2 Peter 3:11
New International Version
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives

New Living Translation
Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live,

English Standard Version
Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,

Berean Standard Bible
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness

Berean Literal Bible
All these things being dissolved in this way, what kind ought you to be? In holy conduct and godliness,

King James Bible
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

New King James Version
Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

New American Standard Bible
Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

NASB 1995
Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

NASB 1977
Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

Legacy Standard Bible
Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

Amplified Bible
Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be [in the meantime] in holy behavior [that is, in a pattern of daily life that sets you apart as a believer] and in godliness [displaying profound reverence toward our awesome God],

Christian Standard Bible
Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness

American Standard Version
Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness,

Contemporary English Version
Everything will be destroyed. So you should serve and honor God by the way you live.

English Revised Version
Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
All these things will be destroyed in this way. So think of the kind of holy and godly lives you must live

Good News Translation
Since all these things will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people should you be? Your lives should be holy and dedicated to God,

International Standard Version
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, think of the kind of holy and godly people you ought to be

Majority Standard Bible
Since everything will be destroyed, then, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness

NET Bible
Since all these things are to melt away in this manner, what sort of people must we be, conducting our lives in holiness and godliness,

New Heart English Bible
Therefore since all these things will be destroyed like this, what kind of people ought you to be in holy living and godliness,

Webster's Bible Translation
Seeing then that all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy deportment and godliness,

Weymouth New Testament
Since all these things are thus pre-destined to dissolution, what sort of men ought you to be found to be in all holy living and godly conduct,

World English Bible
Therefore, since all these things will be destroyed like this, what kind of people ought you to be in holy living and godliness,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
All these, then, being dissolved, what kind of persons ought you to be in holy behaviors and pious acts,

Berean Literal Bible
All these things being dissolved in this way, what kind ought you to be? In holy conduct and godliness,

Young's Literal Translation
All these, then, being dissolved, what kind of persons doth it behove you to be in holy behaviours and pious acts?

Smith's Literal Translation
Therefore all these being dissolved, of what race ought ye to be in holy turning round and devotion,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Seeing then that all these things are to be dissolved, what manner of people ought you to be in holy conversation and godliness?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what kind of people ought you to be? In behavior and in piety, be holy,

New American Bible
Since everything is to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought [you] to be, conducting yourselves in holiness and devotion,

New Revised Standard Version
Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now since all these things are to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in your holy conduct and godliness,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
As therefore all these things are to be destroyed, it is right for you to be in your way of life as those who are holy and in the worship of God,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Seeing, then, that all these things shall be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in all holy behavior, and godliness,

Godbey New Testament
Then all these things being dissolved, what kind of people does it behoove you to be in holy deportment and godliness,

Haweis New Testament
Seeing then that all these things must be dissolved, what manner of persons ought we to be in a course of holy conduct and acts of piety,

Mace New Testament
Since then this whole system is to be destroyed, how holy should your conduct be, and how ardent your piety?

Weymouth New Testament
Since all these things are thus pre-destined to dissolution, what sort of men ought you to be found to be in all holy living and godly conduct,

Worrell New Testament
Seeing, therefore, that all these things are thus to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conduct and godliness,

Worsley New Testament
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in holy conversation and godliness,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Day of the Lord
10But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. 11Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness 12as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat.…

Cross References
Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

1 John 2:17
The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.

Romans 13:11-14
And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. / The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. / Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. ...

1 Corinthians 7:29-31
What I am saying, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; / those who weep, as if they did not; those who are joyful, as if they were not; those who make a purchase, as if they had nothing; / and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

Hebrews 12:26-29
At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.” / The words “Once more” signify the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that the unshakable may remain. / Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. ...

Revelation 21:1
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

1 Thessalonians 5:2-8
For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. / While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. / But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief. ...

Philippians 3:20-21
But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, / who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

Colossians 3:1-4
Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. / Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. / For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ...

Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. / It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, / as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. ...

1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. / As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. / But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, ...

James 4:13-15
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.” / You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. / Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.”

Luke 12:39-40
But understand this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. / You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.”

Mark 13:32-37
No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. / Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come. / It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. ...

Ephesians 5:15-17
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.


Treasury of Scripture

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

all these.

2 Peter 3:12
Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

Psalm 75:3
The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.

Isaiah 14:31
Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times.

what.

Matthew 8:27
But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

1 Thessalonians 1:5
For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

James 1:24
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

in all.

Psalm 37:14
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.

Psalm 50:23
Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.

2 Corinthians 1:12
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

godliness.

2 Peter 1:3,6
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: …

1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

1 Timothy 6:3,6,11
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; …

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2 Peter 3
1. He assures them of the certainty of Christ's coming to judgment;
8. warning the godly, for the long patience of God, to hasten their repentance.
10. He describes also the manner how the world shall be destroyed;
11. exhorting them to all holiness of life;
16. and again to think the patience of God to tend to their salvation, as Paul wrote to them in his epistles.














