Definition: But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly powerful verse from 2 Peter 3:8. It’s a really interesting and thought-provoking idea about time and God’s plan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God’s relationship with humanity will last for an incredibly long time – much longer than any human lifetime or even the age of the Earth itself. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "But, beloved..." : This starts with a warm and loving greeting to the reader. It’s addressing us as fellow believers. "...be not ignorant..." : This means don't be fooled or misunderstand. Don’t think that time is just temporary and will eventually end. "...of this one thing..." : This is the crucial point – we need to understand this specific truth. "...that [is] with the Lord as a thousand years..." : This means God's relationship with us, and with all of humanity, will last for a very long time - an eternity, in fact. Think of it like a continuous, unbroken stream of time. "...and a thousand years as one day." : This is the really significant part. It suggests that this connection with God won't just be long , but it will also last for an incredibly, unbelievably long period – potentially forever. “One day” is a very long time! What does this mean practically? The verse speaks to the idea of God’s eternal love and faithfulness. It suggests that God doesn't simply start a relationship with us; He has been working in our lives, in our history, and in our future, for an eternity. It implies a timeless connection between God and humanity. Important Note: This is a complex idea rooted in biblical prophecy. It’s not about literal time passing, but rather the eternal nature of God's relationship with us and the world. --- In short, this verse tells us that God's love and plan for humanity will endure forever. Do you want me to: Explain it further in a different way? Give you an example of how this concept is used in the Bible?