2 Peter 1:3

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 1:3 stands as a profound declaration of God's complete and all-sufficient provision for believers. It asserts that through His inherent divine power, God has already bestowed upon us everything necessary for living a life characterized by spiritual vitality and genuine godliness. This abundant supply is accessed and activated through an intimate, experiential knowledge of Jesus Christ, who has sovereignly called us to participate in His own splendor and moral excellence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the opening salutation of Peter's second epistle, immediately following his greeting to those who have received "like precious faith" ([2 Peter 1:1](/2_peter/1-1 "2 Peter 1:1 - Faith of Equal Standing")) and a prayer for grace and peace to be multiplied through the knowledge of God and Jesus ([2 Peter 1:2](/2_peter/1-2 "2 Peter 1:2 - Grace and Peace Multiplied")). Verse 3 serves as the foundational theological premise upon which Peter builds his subsequent exhortation for believers to diligently grow in their faith, adding virtues like goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love ([2 Peter 1:5-7](/2_peter/1-5-7 "2 Peter 1:5-7 - The Virtues of Faith")). It establishes that the Christian life is not a struggle to earn God's favor or power, but a response to His already-granted enablement, setting the stage for the call to make one's calling and election sure ([2 Peter 1:10](/2_peter/1-10 "2 Peter 1:10 - Making Your Calling and Election Sure")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's audience likely consisted of various Christian communities in Asia Minor, facing internal challenges from false teachers who denied the second coming of Christ and promoted immoral living ([2 Peter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter 2 - False Teachers and Their Destruction")). In a Hellenistic world where philosophical knowledge (gnosis) was highly valued, Peter emphasizes a distinct kind of "knowledge" – an **epígnōsis**, or full, experiential knowledge of God and Christ, as the true source of spiritual power and life, contrasting it with the empty promises of the deceivers. The call to "glory and virtue" would have resonated with the Greco-Roman ideal of **aretē** (excellence), but Peter redefines it through a divine lens, rooting it in God's character rather than human achievement. This divine provision would have been a powerful antidote to despair or moral laxity in the face of such pressures.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several pivotal themes central to Peter's message and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Provision and Sufficiency**, asserting that God has fully equipped believers for every aspect of their spiritual journey, leaving no need unmet. This provision is inextricably linked to the **Centrality of Christ-Knowledge**, where a deep, personal relationship with Jesus is the conduit through which God's power flows into the believer's life. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **High Calling of the Believer**, emphasizing that Christians are called not merely to salvation from sin, but to a transformative life reflecting God's own character, marked by both **Godliness** (a life devoted to God) and the pursuit of **Glory and Virtue** (moral excellence and participation in divine splendor). This echoes the concept of being "partakers of the divine nature" found in [2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature"), which immediately follows this verse.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **divine (Greek, _theîos_) power (Greek, _dýnamis_):** (_theîos_, G2304; _dýnamis_, G1411) Peter emphasizes that the source of all provision is God's inherent, supernatural, and all-sufficient ability. _Theîos_ describes that which pertains to God, His divine nature, while _dýnamis_ signifies His dynamic, miraculous, and inherent force. Together, they convey that the power at work in believers is not merely great, but intrinsically divine, flowing from the very essence of God Himself, enabling miraculous and transformative works.
* **godliness (Greek, _eusébeia_):** (G2150) More than just outward religious observance, _eusébeia_ denotes a deep, inward reverence and piety towards God that manifests in a life consistent with His will and character. It encompasses true devotion, practical holiness, and a lifestyle that honors God in all aspects, reflecting a genuine relationship with Him.
* **knowledge (Greek, _epígnōsis_):** (G1922) This term signifies not mere intellectual understanding (_gnosis_), but a full, precise, and experiential recognition or acknowledgement. It implies a deep, personal, and transformative intimacy with God, gained through revelation and relationship, which leads to a profound discernment and a changed life. This is the kind of knowledge that truly transforms.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa_) and virtue (Greek, _arétē_):** (_dóxa_, G1391; _arétē_, G703) These terms represent the dual aspects of the believer's high calling. _Dóxa_ refers to God's inherent splendor, majesty, and honor, to which believers are called to participate and reflect. _Arétē_ signifies excellence, intrinsic or attributed, often implying moral excellence, goodness, or courage. It describes the qualities that reflect God's character in human life, a life of moral and spiritual distinction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness,"**: This opening clause establishes the source and scope of God's provision. The phrase "according as" (_hōs_) indicates the manner or extent of God's giving. It is "his divine power" (_theîos dýnamis_), God's own inherent, supernatural might, that has "given" (_dōréomai_, to bestow gratuitously) these things. The past tense "hath given" emphasizes that this provision is a completed act, a present reality for believers. The scope is "all things" (_pâs_), indicating a comprehensive supply, specifically those things that "pertain unto life and godliness." "Life" (_zōḗ_) here refers to spiritual life, vitality, and true existence in Christ, while "godliness" (_eusébeia_) denotes practical piety and devotion to God. This means God has equipped believers with everything needed for both their spiritual existence and their walk of faith.
* **"through the knowledge of him that hath called us"**: This clause reveals the means by which this divine provision is accessed and activated. It is "through" (_diá_, denoting the channel) "the knowledge" (_epígnōsis_, full, experiential knowledge) of Christ. This is not mere intellectual assent, but a deep, personal, and relational understanding of Jesus, "him that hath called us." The calling is a divine initiative, a sovereign act of God drawing believers to Himself. The one who called us is Christ Himself, underscoring His central role as the object of this transformative knowledge.
* **"to glory and virtue:"**: This final phrase specifies the purpose and destination of God's calling and provision. Believers are called "to glory" (_dóxa_) and "virtue" (_arétē_). "Glory" refers to God's magnificent splendor, implying that believers are called to reflect His character and participate in His divine nature. "Virtue" signifies moral excellence and spiritual courage, the practical outworking of godliness. Thus, the divine provision and the knowledge of Christ are given so that believers might live lives that manifest God's own excellence and splendor.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several literary devices to convey the profound truth of God's provision. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all things that pertain unto life and godliness," emphasizing the comprehensive and limitless nature of God's supply, ensuring no spiritual need is left unaddressed. The use of **Metonymy** is present in "the knowledge of him that hath called us," where "knowledge" stands for the intimate, transformative relationship with Christ that such knowledge implies and fosters. The verse also exhibits **Parallelism** through the pairing of "life and godliness" and "glory and virtue," creating a rhythmic balance and highlighting the dual aspects of spiritual vitality and moral excellence. Finally, there is a strong sense of **Emphasis** placed on the divine source ("his divine power") and the completed action ("hath given"), underscoring God's initiative and the certainty of His provision before any human effort.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse lays a robust theological foundation for Christian living, asserting that spiritual growth and effective ministry are rooted in God's prior, comprehensive provision, not in human striving alone. It underscores the New Testament emphasis on divine enablement for the Christian life, shifting the focus from human capability to God's boundless power. The "knowledge of Him" is presented not as an academic pursuit, but as a transformative, relational encounter with Christ that unlocks the divine resources already given. This perspective fosters humility, gratitude, and a confident reliance on God, while simultaneously motivating believers to actively pursue the "glory and virtue" to which they have been called, understanding that the means for such a life have been divinely supplied. It connects deeply with the concept of the New Covenant, where God inscribes His laws on hearts and empowers His people from within.

* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God's Abundant Provision")
* [Romans 8:30](/romans/8-30 "Romans 8:30 - God's Plan of Glorification")
* [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Peter 1:3 offers immense encouragement and a clear framework for the Christian life. It fundamentally reorients our perspective from one of lack or striving to one of abundant provision. We are not left to our own devices to conjure up "life and godliness"; rather, God, in His infinite power, has already "given unto us all things" necessary. This truth liberates us from performance-based religion and invites us into a life of confident reliance on Christ. Our primary task, then, is to cultivate a deeper, more intimate "knowledge of Him" – not just about Him, but a personal, experiential relationship that allows His divine power to flow freely through us. This knowledge is the key that unlocks the spiritual resources for living a life that reflects His "glory and virtue" in a world desperately in need of it. It calls us to live out our high calling with assurance, knowing that the divine enabling is already ours.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's complete provision in 2 Peter 1:3 change your approach to spiritual growth and overcoming challenges?**
* **What does it mean for you, practically, to deepen your "knowledge of Him" (Jesus Christ) in a way that unlocks divine power for life and godliness?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you feel called to manifest more "glory and virtue," and how can you rely on God's given resources to do so?**
* **If "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" have already been given, what might be hindering you from experiencing or utilizing these divine provisions more fully?**

### FAQ

**Does "all things" mean I don't need to do anything for my spiritual life?**
Answer: No, "all things" refers to God's complete provision of the necessary spiritual resources and enablement for a godly life, not an invitation to passivity. Peter immediately follows this verse by exhorting believers to "make every effort" to add virtues to their faith ([2 Peter 1:5](/2_peter/1-5 "2 Peter 1:5 - Make Every Effort")). God provides the power and the means, but believers are called to actively appropriate these resources through diligent pursuit of Christ-knowledge and the cultivation of Christian character. It's a divine-human partnership, where God's grace empowers human responsibility.

**What is the difference between the "knowledge" mentioned here and mere intellectual understanding?**
Answer: The Greek word used here is _epígnōsis_ (G1922), which signifies a full, precise, and experiential knowledge, distinct from _gnosis_ (G1108), which is more general intellectual understanding. Peter is not referring to simply knowing facts about Jesus, but to a deep, personal, and transformative relationship with Him that comes through revelation and intimate fellowship. This kind of knowledge changes one from the inside out, leading to discernment and practical application of truth. It's akin to knowing a person intimately, not just knowing facts about them.

**How do "glory and virtue" relate to daily Christian living?**
Answer: "Glory" (_dóxa_, G1391) refers to God's inherent splendor and majesty, while "virtue" (_arétē_, G703) signifies moral excellence and goodness. Being called "to glory and virtue" means that believers are called to live lives that reflect God's character and splendor in the world. This translates into daily living through demonstrating Christ-like qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). It's about living a life of moral excellence and spiritual beauty that points others to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Peter 1:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "divine power" that gives us "all things that pertain unto life and godliness." It is through His incarnation, His perfect life, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection that this divine power was unleashed and made accessible to humanity. The "knowledge of him that hath called us" is not merely knowledge about a historical figure, but an intimate, saving relationship with the living Lord, Jesus Christ. He is the one who, by His Spirit, empowers us for "life" (He is [the Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")) and "godliness" (He is our perfect example of devotion to God). Furthermore, Christ Himself is the ultimate expression of "glory and virtue." He perfectly reflected the Father's glory ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) and lived a life of unparalleled virtue, calling us to participate in His divine nature ([2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature")). Thus, every aspect of God's provision in this verse flows from and leads back to Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, the source and goal of our salvation and sanctification.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.