2 Peter 1:20 Meaning: The Real Meaning of 'Private Interpretation'
knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation.
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation.
this first knowing, that no prophecy of the Writing doth come of private exposition,
knowing this first, that [the scope of] no prophecy of scripture is had from its own particular interpretation,
Meaning in one sentence
Many think this verse says we can't interpret the Bible alone. In fact, Peter's point is deeper: prophecy didn't come from human minds but from God.
Context
Peter is writing to believers who are holding onto their faith in a confusing world. He reminds them that he saw Jesus’ glory on the mountain. That was real. But then he says something surprising: the prophetic word of Scripture is even more reliable than what he saw with his own eyes. So he urges them to pay attention to that word as a lamp shining in the dark. And here is the key reason: that word did not come from human cleverness. It did not originate in someone's private thoughts. This is the foundation for trusting Scripture.
Key Words
The Greek word translated “interpretation” here is epilusis. It literally means “untying,” like loosening a knot. The prophets didn’t untangle mysteries by their own skill. The verb translated “is” is actually ginomai, which means “comes into being” or “originates.” So the verse reads: no prophecy of Scripture originates from a person’s own untying. And the word “private” is idias, meaning “one’s own”, as opposed to something given. Together, they point away from the prophet and toward God. The prophet was not the source. This is why Peter calls it a “first” truth: before you read, know that this book is not a human product.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have treasured this verse while reading it in different ways. In the Catholic tradition, it has often been understood to mean that Scripture should not be interpreted by private individuals without the guidance of the Church’s teaching authority. Many Protestant Reformers, however, read the verse as focusing on the origin of prophecy: the prophets did not speak from their own minds. Both readings affirm that Scripture is not merely human opinion. The disagreement is about what that implies for reading it. Both sides seek to honor God’s word and to avoid making it say whatever we want.
A common misunderstanding
A common misunderstanding is that this verse forbids ordinary Christians from reading or interpreting the Bible on their own. In fact, Peter is not talking about who can interpret. He is explaining where prophecy comes from. It did not come from the prophet’s own mind. The verse is about the source, not the reader.
Living This Out
Before you open your Bible this week, pause and remember this “first” truth. You are not reading someone’s good ideas or ancient wisdom. You are reading words that came from God. That changes how you approach them. Instead of asking “what does this mean to me?” you can ask “what is God saying here?” You may still have questions, and that is fine. But start by trusting that the One who spoke these words wants you to hear Him.
Main takeaway: Scripture comes from God, not from human minds, so we read it to listen, not to impose our own ideas.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Long ago, God gave special messages to people called prophets. They wrote them down for us. These messages did not come from their own ideas. They came from God. So when we read the Bible, we are listening to God.
For ages 9, 12
Imagine your friend tells you a story they made up. That's one kind of story. But the Bible is different. The prophets didn't make up their messages. God put those words in their hearts. That's why Peter says no prophecy is of “private interpretation.” It didn't start with the prophet. It started with God. So when you read the Bible, you can trust it's not just human opinions. It's God speaking to you.
Questions People Ask
What does 'private interpretation' mean in 2 Peter 1:20?
The Greek phrase literally means 'of one's own untying' or 'of one's own explanation.' Peter's point is that the prophets did not produce their messages by their own thinking or reasoning. The prophecy originated from God, not from human interpretation.
Does this verse mean we shouldn't read the Bible on our own?
No, the verse is not about who can read or interpret Scripture. It's about where Scripture comes from. Peter himself encourages his readers to 'take heed' to the prophetic word (verse 19). The early church also commended believers for searching the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). What the verse does is remind us that the Bible's authority is from God, not from our own wisdom.
Did the prophets understand everything they wrote?
Peter's first letter (1 Peter 1:10-12) shows that the prophets searched carefully to understand the things they wrote about, especially concerning Christ's sufferings and glory. So they did not always have full understanding, but they wrote as the Holy Spirit moved them. This supports the idea that the prophecy was not of their own private interpretation.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study