Since everything will be dissolved in this way
This phrase sets the stage for a profound eschatological truth. The Greek word for "dissolved" is "λύω" (luo), which means to loosen or break up. It implies a complete transformation or destruction of the current order. Historically, this reflects the biblical teaching that the present heavens and earth are temporary and will be replaced by a new creation (Revelation 21:1). The imagery of dissolution serves as a sobering reminder of the transient nature of worldly things, urging believers to focus on eternal realities.

what kind of people ought you to be?
This rhetorical question challenges the reader to self-reflection. The Greek phrase "ποταπούς" (potapous) suggests a qualitative assessment, asking not just about actions but about the very nature and character of a person. In the context of impending divine judgment and renewal, it calls Christians to evaluate their lives in light of eternal values. Historically, this reflects the early Christian community's emphasis on living distinctively from the surrounding pagan culture, embodying the transformative power of the Gospel.

You ought to conduct yourselves
The Greek verb "ὑπάρχω" (huparcho) implies a state of being or existence. It is not merely about external behavior but about one's entire way of life. This phrase underscores the call to live consistently with one's identity in Christ. Archaeologically, early Christian communities were known for their distinct lifestyles, which often set them apart from their contemporaries. This conduct was a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.

in holiness and godliness
"Holiness" (Greek: "ἁγιασμός," hagiasmos) refers to being set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His character in purity and moral integrity. "Godliness" (Greek: "εὐσέβεια," eusebeia) denotes a life of reverence and devotion to God. Together, these terms encapsulate the essence of Christian living. Scripturally, holiness and godliness are recurring themes, emphasizing the believer's call to reflect God's nature (Leviticus 11:44, 1 Timothy 4:8). Historically, the early church fathers emphasized these virtues as essential for spiritual growth and witness in a world often hostile to Christian values.

(11) Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved.--For "then" we ought probably to read "thus," seeing that all these things are thus to be dissolved. The original is present in form, but rightly translated by the future, being the prophetic present, i.e., the future prophetically regarded as present.

What manner of persons.--Not so much a question as an exclamation. In any case, the sentence should run on to the end of 2Peter 3:12. To put an interrogation at "to be" or at "godliness," and make what follows an answer to the question, would be stiff and frigid, and very unlike the fervour of this Epistle.

Ought ye to be.--We might fairly translate, ought ye to be found. The Greek implies that the state is one that has continued for some time before the day comes.

In all holy conversation and godliness.--Literally, in holy behaviours and godlinesses. (See Notes on 2Peter 1:3 and 2Peter 2:7.) The plurals indicate a variety of acts. They occur in this passage only.

Verse 11. - Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved; rather, seeing that all these things are being dissolved. The participle is present, and implies the certainty of the event foretold, and, perhaps, also that the germs of that coming dissolution are already in being, that the forces which are ultimately to bring about the final catastrophe are even now at work. Some of the better manuscripts read, instead of οϋν, then, οὕτως, thus: "seeing that all these things are thus being dissolved." What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness? The Greek word for "what manner of persons" means literally, "of what country;" it seems to point to the great truth that God's people are fellow-citizens of the saints, that the commonwealth of which they are citizens is in heaven. The word for "to be" is the emphatic ὑπάρχειν, which denotes original, essential, continuous being. (On the word for "conversation" (ἀναστροφαῖς, behaviour, conduct), see note on 1 Peter 1:15.) Both this noun and the following are plural in the Greek, and therefore mean "in all aspects and forms of holy conduct and godliness." Some commentators connect these last words, "in all holy conversation and godliness," with the next verse: "looking in all holy conversation," etc. Some, again, understand this verse as asking a question, which is answered in the next; but the Greek word for "what manner of persons" (ποταπός) seems to be used in the New Testament as an exclamation only, not interrogatively.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[Since] everything
πάντων (pantōn)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

will be dissolved
λυομένων (lyomenōn)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3089: A primary verb; to 'loosen'.

in this way,
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

what kind of [people]
ποταποὺς (potapous)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4217: Of what kind, of what manner. Apparently from pote and the base of pou; interrogatively, whatever, i.e. Of what possible sort.

ought
δεῖ (dei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1163: Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.

you
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

to be?
ὑπάρχειν (hyparchein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 5225: To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb).

You ought to conduct yourselves
ἀναστροφαῖς (anastrophais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 391: Dealing with other men, conduct, life, behavior, manner of life. From anastrepho; behavior.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

holiness
ἁγίαις (hagiais)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

godliness
εὐσεβείαις (eusebeiais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2150: Piety (towards God), godliness, devotion, godliness. From eusebes; piety; specially, the gospel scheme.


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NT Letters: 2 Peter 3:11 Therefore since all these things will be (2 Pet. 2P iiP ii Pet)
2 Peter 3:10
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