2 Peter 2:9
New International Version
if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

New Living Translation
So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.

English Standard Version
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,

Berean Standard Bible
if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

Berean Literal Bible
then the Lord knows to deliver the devout out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous being punished unto the day of judgment,

King James Bible
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

New King James Version
then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,

New American Standard Bible
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from a trial, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,

NASB 1995
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,

NASB 1977
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,

Legacy Standard Bible
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,

Amplified Bible
then [in light of the fact that all this is true, be sure that] the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial, and how to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,

Christian Standard Bible
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,

American Standard Version
the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment;

Contemporary English Version
This shows that the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their sufferings and to punish evil people while they wait for the day of judgment.

English Revised Version
the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Since the Lord did all this, he knows how to rescue godly people when they are tested. He also knows how to hold immoral people for punishment on the day of judgment.

Good News Translation
And so the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials and how to keep the wicked under punishment for the Day of Judgment,

International Standard Version
then the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials and to hold unrighteous people for punishment on the day of judgment,

Majority Standard Bible
if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

NET Bible
--if so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from their trials, and to reserve the unrighteous for punishment at the day of judgment,

New Heart English Bible
the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment;

Webster's Bible Translation
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust to the day of judgment to be punished:

Weymouth New Testament
Since all this is so, the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from temptation, and on the other hand how to keep the unrighteous under punishment in readiness for the Day of Judgement,

World English Bible
then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
the LORD has known to rescue [the] pious out of temptation, and to keep [the] unrighteous being punished to [the] day of judgment,

Berean Literal Bible
then the Lord knows to deliver the devout out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous being punished unto the day of judgment,

Young's Literal Translation
The Lord hath known to rescue pious ones out of temptation, and unrighteous ones to a day of judgment, being punished, to keep,

Smith's Literal Translation
The Lord knows to deliver the religious out of temptation, and to keep the unjust restrained for the day of judgment;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly from temptation, but to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be tormented.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Thus, the Lord knows how to rescue the pious from trials, and how to reserve the iniquitous for torments on the day of judgment;

New American Bible
then the Lord knows how to rescue the devout from trial and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,

New Revised Standard Version
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The LORD knows how to deliver from distress those who revere him, and he will reserve the wicked to be punished at the judgment day.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
THE LORD JEHOVAH knows to deliver from suffering those who reverence him, but he keeps the evil for the day of judgment while they are being tormented,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
then, the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the ungodly for the day of judgment, to be punished;

Godbey New Testament
for the Lord knows how to rescue the godly out of temptations, and to keep the unrighteous unto the day of judgment enduring punishment:

Haweis New Testament
the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, but to reserve the wicked unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Mace New Testament
I say, the Lord will deliver those, who fear him, from their affliction, and reserve the wicked to be punish'd at the day of judgment.

Weymouth New Testament
Since all this is so, the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from temptation, and on the other hand how to keep the unrighteous under punishment in readiness for the Day of Judgement,

Worrell New Testament
the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous enduring punishment unto the day of judgment;

Worsley New Testament
iniquitous deeds) then the Lord knoweth how to deliver the pious from temptation, and to reserve the wicked to the day of judgement to be punished:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Deliverance from False Prophets
8(for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— 9if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. 10Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings.…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

Psalm 34:17-19
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. / The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. / Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

Revelation 3:10
Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

Nahum 1:7
The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him.

2 Timothy 4:18
And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 37:39-40
The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their stronghold in time of trouble. / The LORD helps and delivers them; He rescues and saves them from the wicked, because they take refuge in Him.

Proverbs 3:25-26
Do not fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked, / for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Psalm 91:14-15
“Because he loves Me, I will deliver him; because he knows My name, I will protect him. / When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.

Jude 1:24
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy—

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Hebrews 2:18
Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.

Psalm 145:20
The LORD preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy.

1 Peter 1:5
who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.


Treasury of Scripture

The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust to the day of judgment to be punished:

knoweth.

Job 5:19
He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

Psalm 34:15-19
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry…

1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

the godly.

Psalm 4:3
But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

Psalm 12:1
To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

Psalm 32:6
For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

and.

2 Peter 2:4
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

Job 21:30
That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.

Proverbs 16:4
The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

unto.

2 Peter 3:7
But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

Romans 2:5
But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

2 Corinthians 5:10,11
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad…

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Able Deliver Evil-Doers Godly Hand Hold Judgement Judging Judgment Pious Punished Punishment Readiness Rescue Reserve Safe Temptation Temptations Testing Time Trial Trials Unjust Unrighteous Upright
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Able Deliver Evil-Doers Godly Hand Hold Judgement Judging Judgment Pious Punished Punishment Readiness Rescue Reserve Safe Temptation Temptations Testing Time Trial Trials Unjust Unrighteous Upright
2 Peter 2
1. Peter warns of false teachers, showing the impiety and punishment both of them and their followers;
7. from which the godly shall be delivered, as Lot was out of Sodom;
10. and more fully describes the manners of those profane and blasphemous seducers.














if all this is so,
This phrase refers back to the preceding verses where Peter discusses God's past judgments, such as the flood in Noah's time and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. These historical events serve as examples of God's ability to discern and act justly. The phrase sets the stage for the assurance that follows, emphasizing the certainty of God's actions based on historical precedent.

