2 Peter 3:4
New International Version
They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

New Living Translation
They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”

English Standard Version
They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”

Berean Standard Bible
“Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.”

Berean Literal Bible
and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For from the time that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."

King James Bible
And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

New King James Version
and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”

New American Standard Bible
and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue just as they were from the beginning of creation.”

NASB 1995
and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.”

NASB 1977
and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.”

Legacy Standard Bible
and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.”

Amplified Bible
and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming [what has become of it]? For ever since the fathers fell asleep [in death], all things have continued [exactly] as they did from the beginning of creation.”

Christian Standard Bible
saying, “Where is his ‘coming’ that he promised? Ever since our ancestors fell asleep, all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? Ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation.”

American Standard Version
and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Contemporary English Version
and say, "Didn't your Lord promise to come back? Yet the first leaders have already died, and the world hasn't changed a bit."

English Revised Version
and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
by saying, "What's happened to his promise to return? Ever since our ancestors died, everything continues as it did from the beginning of the world."

Good News Translation
and will ask, "He promised to come, didn't he? Where is he? Our ancestors have already died, but everything is still the same as it was since the creation of the world!"

International Standard Version
by saying, "What happened to the Messiah's promise to return? Ever since our ancestors died, everything continues as it did from the beginning of creation."

Majority Standard Bible
“Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.”

NET Bible
and saying, "Where is his promised return? For ever since our ancestors died, all things have continued as they were from the beginning of creation."

New Heart English Bible
and saying, "Where is the promise of his coming? For, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation."

Webster's Bible Translation
And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Weymouth New Testament
and, asking, "What has become of His promised Return? For from the time our forefathers fell asleep all things continue as they have been ever since the creation of the world."

World English Bible
and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things so remain from the beginning of the creation”;

Berean Literal Bible
and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For from the time that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."

Young's Literal Translation
and saying, 'Where is the promise of his presence? for since the fathers did fall asleep, all things so remain from the beginning of the creation;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And saying, Where is the solemn promise of his presence? for from the time the fathers were set to sleep, so continue all things from the beginning of creation.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Saying: Where is his promise or his coming? for since the time that the fathers slept, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Catholic Public Domain Version
saying: “Where is his promise or his advent? For from the time that the fathers have slept, all things have continued just as they were from the beginning of creation.”

New American Bible
and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? From the time when our ancestors fell asleep, everything has remained as it was from the beginning of creation.”

New Revised Standard Version
and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since our fathers passed away, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they say, “Where is The Promise of his coming? For from when our forefathers fell asleep, everything continues in the same way from the beginning of creation.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and saying: Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Godbey New Testament
and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for from the day when the fathers fell asleep, all things remain as from the beginning of creation.

Haweis New Testament
and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue in the same state as from the beginning of the creation.

Mace New Testament
"where is the promise of his coming? for since our fathers are dead, the state of things is the same it has ever been since the beginning of the world."

Weymouth New Testament
and, asking, "What has become of His promised Return? For from the time our forefathers fell asleep all things continue as they have been ever since the creation of the world."

Worrell New Testament
and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? for, from the day the fathers fell asleep, all things remain as they were from the beginning of the creation."

Worsley New Testament
walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the declaration of his coming? for except that the fathers are fallen asleep, all things remain as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Coming Judgment
3Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4“Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.” 5But they deliberately overlook the fact that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water,…

Cross References
Matthew 24:48-51
But suppose that servant is wicked and says in his heart, ‘My master will be away a long time.’ / And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. / The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. ...

Luke 12:45-46
But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk. / The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

Jude 1:18
when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.”

Hebrews 9:28
so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3
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.

1 Timothy 4:1-2
Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, / influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.

2 Timothy 3:1-5
But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. / For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, / unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, ...

Romans 13:11-12
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.

1 Peter 1:10-12
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, / trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. / It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Revelation 22:20
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

Genesis 3:4
“You will not surely die,” the serpent told the woman.

Isaiah 5:19
to those who say, “Let Him hurry and hasten His work so that we may see it! Let the plan of the Holy One of Israel come so that we may know it!”

Jeremiah 17:15
Behold, they keep saying to me, “Where is the word of the LORD? Let it come now!”

Ezekiel 12:22-28
“Son of man, what is this proverb that you have in the land of Israel: ‘The days go by, and every vision fails’? / Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will put an end to this proverb, and in Israel they will no longer recite it.’ But say to them: ‘The days are at hand when every vision will be fulfilled. / For there will be no more false visions or flattering divinations within the house of Israel, ...

Malachi 2:17
You have wearied the LORD with your words; yet you ask, “How have we wearied Him?” By saying, “All who do evil are good in the sight of the LORD, and in them He delights,” or, “Where is the God of justice?”


Treasury of Scripture

And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

where.

Genesis 19:14
And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.

Ecclesiastes 1:9
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 8:11
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

from the beginning.

Mark 13:19
For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

Revelation 3:14
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

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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.














Where is the promise of His coming?
This phrase reflects a skeptical question posed by scoffers, as mentioned earlier in the chapter. The Greek word for "promise" is "ἐπαγγελία" (epangelia), which signifies a divine assurance or pledge. In the context of 2 Peter, this promise refers to the second coming of Christ, a central tenet of Christian eschatology. Historically, the early Christians faced ridicule for their belief in Christ's return, especially as time passed without its fulfillment. This skepticism is not unlike the doubt faced by Noah before the flood, as people questioned the reality of God's warnings. The phrase challenges believers to hold fast to their faith, trusting in God's timing and faithfulness.

