2 Peter 1:6
What does 2 Peter 1:6 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Peter 1:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Peter 1:6 means
To virtue and knowledge, believers must add “self-control” and “patience” (steadfast endurance), along with “godliness” (reverent devotion to God). Self-control curbs passions and appetites; it is the disciplined mastery of desires so that they serve, not rule. Patience endures hardship and delay without quitting, trusting God’s timing. Godliness orients life toward God with reverence that shapes conduct. These traits show that Christian maturity involves both inward restraint and steadfast persistence, rooted in a God-centered life. Peter envisions a well-rounded character, equipped to resist temptation, endure trials, and honor God in ordinary and difficult days alike. Such balance reflects the transforming power of knowing Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And self-control to knowledge, and a quiet mind to self-control, and fear of God to a quiet mind,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and in the knowledge the temperance, and in the temperance the endurance, and in the endurance the piety,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And in knowledge, abstinence: and in abstinence, patience: and in patience, godliness:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890in knowledge temperance, in temperance endurance, in endurancegodliness,
Context
Continuing the chain begun in verse 5, verse 6 develops the inner qualities needed for faithful living. Having established moral courage and discernment, Peter adds control over desires, endurance under pressure, and a reverent posture before God. This prepares for verse 7, which moves outward to relational virtues—brotherly kindness and love. The sequence travels from inner foundation to outward expression. After completing the list, verses 8–11 will describe the fruit of having these qualities in increasing measure: usefulness, fruitfulness, spiritual sight, assurance, and a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Peter 3:11
Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness,
- Luke 21:19
In your patience ye shall win your souls.
- Romans 2:7
to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life:
- Galatians 5:23
meekness, self-control; against such there is no law.
- Titus 2:2
that aged men be temperate, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience:
- Romans 8:25
But if we hope for that which we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
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