2 Peter 3:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Complete Jewish Bible:

And keep growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Deliverer, Yeshua the Messiah. To him be the glory, both now and forever! Amen.

Berean Standard Bible:

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

American Standard Version:

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.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But{G1161} grow{G837} in{G1722} grace{G5485}, and{G2532} in the knowledge{G1108} of our{G2257} Lord{G2962} and{G2532} Saviour{G4990} Jesus{G2424} Christ{G5547}. To him{G846} be glory{G1391} both{G2532} now{G3568} and{G2532} for{G1519} ever{G165}{G2250}. Amen{G281}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Colossians 1:10

  • That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Ephesians 4:15

  • But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:

1 Peter 2:2

  • As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Philippians 3:8

  • Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,

Ephesians 1:17

  • That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

Colossians 3:10

  • And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

2 Peter 1:3

  • According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

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Commentary for 2 Peter 3:18

2 Peter 3:18 is part of the New Testament, specifically the second epistle of Peter, which is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Peter. This letter is believed to have been written in the latter half of the first century AD, addressing early Christian communities facing various challenges, including false teachings and moral laxity. The verse serves as the closing exhortation of the letter, encapsulating a key theme of spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian faith.

The verse encourages believers to actively pursue growth in two primary areas: grace and knowledge. "Grace" here refers to the unmerited favor and divine enablement that Christians believe comes from God through Jesus Christ. The call to "grow in grace" suggests a deepening relationship with God, where one becomes more Christ-like in character and action, reflecting the love and forgiveness that is central to the Christian understanding of grace.

"The knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" points to an intellectual and spiritual understanding of Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection. This knowledge is not merely academic but transformative, shaping the believer's worldview and conduct. It implies a lifelong journey of learning and deepening one's relationship with Jesus, which is essential for a robust Christian life.

The verse concludes with an ascription of glory to Jesus Christ, both in the present and into eternity. This doxological statement is a common feature in New Testament letters, affirming the ultimate sovereignty and worthiness of Jesus. The word "Amen," which means "so be it" or "truly," is used to conclude prayers and declarations, signifying agreement and affirmation by those who hear or read it.

In summary, 2 Peter 3:18 is a succinct directive for Christians to continually mature in their faith by deepening their experience of God's grace and their understanding of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the importance of a dynamic and progressive spiritual life that honors Jesus and anticipates his eternal glory. This verse serves as both a benediction and a charge to the early Church and continues to inspire believers to spiritual growth and the glorification of Christ.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: G1161
    There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: δέ
    Transliteration:
    Pronunciation: deh
    Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
  2. Strong's Number: G837
    There are 22 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: αὐξάνω
    Transliteration: auxánō
    Pronunciation: owx-an'-o
    Description: a prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow ("wax"), i.e. enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive):--grow (up), (give the) increase.
  3. Strong's Number: G1722
    There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐν
    Transliteration: en
    Pronunciation: en
    Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
  4. Strong's Number: G5485
    There are 147 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: χάρις
    Transliteration: cháris
    Pronunciation: khar'-ece
    Description: from χαίρω; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):--acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).
  5. Strong's Number: G2532
    There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: καί
    Transliteration: kaí
    Pronunciation: kahee
    Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
  6. Strong's Number: G1108
    There are 28 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: γνῶσις
    Transliteration: gnōsis
    Pronunciation: gno'-sis
    Description: from γινώσκω; knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge:--knowledge, science.
  7. Strong's Number: G2257
    There are 365 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἡμῶν
    Transliteration: hēmōn
    Pronunciation: hay-mone'
    Description: genitive case plural of ἐγώ; of (or from) us:--our (company), us, we.
  8. Strong's Number: G2962
    There are 687 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: κύριος
    Transliteration: kýrios
    Pronunciation: koo'-ree-os
    Description: from (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title):-- God, Lord, master, Sir.
  9. Strong's Number: G4990
    There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: σωτήρ
    Transliteration: sōtḗr
    Pronunciation: so-tare'
    Description: from σώζω; a deliverer, i.e. God or Christ:--saviour.
  10. Strong's Number: G2424
    There are 935 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Ἰησοῦς
    Transliteration: Iēsoûs
    Pronunciation: ee-ay-sooce'
    Description: of Hebrew origin (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus.
  11. Strong's Number: G5547
    There are 530 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Χριστός
    Transliteration: Christós
    Pronunciation: khris-tos'
    Description: from χρίω; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.
  12. Strong's Number: G846
    There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: αὐτός
    Transliteration: autós
    Pronunciation: ow-tos'
    Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
  13. Strong's Number: G1391
    There are 151 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: δόξα
    Transliteration: dóxa
    Pronunciation: dox'-ah
    Description: from the base of δοκέω; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):--dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.
  14. Strong's Number: G3568
    There are 133 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: νῦν
    Transliteration: nŷn
    Pronunciation: noon
    Description: a primary particle of present time; "now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate:--henceforth, + hereafter, of late, soon, present, this (time). See also τανῦν, νυνί.
  15. Strong's Number: G1519
    There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: εἰς
    Transliteration: eis
    Pronunciation: ice
    Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
  16. Strong's Number: G165
    There are 228 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: αἰών
    Transliteration: aiṓn
    Pronunciation: ahee-ohn'
    Description: from the same as ἀεί; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (Jewish) a Messianic period (present or future):--age, course, eternal, (for) ever(-more), (n-)ever, (beginning of the , while the) world (began, without end). Compare χρόνος.
  17. Strong's Number: G2250
    There are 366 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἡμέρα
    Transliteration: hēméra
    Pronunciation: hay-mer'-ah
    Description: feminine (with ὥρα implied) of a derivative of (to sit; akin to the base of ἑδραῖος) meaning tame, i.e. gentle; day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the Jews as inclusive of the parts of both extremes); figuratively, a period (always defined more or less clearly by the context):--age, + alway, (mid-)day (by day, (-ly)), + for ever, judgment, (day) time, while, years.
  18. Strong's Number: G281
    There are 208 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἀμήν
    Transliteration: amḗn
    Pronunciation: am-ane'
    Description: of Hebrew origin (אָמֵן); properly, firm, i.e. (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it):--amen, verily.