For ever since the fathers fell asleep
The term "fathers" likely refers to the patriarchs or the early generations of believers who have died, as "fell asleep" is a common euphemism for death in the New Testament. The Greek word "κοιμάομαι" (koimaomai) for "fell asleep" suggests a temporary state, emphasizing the Christian hope in the resurrection. This phrase underscores the continuity of God's plan through generations, reminding believers that God's promises transcend human timelines. The historical context here is crucial, as the early church grappled with the delay of Christ's return, prompting Peter to reassure them of the certainty of God's promises.

all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation
This assertion by the scoffers implies a belief in the uniformity of nature, a concept that everything has remained unchanged since creation. The Greek word "διαμένει" (diamenei) for "continue" suggests a persistent state. This perspective ignores the divine interventions recorded in Scripture, such as the flood, which Peter later references. The phrase challenges believers to recognize God's active role in history and creation, countering the notion of a static universe. It serves as a reminder that God's sovereignty and power are evident throughout history, and His promises, including the return of Christ, will be fulfilled in His perfect timing.

(4) Where is the promise?--Not meaning, of course, "In what passages of Scripture is any such promise to be found?"--but, "What has come of it? where is there any accomplishment of it?" (Comp. Psalm 42:3; Psalm 79:10; Jeremiah 17:15; Malachi 2:17.)

Of his coming.--"His" instead of "the Lord's" indicates not merely that only one Person could be meant, but also the irreverent way in which these scoffers spoke of Him.

Since the fathers fell asleep.--What fathers are meant? Four answers have been given to this question: (1) The ancestors of the human race; (2) the patriarchs and prophets; (3) the first generation of Christians; (4) each generation of men in relation to those following. Probably nothing more definite than our remote ancestors is intended. The expression "fell asleep" is used of St. Stephen's death in Acts 7:60 (comp. Matthew 27:52; 1Corinthians 7:39, where the word is not literally translated; 1Corinthians 15:6; 1Corinthians 15:18, &c). The thoroughly Christian term "cemetery" (=sleeping-place), in the sense of a place of repose for the dead, comes from the same Greek root. . . .

Verse 4. - And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? (comp. Malachi 2:17, "Where is the God of judgment?"). The Lord had prophesied of his coming; St. Paul had spoken more than once as if that coming were very near at hand (1 Corinthians 15:51; 2 Corinthians 5:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:15). Yet he came not. Already men were beginning to mock, and to question whether the long-delayed promise would ever be fulfilled. For since the fathers fell asleep; better, from the day that. By "the fathers" must be meant here the fathers of the Christian Church. St. Peter was writing more than thirty years after the Ascension. The first generation of Christians was rapidly passing away. Stephen "fell asleep" first, then James the son of Zebedee, the other James the Lord's brother, and many others who had looked, it may be, to see the coming of the Lord among those "which are alive and remain" (1 Thessalonians 4:17). But they had died, and he came not; and from the day of their death things went on as they were. Should men look for him still, the mockers asked, when the fathers looked in vain? The mockers adopted, in mockery, doubtless, the Christian phrase for death. The Lord first had said, "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth ;" then the holy Stephen "fell asleep;" and so "they which are asleep" became the recognized name for the dead in Christ. Death is like sleep; the holy dead rest from their labours. They "sleep not idly," for they are at home with the Lord, and they are blessed; but yet the quiet rest of Paradise, though "far better" than this earthly life, is sleep compared with the perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, which the redeemed of the Lord shall enjoy at last in his eternal glory. All things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation; literally, all things continue thus, as they are, and as they have been from the beginning. There has been no sudden catastrophe; the world has gone on as it was; the laws of nature are still working with their changeless uniformity" (see a remarkable parallel in Clement, I, 23, which is important also as an independent proof that this argument of the scoffers is as old as the end of the first century).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Where
Ποῦ (Pou)
Adverb
Strong's 4226: Genitive case of an interrogative pronoun pos otherwise obsolete; as adverb of place; at what locality.

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.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

promise
ἐπαγγελία (epangelia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1860: A promise. From epaggello; an announcement.

of
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

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.

coming?”
παρουσίας (parousias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3952: From the present participle of pareimi; a being near, i.e. Advent; physically, aspect.

they will ask.
λέγοντες (legontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“Ever
ἀφ’ (aph’)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

since
ἧς (hēs)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

[our]
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

fathers
πατέρες (pateres)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

fell asleep,
ἐκοιμήθησαν (ekoimēthēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2837: From keimai; to put to sleep, i.e. to slumber; figuratively, to decease.

everything
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Nominative 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.

continues
διαμένει (diamenei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1265: To remain, continue. From dia and meno; to stay constantly.

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

from
ἀπ’ (ap’)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

[the] beginning
ἀρχῆς (archēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 746: From archomai; a commencement, or chief.

of creation.”
κτίσεως (ktiseōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2937: From ktizo; original formation.


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NT Letters: 2 Peter 3:4 And saying Where is the promise (2 Pet. 2P iiP ii Pet)
2 Peter 3:3
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