2 Peter 3:5
For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
2 Peter 3:5 (KJV)
Context
Peter writes to believers who share precious faith through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ. He warns them to remember the apostles’ teachings and to be alert to false teachers. In the preceding verse, scoffers ask, “Where is the promise of his coming?” because they claim all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation. Peter responds by exposing their willful ignorance.
Meaning
The Greek term behind “willingly ignorant” indicates a deliberate choice not to know. These scoffers are not lacking evidence or opportunity; they suppress the truth because they do not want to face the implications of a God who creates, judges, and will return. Peter points to the creation account: “by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water.” The creative power of God’s spoken word is the foundation for understanding that the same word also sustains and will judge.
The Word of God: In Genesis 1, God spoke and brought the universe into existence—calling forth light, separating the waters, and forming the earth. The scoffers choose to disregard this truth.
The Heavens Were of Old: This refers to the ancient origin of the heavens, established by God’s creative act long ago.
The Earth Standing Out of the Water and in the Water: This phrase relates to Genesis 1:9-10, where God gathered the waters into one place, allowing dry land to appear. The “water” likely signifies the primordial waters that covered the early earth before land and sea were separated.
Peter’s argument is that the scoffers’ view of a static world is false because creation itself demonstrates God’s powerful, intervening word. The earth’s formation “out of water and in water” points to the Genesis account, showing that the world is not self-sustaining but dependent on God’s ongoing word.
Biblical connections
This creative act by God’s word is the foundation for understanding that the same word brought judgment by the flood (2 Peter 3:6) and will bring final judgment by fire (2 Peter 3:7). The scoffers’ error is not intellectual but moral; they suppress the truth because they do not want to face the implications of a God who creates, judges, and will return.
Application
Believers should be vigilant regarding teachings or philosophies that deny God’s creative power or question His authority over creation. Guarding against willful ignorance involves studying God’s Word and embracing its revealed truths. Just as God’s spoken word brought the universe into being, His promises, guidance, and plans are trustworthy. Faith in Scripture should shape thoughts, decisions, and actions. Through diligent study, believers gain insight into God’s character, creative power, and redemptive plan, equipping them to respond to challenges and false teachings with conviction.
Reflection
Peter highlights the willful ignorance of those who reject the truth of God’s creative power. These scoffers deny a divine Creator and consequently refuse to acknowledge His authority. He warns believers about false teachings and attitudes that may arise. The same word that created the heavens and the earth is the word that sustains all things and will one day bring final judgment. Trusting that word means living in light of His promises and His return.
