Strong’s 4740 designates the settled, unwavering condition that results when a believer is firmly established in the truth. It is not a mere attitude but a state of spiritual stability that resists displacement by error or persecution.

Biblical Usage

The word appears once, in 2 Peter 3:17, where Peter warns, “Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position”. Here the apostle contrasts steadfastness with the wandering that accompanies false teaching. His readers had received “prophetic words” (2 Peter 1:19) and apostolic eyewitness testimony; their task was to remain anchored in those truths as the Day of the Lord approached.

Theological Significance

1. Perseverance and Assurance
• The term describes the objective footing that genuine faith possesses (compare Hebrews 3:14; Colossians 1:23).
• Peter assumes that true believers can enjoy real security, yet he also issues a sobering call to vigilance. Assurance never diminishes responsibility.

2. Protection Against Deception
• False teachers seek to “secretly introduce destructive heresies” (2 Peter 2:1). Steadfastness shields the church by fastening hearts to apostolic doctrine (Acts 2:42).
• The concept parallels Paul’s charge: “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions we passed on to you” (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

3. Growth in Grace
• Peter moves immediately from the warning (3:17) to the exhortation, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (3:18). Steadfastness is maintained not by static conservatism but by ongoing growth in sound doctrine and Christ-likeness.

Historical Context

Second-century writers testify that the churches of Asia Minor faced itinerant teachers who blended Christian terminology with libertine ethics and incipient Gnosticism. Peter’s readers, already scattered by persecution (1 Peter 1:1), needed a fixed point of reference amid theological turbulence. His reminder of the prophetic Scriptures and apostolic command (2 Peter 3:2) supplied that anchor.

Ministry Applications

1. Teaching and Discipleship
• Local congregations should emphasize systematic instruction in all Scripture, grounding believers in the storyline of redemption so that passing trends cannot dislodge them.

2. Pastoral Care
• Shepherds guard their flocks by exposing error and modeling personal devotion, helping saints translate doctrinal firmness into ethical fidelity (James 1:22-25).

3. Apologetics
• A stable foundation enables gracious defense: “always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).

Related Old Testament Concepts

• Psalm 40:2 celebrates God setting the psalmist’s feet upon a rock—imagery that anticipates the New Testament call to immovable trust.
• Isaiah 7:9 warns, “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all,” coupling steadfastness with covenant faithfulness.

Warnings and Encouragements

• Spiritual drift is subtle; a believer who ceases to add virtue and knowledge (2 Peter 1:5-8) soon finds convictions eroded.
• Yet the Lord “is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless” (Jude 24). Steadfastness ultimately rests on His preserving grace, realized through ordinary means—Word, prayer, fellowship, and obedience.

Summary

Strong’s 4740 highlights the settled stability of believers who cling to apostolic truth. Peter employs the term to warn and to fortify, reminding the church that security in Christ is maintained by active watchfulness, doctrinal fidelity, and continuous growth in grace until He returns.