Heb 10:27, 12:29, 2Pe 3:7, 10 | JFB | STEP | 27. a certain-- an extraordinary and indescribable. The indefiniteness, as of something peculiar of its kind, makes the description the more terrible (compare Greek, ). looking for-- "expectation": a later sense of the Greek. Alford strangely translates, as the Greek usually means elsewhere, "reception." The transition is easy from "giving a reception to" something or someone, to "looking for." Contrast the "expecting" (the very same Greek as here), , which refutes Alford. fiery indignation-- literally, "zeal of fire." Fire is personified: glow or ardor of fire, that is, of Him who is "a consuming fire." devour-- continually.

‏ Hebrews 10:27

27. a certain--an extraordinary and indescribable. The indefiniteness, as of something peculiar of its kind, makes the description the more terrible (compare Greek, Jas 1:18).

looking for--"expectation": a later sense of the Greek. Alford strangely translates, as the Greek usually means elsewhere, "reception." The transition is easy from "giving a reception to" something or someone, to "looking for." Contrast the "expecting" (the very same Greek as here), He 10:13, which refutes Alford.

fiery indignation--literally, "zeal of fire." Fire is personified: glow or ardor of fire, that is, of Him who is "a consuming fire."

devour--continually.

‏ Hebrews 12:29

29. Greek, "For even": "for also"; introducing an additional solemn incentive to diligence. Quoted from De 4:24.

our God--in whom we hope, is also to be feared. He is love (1Jo 4:8, 16); yet there is another side of His character; God has wrath against sin (He 10:27, 31).

‏ 2 Peter 3:7

7. (Compare Job 28:5, end).

which are now--"the postdiluvian visible world." In contrast to "that then was," 2Pe 3:6.

the same--Other oldest manuscripts read, "His" (God's).

kept in store--Greek, "treasured up."

reserved--"kept." It is only God's constantly watchful providence which holds together the present state of things till His time for ending it.

‏ 2 Peter 3:10

10. The certainty, suddenness, and concomitant effects, of the coming of the day of the Lord. Faber argues from this that the millennium, &c., must precede Christ's literal coming, not follow it. But "the day of the Lord" comprehends the whole series of events, beginning with the pre-millennial advent, and ending with the destruction of the wicked, and final conflagration, and general judgment (which last intervenes between the conflagration and the renovation of the earth).

will--emphatical. But (in spite of the mockers, and notwithstanding the delay) come and be present the day of the Lord SHALL.

as a thief--Peter remembers and repeats his Lord's image (Lu 12:39, 41) used in the conversation in which he took a part; so also Paul (1Th 5:2) and John (Re 3:3; 16:15).

the heavens--which the scoffers say' shall "continue" as they are (2Pe 3:4; Mt 24:35; Re 21:1).

with a great noise--with a rushing noise, like that of a whizzing arrow, or the crash of a devouring flame.

elements--the component materials of the world [Wahl]. However, as "the works" in the earth are mentioned separately from "the earth," so it is likely by "elements," mentioned after "the heavens," are meant "the works therein," namely, the sun, moon, and stars (as Theophilus of Antioch [p. 22, 148, 228]; and Justin Martyr [Apology, 2.44], use the word "elements"): these, as at creation, so in the destruction of the world, are mentioned [Bengel]. But as "elements" is not so used in Scripture Greek, perhaps it refers to the component materials of "the heavens," including the heavenly bodies; it clearly belongs to the former clause, "the heavens," not to the following, "the earth," &c.

melt--be dissolved, as in 2Pe 3:11.

the works ... therein--of nature and of art.