2 Peter 3:4

From the beginning of the creation [α π α ρ χ η ς κ τ ι σ ε ω ς]. Not a common phrase. It occurs only Mark 10:6; Mark 13:19; Revelation 3:14. Fell asleep [ε κ ο ι μ η θ η σ α ν]. A literal and correct translation of the word, which occurs frequently in the New Testament, but only here in Peter. Some have supposed that the peculiarly Christian sense of the word is emphasized ironically by these mockers. It is used, however, in classical Greek to denote death. The difference between the pagan and the Christian usage lies in the fact that, in the latter, it was defined by the hope of the resurrection, and therefore was used literally of a sleep, which, though long, was to have an awaking. See on Acts 7:60.