2 Peter 3:7

The heavens. The phrase reads literally, “the now heavens and the earth,” that is, our present heavens and earth, in contrast with “the then world” (see on v. 6).

Same word. That is, the word of God (v. 5).

Kept in store. Gr. thesaurizo, “to treasure up,” whence our word “thesaurus.” The tense implies that the heavens have been, and are being preserved.

Reserved. Or, “being kept” (cf. ch. 2:4, 9).

Unto fire. Rather, “for fire,” or “with fire.” According to the Greek text the words can be linked with “reserved” or with “kept in store,” but most scholars prefer to construe them with thesaurizd. The translation would thus read, “are being treasured up for fire,” that is, for fire to work its destruction as water did its destructive work at the time of the Flood (cf. on Mal. 4:1; 2 Thess. 1:8).

Against the day of judgment. Literally, “unto a day of judging” (see on 1 Peter 4:17; 2 Peter 2:4-9).

Perdition. Gr. apoleia (see on ch. 2:1, 3).

Ungodly men. Literally, “the ungodly men.” For comment on “ungodly” see on ch. 2:5. It is animate sinners, not inanimate matter, that is to be judged and punished.