Definition: For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Peter 3:5. It's a really interesting and slightly mysterious verse, and it’s packed with symbolism! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that people are deliberately not understanding the truth of God’s word – specifically, how God created the universe and Earth. It’s a bit like someone deliberately choosing to ignore something important. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For this they willingly are ignorant…” This is key. “Willingly” means intentionally or deliberately . It’s not happening because of a mistake, but because they choose not to understand. “…that by the word of God the heavens were of old…” This refers to the creation of the universe – everything we see and experience – as described in Genesis (the first part of the Bible). “The heavens” means the sky. “Of old” means very, very long ago. "...and the earth standing out of the water..." This describes how the Earth was formed – it emerged from a primordial ocean or watery chaos. Putting it all together: The verse is saying that people haven't been taught the fundamental truth about God’s creation, and they're actively avoiding that truth. They've deliberately chosen to ignore it. It suggests a deliberate rejection of something important. What does this have to do with us? This is a powerful metaphor for how we can sometimes resist or misunderstand God’s message in our own lives. It reminds us that we need to be open to learning and understanding the truth about who God is and what He wants for us. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about human pride and stubbornness – refusing to acknowledge God's power and truth. It’s not necessarily about literal ignorance, but rather a refusal to embrace the reality of God's plan and purpose in our lives. To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand from this passage? (Are you curious about its meaning, or are you trying to apply it to something specific?)