Unto a light (Avyv@). More correctly, as Rev., a lamp.
In a dark place (é avypnpd toT@). A peculiar expression. Lit., a dry place. Only here in New Testament. Rev. gives squalid, in margin. Aristotle opposes it to bright or glistering. It is a subtle association of the idea of darkness with squalor, dryness, and general neglect.
Dawn (Svavydon). Only here in New Testament. Compare the different word in Matt. xxviii. 1, and Luke xxiii. 54, éz- gwoko. The verb is compounded of 6a, through, and avyn, sunlight, thus carrying the picture of light breaking through the
gloom,
688 WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. [Caen
The day-star (dwodopos). Of which our word phosphorus isa transcript. Lit., daght-bearer, like Lucifer, from lua, light, and fero, to bear.
20. Is (yverac). More literally, arises or originates.
Private (5/as). See on ver. 3. His own. Reyv., special, in margin.
Interpretation (ézvAvcews). Only here in New Testament. Compare the cognate verb expounded (Mark iv. 34) and deter- mined (Acts xix. 39). The usual word is épunveda (1 Cor. xii. 10; xiv. 26). Literally, it means loosening, untying, as of hard knots of scripture.
21. Came (jvéy9n). Lit., was borne or brought. See on vv. L718:
Holy men of God (dyior Seod dv9pwrros). The best texts omit holy, and read a6 Jeod, from God. Render, as Rev., men spake from God.
Moved (¢epduevor). The same verb as came. Lit., being borne along. It seems to be a favorite word with Peter, occur- ring six times in the two epistles.
CHAP T ital,
1. But. Introducing a contrast with those who spake by the Holy Ghost (ch. i. 21).
There were (éyévovto). Rev., better, there arose.
There shall be. Note that Peter speaks of them as Suture, and Jude (ver. 4) as present.
False teachers (yrevdodiSdexanor). Only here in New Tes- tament.
Cu. IL.) THE SECOND GENERAL EPISTLE OF PETER. 689
Who (ofruves). Of that kind or class which, ete.
Privily shall bring in (wapesca£ovowv). Only here in New Testament. The kindred adjective occurs Gal. ii. 4, “false brethren privily brought ia” (mapecdxtovs). The metaphor is of spies or traitors introducing themselves into an enemy’s camp. Compare Jude 4, crept in unawares. The verb means, literally, to bring (dyewv) into (eis) by the side of (mapa).
Damnable heresies (aipécers amwndelas). Lit., heresies of destruction. Rev., destructive heresies. Heresy is a transcript of afpeoss, the primary meaning of which is chorce; so that a heresy is, strictly, the choice of an opinion contrary to that usually received; thence transferred to the body of those who profess such opinions, and therefore a sect. So Rey., in margin, sects of perdition. Commonly in this sense in the New Testa- ment (Acts v.17; xv. 53; xxviii. 22), though the Rev. hasan odd variety in its marginal renderings. See Acts. xxiv. 14; 1 Cor. xi. 19; Gal. v. 20. The rendering heretical doctrines seems to agree better with the context; false teachers bringing in sects is awkward.
Denying. A significant word from Peter.
The Lord (Sec7rérnv). In most cases in the New Testament the word is rendered master, the Rev. changing lord to master in every case but two—Luke ii. 29; Acts iv. 24; and in both in- stances putting master in margin, and reserving lord for the rendering of «épsos. In three of these instances the word is used in direct address to God; and it may be asked why the Rev. changes Lord to Master in the text of Apoc. vi. 10, and re- tains Lord in Luke ii. 29; Acts iv. 24. In five out of the ten occurrences of the word in the New Testament it means master of the houschold. Originally, it indicates absolute, unrestricted authority, so that the Greeks refused the title to any but the gods. In the New Testament deomorns and Kvptos are used in- terchangeably of God, and of masters of servants.