he has been cleansed
The concept of being "cleansed" (καθαρισμός) is central to the Christian doctrine of salvation. It refers to the purification from sin through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In the historical and scriptural context, cleansing is a powerful image of redemption and renewal, signifying the believer's new identity in Christ. This cleansing is not just a past event but an ongoing reality that should continually shape the believer's life and conduct.

from his past sins
The phrase "past sins" (τῶν πάλαι ἁμαρτιῶν) emphasizes the transformative work of salvation. In the Greek, "past" (πάλαι) indicates something that is long gone, highlighting the complete and total forgiveness that believers receive through Christ. This forgiveness is a cornerstone of Christian faith, offering freedom from the guilt and power of sin. The historical context underscores the radical nature of this forgiveness, which was a revolutionary concept in a world where religious systems often emphasized ongoing rituals and sacrifices for atonement.

(9) But he that lacketh.--Rather, for he that lacketh. Geneva and Rheims have "for." The "for" introduces the second reason for the exhortation to furnish forth all these graces--viz., the evil of not having them. The Greek implies absence of possession in any degree, not merely absence of permanent possession. (See first Note on 2Peter 1:8.)

Is blind.--We might have expected "will be idle and unfruitful, &c.," but the writer is not content with merely emphasizing what has just been said, after the manner of St. John (e.g., 2Peter 1:3; 1John 1:5; 1John 2:4; 1John 2:27-28; 1John 4:2-3; 1John 4:6); he puts the case in a new way, with a new metaphor equally, applicable to the subject of knowledge. Note that he does not say "will be blind," but" is blind." The very fact of his possessing none of these graces shows that he has no eye for them. . . .

Verse 9. - But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off; literally, for he to whom these things are not present is blind, short-sighted. We cannot attain to the knowledge of Christ without these graces, for he who has them not is blind, or, at the best, short-sighted, like one who blinks with his eyes when he tries to see distant objects, and cannot bear the full light of day. Such a man can only see the things which lie close around him - earth and earthly things; he cannot lift up his eyes by faith and behold "the land that is very far off;" he cannot "see the King in his beauty" (Isaiah 33:17). The word for "short-sighted" (μυωπάζων) occurs only here in the New Testament. And hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins; literally, having incurred forgetfulness of the cleansing from his old sins. St. Peter is apparently thinking of the one baptism for the remission of sin. Ananias had said to Saul, "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins" (Acts 22:16); St. Peter himself had said, in his first great sermon, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." Those who do not realize in the religious life that death unto sin of which holy baptism is the sign and the beginning, incur forgetfulness of the cleansing from sin which they then received; they do not use the grace once given for the attainment of those higher graces of which St. Peter has been speaking. The one talent once entrusted to them must be taken from them; they are idle and unfruitful, and cannot reach unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (comp. 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 5:26; 1 Peter 3:21).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[But]
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

whoever
(hō)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

lacks
πάρεστιν (parestin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3918: From para and eimi; to be near, i.e. At hand; neuter present participle time being, or property.

these [ traits ]
ταῦτα (tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

nearsighted
μυωπάζων (myōpazōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3467: To be short-sighted, blink, see dimly. From a compound of the base of musterion and ops; to shut the eyes, i.e. Blink.

to the point of blindness,
τυφλός (typhlos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5185: Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind.

having forgotten
λήθην (lēthēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3024: Forgetfulness, oblivion. From lanthano; forgetfulness.

that
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

he has been cleansed
καθαρισμοῦ (katharismou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2512: From katharizo; a washing off, i.e. ablution, expiation.

from his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

past
πάλαι (palai)
Adverb
Strong's 3819: Of old, long ago, in times past, former. Probably another form for palin; formerly, or sometime since; ancient.

sins.
ἁμαρτιῶν (hamartiōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 266: From hamartano; a sin.


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NT Letters: 2 Peter 1:9 For he who lacks these things (2 Pet. 2P iiP ii Pet)
2 Peter 1:8
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