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:

According as {G5613} his {G846} divine {G2304} power {G1411} hath given {G1433} unto us {G2254} all things {G3956} that pertain unto {G4314} life {G2222} and {G2532} godliness {G2150}, through {G1223} the knowledge {G1922} of him that hath called {G2564} us {G2248} to {G1223} glory {G1391} and {G2532} virtue {G703}:

God’s power has given us everything we need for life and godliness, through our knowing the One who called us to his own glory and goodness.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue;

Commentary

2 Peter 1:3 is a foundational verse that assures believers of God's complete provision for their spiritual lives. It highlights the divine source of all that is needed for a life of faith and devotion.

Context

In this opening section of his second epistle, Peter addresses believers who have received "like precious faith" (2 Peter 1:1). He immediately grounds their spiritual standing and potential in God's power and provision, setting the stage for his subsequent exhortation to grow in virtue and knowledge. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that the Christian life is not lived by human strength or merit, but by divine enablement.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision: The verse emphatically states that "his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness." This signifies that God has already supplied every necessary resource for a vibrant spiritual life and a lifestyle pleasing to Him. It's a declaration of God's lavish and complete provision, not a call for us to earn it.
  • Sufficiency of Christ: This abundant provision comes "through the knowledge of him that hath called us." The deeper our personal, experiential knowledge of Jesus Christ, the more we access and appropriate these divine resources. Our spiritual growth is intrinsically linked to our relationship with Him.
  • High Calling: Believers are "called us to glory and virtue." This indicates a transformative purpose: to participate in God's divine nature and to live a life characterized by moral excellence and spiritual splendor, reflecting His character.

Linguistic Insights

  • Divine Power (theias dynameōs): This emphasizes God's inherent, supernatural, and all-sufficient ability. It's not a power granted to Him, but His very essence, active on behalf of believers.
  • Godliness (eusebeian): More than mere outward religious observance, eusebeia denotes true reverence, piety, and devotion to God, which manifests in a life that aligns with His will and character. It's a practical expression of faith.
  • Knowledge (epignōseōs): This is not just intellectual understanding (gnosis), but a deep, personal, experiential knowledge. It implies a relational intimacy with God that transforms the believer from the inside out. This profound knowledge of God is central to eternal life and spiritual growth.
  • Glory (doxan) and Virtue (aretēn): These terms highlight the dual aspects of the believer's high calling. Doxa refers to God's inherent splendor and majesty, to which believers are called to participate. Aretē signifies moral excellence, goodness, or courage – the very qualities that reflect God's character in human life.

Cross-References & Connections

The concept of God's all-encompassing provision resonates throughout Scripture. For example, Paul echoes this truth in Philippians 4:19, stating that "my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." The idea of being called to glory and virtue is also found in Romans 8:30, which speaks of God's process of calling, justifying, and glorifying believers.

Practical Application

This verse provides immense comfort and encouragement for every believer. It teaches us that:

  1. We are not left to our own devices in the Christian walk. God has already equipped us with everything we need for a life of purpose and godliness.
  2. Spiritual growth is rooted in deepening our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The more intimately we know Him, the more His divine power is manifested in our lives.
  3. Our calling is high and noble: to reflect God's glory and moral excellence in a fallen world. This empowers us to live confidently, knowing that the resources for such a life are divinely provided.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 5:10

    ¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

  • 2 Timothy 1:9

    Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

  • Romans 8:28

    And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

  • Romans 8:30

    Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:21

    ¶ Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

  • 1 Corinthians 3:23

    And ye are Christ's; and Christ [is] God's.

  • Psalms 84:11

    For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
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