2 Peter 3:5

This. The clause reads literally, “this escapes their notice by their own will.” The scoffers knew of the Flood but deliberately chose to ignore the cataclysm and its message to mankind. By so doing they closed their minds against the idea of the possibility of further divine intervention when Christ should return.

By the word of God. Peter believes in the same creative power as do the other Bible writers, that is, the spoken word of God (cf. on Gen. 1:3; Ps. 33:6, 9; etc.).

The heavens. Gr. ouranoi, simply “heavens.” Peter here refers to the atmospheric “heavens.” Some commentators see in the plural, “heavens,” a reference to the Jewish concept of seven heavens above the earth. But Peter is concerned with Scripture and not with tradition. However, the Hebrew word for “heavens” never occurs in the singular, though in the OT reference is frequently to the atmospheric envelope that surrounds the earth. In form the word is plural, but in meaning it is generally singular. Peter here undoubtedly reflects this common idiomatic Hebrew usage. The plural form ouranoi, “heavens,” often occurs in the Greek but in the KJV of Matt. 5:45; Mark 1:11; Luke 10:20; Eph. 3:15 etc., is translated in the singular form “heaven.” Peter so uses it five times in this epistle (here and vs. 7, 10, 12, 13).

Of old. Or, “from long past.” Some commentators interpret the phrase as “originally,” that is, from creation, which is clearly Peter’s meaning.

The earth. Rather, “earth.”

Standing. The clause may be translated, “compounded out of water and by means of water.” One of the steps in preparing the earth as an abode for man was the gathering of the waters into one place (Gen. 1:9). Peter is not attempting to describe creation in modern scientific terms, but seeks to explain God’s creative work to the men of his own day.