then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials
This highlights God's omniscience and omnipotence in delivering the righteous. The term "godly" refers to those who live in reverence and obedience to God, akin to Noah and Lot, who were preserved amidst widespread judgment. This assurance is echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalm 34:19 and 1 Corinthians 10:13, which affirm God's faithfulness in providing a way out of trials for His people.

and to hold the unrighteous for punishment
This phrase underscores God's justice and the certainty of divine retribution. The "unrighteous" are those who reject God's ways, similar to the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah. This concept is consistent with biblical teachings found in Romans 1:18 and Revelation 20:12, where God's judgment is portrayed as inevitable for those who persist in wickedness.

on the day of judgment.
The "day of judgment" refers to the eschatological event when God will execute final justice. This is a recurring theme in both Old and New Testaments, seen in passages like Daniel 12:2 and Matthew 25:31-46. It serves as a warning and a call to repentance, emphasizing the ultimate accountability before God. The phrase assures believers of the eventual vindication and the establishment of God's righteous order.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Lord
Refers to God, who is omniscient and omnipotent, capable of delivering the godly and judging the unrighteous.

2. The Godly
Those who live in accordance with God's will, striving for righteousness and holiness.

3. The Unrighteous
Individuals who live in opposition to God's commands, often characterized by sinful behavior.

4. Trials
Challenges or tests of faith that believers may face, which God uses to strengthen and purify them.

5. Day of Judgment
A future event when God will judge all people, rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Knowledge
God is fully aware of our circumstances and has the power to deliver us from trials. Trust in His timing and wisdom.

Purpose of Trials
Trials are not meaningless; they serve to refine our faith and draw us closer to God. Embrace them as opportunities for growth.

Assurance of Justice
The unrighteous will not escape God's judgment. This assurance should encourage believers to live righteously and share the gospel.

Living Godly Lives
Strive to live in a way that reflects God's holiness, knowing that He is both our deliverer and judge.

Hope in Judgment
The day of judgment is a source of hope for believers, as it promises the ultimate vindication and reward for the godly.(9) The Lord knoweth.--This is the main sentence to which the various conditional clauses beginning 2Peter 2:4 (see Note there) have been leading. But the construction is disjointed, owing to the eagerness of the writer, and the main clause does not fit on to the introductory clauses very smoothly. Even the main clause itself is interrupted by the insertion of "to deliver the godly out of temptations." What the writer specially wishes to prove is that "the Lord knoweth how to reserve the ungodly unto the day of judgment under punishment," as is shown by the "for" connecting 2Peter 2:4 with 2Peter 2:3.

To be punished.--Rather, being punished, or under punishment. They are already suffering punishment while waiting for their final doom. The error in our version is parallel to that in Acts 2:47, where "such as should be saved" stands instead of "those who were being saved." The participle is present, not future.

The same double moral--that God will save the righteous and punish the ungodly--is drawn from the same historical instance by Clement of Rome (Epistle to the Corinthians, xi.): "For his hospitality and godliness Lot was saved from Sodom, when all the country round was judged by fire and brimstone; the Master having thus foreshown that He forsaketh not them who set their hope on Him, but appointeth unto punishment and torment them who swerve aside." possible, but not a certain, reference to our Epistle. (See Note below on 2Peter 3:4.) . . .

Verse 9. - The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. We have here the apodosis corresponding with the conditional sentence beginning at verse 4. The three examples cited by St. Peter show that the Lord knows (and with the Lord knowledge involves power) how to deliver the righteous and to punish the wicked. The Greek words for "godly" and "unjust" are both without the article. The word rendered "to be punished" (καλαζομένους) is a present participle, not future, and is better rendered, as in the Revised Version, "under punishment." The wicked are already under punishment while awaiting the judgment; the Lord had taught this in the parable of Dives and Lazarus (comp. also Jude 1:6, 7, and verse 4 of this chapter). Aristotle makes a distinction between κόλασις and τιμωρία, the first being "chastisement inflicted for the good of those chastised;" the second, "punishment inflicted on the incorrigible for the satisfaction of justice" (see 'Rhet.,' 1:10); but it is doubtful whether this distinction exists in the New Testament (comp. Matthew 25:46). Therefore it seems dangerous to lay much stress on the use of the word κολαζομένους here (comp. Clement, I, 11.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[ if all this is so, then the ] Lord
Κύριος (Kyrios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

knows how
οἶδεν (oiden)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

to rescue
ῥύεσθαι (rhyesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 4506: To rescue, deliver (from danger or destruction).

[the] godly
εὐσεβεῖς (eusebeis)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2152: Pious, God-fearing, devout. From eu and sebomai; well-reverent, i.e. Pious.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

trials
πειρασμοῦ (peirasmou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3986: From peirazo; a putting to proof (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity.

and
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

to hold
τηρεῖν (tērein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 5083: From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.

[the] unrighteous
ἀδίκους (adikous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 94: Unjust, unrighteous, wicked. Specially, heathen.

for punishment
κολαζομένους (kolazomenous)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2849: To chastise, curtail, punish; mid: I cause to be punished. From kolos; properly, to curtail, i.e. to chastise.

on
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the] day
ἡμέραν (hēmeran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

of judgment.
κρίσεως (kriseōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2920: Decision; by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice.


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NT Letters: 2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knows how to deliver (2 Pet. 2P iiP ii Pet)
2 Peter 2:8
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