2 Peter 1:10
What does 2 Peter 1:10 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Peter 1:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Peter 1:10 means
Peter urges believers to be more diligent to make their “calling and election sure.” He does not mean we secure salvation by works, but that a life marked by these virtues confirms the reality of God’s call and choice. As faith bears fruit, assurance grows, and the risk of stumbling diminishes. The phrase “if you do these things, you shall never stumble” points to a steady course guarded by obedience. God’s grace initiates salvation; our diligence, enabled by that grace, brings clarity and confidence. Peter’s counsel addresses doubts not by turning inward to feelings, but by pressing forward in Spirit-empowered practice that aligns with God’s saving purpose.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For this reason, my brothers, take all the more care to make your selection and approval certain; for if you do these things you will never have a fall:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862wherefore, the rather, brethren, be diligent to make stedfast your calling and choice, for these things doing, ye may never stumble,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Wherefore, brethren, labour the more, that by good works you may make sure your calling and election. For doing these things, you shall not sin at any time.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Wherefore the rather, brethren, use diligence to make your calling and election sure, for doing these things ye will never fall;
Context
The warning of verse 9 leads to this strong exhortation. Verse 10 shows how to avoid blindness and forgetfulness—by actively cultivating the listed virtues, thereby confirming God’s work in us. It also anticipates the promise of verse 11, which speaks of a richly supplied entrance into Christ’s eternal kingdom. Together, verses 10–11 link perseverance in holiness with assurance and hope. This pair closes the initial section on growth and prepares for Peter’s explanation in verses 12–15 of why he keeps reminding believers of these truths, especially in light of his approaching death.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 6:47
Every one that cometh unto me, and heareth my words, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like:
- Hebrews 6:19
which we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and stedfast and entering into that which is within the veil;
- 2 Peter 3:17
Ye therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware lest, being carried away with the error of the wicked, ye fall from your own stedfastness.
- Revelation 3:10
Because thou didst keep the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of trial, that hour which is to come upon the whole world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
- Psalms 62:6
He only is my rock and my salvation: He ismy high tower; I shall not be moved.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13
But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
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