2 Peter 1:4

KJV

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whereby {G1223}{G3739} are given {G1433} unto us {G2254} exceeding great {G3176} and {G2532} precious {G5093} promises {G1862}: that {G2443} by {G1223} these {G5130} ye might be {G1096} partakers {G2844} of the divine {G2304} nature {G5449}, having escaped {G668} the corruption {G5356} that is in {G1722} the world {G2889} through {G1722} lust {G1939}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By these he has given us valuable and superlatively great promises, so that through them you might come to share in God’s nature and escape the corruption which evil desires have brought into the world.

Berean Standard Bible

Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

American Standard Version

whereby 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Peter 1:4 reveals the profound spiritual inheritance granted to believers through God's magnificent promises, enabling them to participate in the divine nature and escape the world's corrupting influence driven by sinful desires. This verse serves as the foundation for Christian growth, emphasizing that God's gracious provision empowers believers to live a life increasingly reflective of His character, free from the dominion of worldly decay.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Peter's opening exhortation to spiritual growth and diligence. Following his greeting in [2 Peter 1:1-2](/2_peter/1-1-2 "2 Peter 1:1-2 - Greeting and Grace"), Peter immediately establishes the divine foundation for the Christian life. [2 Peter 1:3](/2_peter/1-3 "2 Peter 1:3 - God's Divine Power and Knowledge") declares that God's divine power has already "given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue." Verse 4 then elaborates on *how* these "all things" are given—namely, through "exceeding great and precious promises." It logically precedes Peter's subsequent call to "add to your faith virtue" and other Christian graces in [2 Peter 1:5-7](/2_peter/1-5-7 "2 Peter 1:5-7 - Adding Christian Graces"), demonstrating that the capacity for such growth is divinely supplied, not merely human effort.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter is writing to a dispersed Christian audience, likely facing various pressures, including internal false teachings and external societal temptations. The concept of "corruption that is in the world through lust" would resonate strongly with believers living in a Greco-Roman world characterized by pervasive idolatry, moral depravity, and philosophical systems that often promoted self-indulgence or asceticism. The idea of "partaking of the divine nature" would have been astonishing in a polytheistic context, where gods were often capricious and distant. For Jewish believers, it would connect to the covenant relationship with a holy God, while for Gentiles, it offered a radical alternative to their former ways of life, emphasizing a genuine transformation rather than mere ritualistic adherence.
* **Key Themes:** A central theme in [2 Peter](/2_peter/1 "The Second Epistle of Peter") is the **authenticity of the Christian faith** and the **importance of genuine spiritual knowledge** in the face of false teachers. Verse 4 contributes to this by establishing the divine source of true spiritual life and the means by which believers are preserved from worldly corruption. The theme of **divine provision and human responsibility** is also prominent; God provides the promises and the means, but believers must actively respond by escaping corruption and pursuing godliness. Furthermore, the concept of **sanctification**—the process of becoming more like Christ—is powerfully introduced, underscoring that believers are not merely forgiven but are also being transformed to reflect God's character, moving away from the "corruption that is in the world through lust" as described in [2 Peter 2:19](/2_peter/2-19 "2 Peter 2:19 - Bondage to Corruption").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **given (Greek, _dōréomai'_):** This word, in the middle voice, signifies to "bestow gratuitously." It emphasizes that the promises and the resulting privilege of partaking in the divine nature are not earned but are a free, unmerited gift from God. It highlights God's initiative and generosity in providing the means for salvation and transformation.
* **partakers (Greek, _koinōnós'_):** Derived from a root meaning "common," this term denotes a "sharer" or "associate." It indicates a genuine, intimate fellowship and participation in something. Here, it means believers truly share in, or participate in, the qualities and character of God, not His essence or deity. This is a profound spiritual union, enabling believers to reflect God's moral attributes.
* **corruption (Greek, _phthorá'_):** This word signifies "decay," "ruin," or "moral deterioration." It describes the pervasive decay and destructive power of sin that characterizes the fallen world. The verse implies that through God's promises and the divine nature, believers are enabled to escape this destructive influence, which is driven by "lust" or sinful desires.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises":** This clause establishes the mechanism through which God's divine power (mentioned in [2 Peter 1:3](/2_peter/1-3 "2 Peter 1:3 - God's Divine Power")) operates. The "promises" are not just future hopes but active, powerful declarations of God's character and intentions, already bestowed upon believers. They are "exceeding great" in their scope and magnitude, encompassing all of God's covenant blessings, and "precious" due to their inestimable value, secured by Christ's sacrifice.
* **"that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature":** This phrase reveals the glorious purpose and result of receiving these promises. "By these" (the promises), believers are enabled to become "partakers"—sharers or associates—in God's "divine nature." This does not imply deification, but a profound spiritual transformation where believers increasingly reflect God's moral attributes, such as holiness, righteousness, love, and truth. It signifies a spiritual union and an internal transformation that aligns the believer's character with God's.
* **"having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust":** This final clause describes the negative aspect of this transformation and the state from which believers are delivered. "Having escaped" indicates a decisive break from the dominion of sin. The "corruption" refers to the pervasive moral decay and spiritual ruin that characterizes the fallen world, driven by "lust" (sinful desires or cravings). Through the divine nature imparted by God's promises, believers are empowered to break free from the world's destructive influence and the cycle of sin.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several **literary devices** to convey the profound truth of this verse. The use of **hyperbole** in "exceeding great and precious promises" emphasizes the immense value and magnitude of God's provisions, underscoring their unparalleled worth. The phrase "partakers of the divine nature" functions as a powerful **metaphor**, illustrating a deep, intimate spiritual union and transformation rather than a literal change in essence. This metaphor highlights the profound shift in identity and character available to believers. Furthermore, the contrast between "divine nature" and "corruption that is in the world through lust" creates a stark **antithesis**, sharply delineating the two opposing realities—the life of godliness empowered by God versus the destructive path of worldly sin. This contrast serves to magnify the grace and power of God in delivering believers from spiritual decay.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse articulates a core theological truth: the believer's transformation is rooted in God's gracious initiative and His powerful promises, leading to an intimate participation in His moral character. It underscores the profound shift from a life dominated by worldly corruption and sinful desires to one empowered by God's own nature. This participation is not a mystical absorption into divinity, but an ethical and spiritual conformity to God's holiness, righteousness, and love, made possible through the indwelling Holy Spirit and the truth of His Word. It speaks to the ongoing process of sanctification, where believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ, reflecting His glory and virtue.

