Can We Use Private Interpretation? (2 Peter 1:20)

2 Peter 1:20 KJV Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

Second Peter 1:20 is sometimes misunderstood to mean that a person should not try to interpret Scripture on his own. This mistaken understanding is usually based on a misreading of the verse as it appears in the King James’ Version (KJV) of the Bible.

However, even in the KJV, the text does not say that “no prophecy of Scripture should be subject to private interpretation.” Rather, it says that “no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” The English word “of” is a rendering of the Greek genitive case, which expresses origin. The ESV renders 2 Peter 1:20 in this manner:

knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.

Therefore, Peter was not saying that Scripture should not be interpreted privately. Rather, Peter was saying that prophecy in Scripture did not originate from the prophet’s own interpretation of reality. This is further confirmed by what Peter wrote in very next verse:

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Therefore, 2 Peter 1:20–21 has nothing at all to do with one’s approach to interpreting Scripture. When we interpret Scripture, it is certainly wise to consult with others and not rely only on our limited knowledge and perspective. However, that is not at all Peter’s point in this passage.

Truth is not a matter of majority vote or popular opinion. A person may attempt to interpret Scripture on his own and conclude correctly that there is only one true God. Obviously, his conclusion is not any less true just because used “private interpretation”.