2 Peter 1:21 (DRB)

Passage

For prophecy came not by the will of man at any time: but the holy men of God spoke, inspired by the Holy Ghost.

Nearby Context

2 Peter 1:19 And we have the more firm prophetical word: whereunto you do well to attend, as to a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts.

2 Peter 1:20 Understanding this first: That no prophecy of scripture is made by private interpretation.

2 Peter 1:21 For prophecy came not by the will of man at any time: but the holy men of God spoke, inspired by the Holy Ghost.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "prophecy", "came", "time", "holy", "spoke", "inspired", and "ghost". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "prophecy" and "came", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The prior verse says "Understanding this first That no prophecy of...", giving immediate footing for "prophecy" and "came". In 2 Peter context, the local focus is Christ, faith, and discipleship.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "prophecy" and "came" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.