2 Peter 1:5
What does 2 Peter 1:5 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Peter 1:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Peter 1:5 means
Because God has given everything needed for godliness, believers must respond with “all diligence.” Faith is the root, but it is to be furnished with “virtue” (moral excellence) and “knowledge” (practical discernment of God’s will). The verb “supply” pictures generously providing what is fitting, as a patron would outfit a chorus. Christians are called to actively develop a life that matches the excellence of the One who called them. Growth is not automatic; it requires earnest attention. Yet the sequence begins with faith, reminding us that Christian virtue is not self-made. It is faith expressing itself in a life aligned with Christ’s goodness and guided by wise understanding.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So, for this very cause, take every care; joining virtue to faith, and knowledge to virtue,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And this same also--all diligence having brought in besides, superadd in your faith the worthiness, and in the worthiness the knowledge,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And you, employing all care, minister in your faith, virtue: And in virtue, knowledge:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But for this very reason also, using therewith all diligence, in your faith have also virtue, in virtue knowledge,
Context
After describing divine provision, Peter moves to human responsibility. Verses 5–7 form a chain of virtues believers are to add diligently. Verse 5 begins the list with virtue and knowledge, showing that moral courage and spiritual discernment are foundational. The next verses continue with self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. This ethical section follows logically from verses 3–4: believers, having received God’s power and promises, are to cooperate with grace. What follows in verses 8–11 will explain the benefits of possessing these qualities—fruitfulness, assurance, stability, and a rich entrance into Christ’s kingdom.
v.4whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.
v.5This passage
v.6and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Peter 3:18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen.
- 1 Peter 3:7
Ye husbands, in like manner, dwell withyour wivesaccording to knowledge, giving honor unto the woman, as unto the weaker vessel, as being also joint-heirs of the grace of life; to the end that your prayers be not hindered.
- Ephesians 5:17
Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
- Psalms 119:4
Thou hast commandedus thy precepts, That we should observe them diligently.
- Colossians 1:9
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
- Hebrews 11:6
and without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him.
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