* [Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old Self and Putting On the New")
* [Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")
* [1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Peter 1:4 offers a breathtaking vision of the Christian life, reminding us that our spiritual journey is not merely about avoiding sin, but about actively participating in God's very nature. This means we are called to a life of profound transformation, where God's character is increasingly reflected in our thoughts, words, and actions. To truly live out this verse, we must deeply internalize and rely upon God's "exceeding great and precious promises"—promises of forgiveness, power, presence, and eternal life. These promises are not abstract concepts but living truths that empower us to resist the pervasive "corruption that is in the world through lust." Our daily walk becomes a dynamic process of choosing the divine nature over worldly impulses, allowing the Spirit to cultivate holiness, love, and righteousness within us. This verse compels us to ask ourselves if we are truly leveraging the divine resources available to us, actively seeking to embody God's character and escape the destructive patterns of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "exceeding great and precious promises" of God are you currently relying on in your life?**
* **In what specific ways do you believe you are "partaking of the divine nature," and where do you still see areas for growth?**
* **How does understanding that you have "escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" empower you to resist temptation today?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to more fully embrace God's promises and reflect His character?**

### FAQ
**Does "partakers of the divine nature" mean believers become gods?**

Answer: No, the phrase "partakers of the divine nature" (Greek: _koinōnós theîos phýsis_) does not mean believers become divine in essence or become gods themselves. This interpretation would contradict the clear biblical teaching of God's unique sovereignty and deity. Instead, it signifies that believers, through faith in Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, are enabled to share in God's moral attributes and character. It means we are transformed to reflect His holiness, righteousness, love, truth, and purity, rather than His omnipotence, omniscience, or omnipresence. It's about spiritual and ethical conformity to God's character, not a change in our created essence. This transformation is a process of sanctification, making us more like Christ, as seen in passages like [Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son") and [Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old Self and Putting On the New").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Peter 1:4 finds its ultimate fulfillment and enablement in Jesus Christ. The "exceeding great and precious promises" are all "Yes" and "Amen" in Him, as [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ") declares. It is through Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection that humanity is reconciled to God, making possible the very access to these promises and the transformative power they convey. The ability to be "partakers of the divine nature" is not an abstract concept but a reality grounded in our union with Christ. As believers are "in Christ," they are united with the very Son who perfectly embodies the divine nature ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). Through His Spirit, Christ indwells believers, empowering them to live out this new nature, enabling them to "escape the corruption that is in the world through lust." He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and it is His victory over sin and death that provides the ultimate escape from the world's pervasive corruption. Thus, our participation in the divine nature is a participation in Christ's own life, character, and victory, progressively conforming us to His image ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")).

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

Ephesians 4:23

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

Ephesians 4:24

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

2 Corinthians 3:18

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Ezekiel 36:25

¶ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

Ezekiel 36:27

And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them].

Colossians 3:10

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

Hebrews 12:10

For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness.