# these things

This refers to faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love, which Peter mentioned in the previous verses.

# you will not be barren or unfruitful

Peter speaks of a person who does not possess these qualities as if he is a field that will not produce a crop. This can be stated in positive terms. AT: "you will produce and be fruitful" or "you will be effective" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

# barren or unfruitful

These words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that this person will not be productive or experience any benefits from knowing Jesus. AT: "unproductive" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

# in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ

You can translate "knowledge" using a verbal phrase. AT: "through your knowing God and Jesus our Lord" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

# whoever lacks these things

any person who does not have these things

# sees only what is near; he is blind

Peter speaks of a person who does not possess these qualities as if he were a nearsighted or blind person because he does not understand their value. AT: "is like a shortsighted person who cannot see their importance" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# the cleansing from his old sins

You can use a verb to translate this. AT: "that God has cleansed him from his old sins" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

# translationWords

* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/barren]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fruit]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lordgod]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/jesus]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/clean]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]]