2 Peter 1:6

KJV

And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} to {G1722} knowledge {G1108} temperance {G1466}; and {G1161} to {G1722} temperance {G1466} patience {G5281}; and {G1161} to {G1722} patience {G5281} godliness {G2150};

Complete Jewish Bible

knowledge with self-control, self-control with perseverance, perseverance with godliness,

Berean Standard Bible

and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

American Standard Version

and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 1:6 continues the apostle Peter's exhortation to diligent spiritual growth, building upon the foundation of faith and virtue established in the preceding verse. It outlines three crucial, interconnected qualities—temperance (self-control), patience (endurance), and godliness (piety)—as essential steps in the believer's progressive journey towards Christlikeness. This verse emphasizes that these virtues are not static traits but dynamic disciplines to be actively cultivated, leading to a fruitful and effective Christian life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Peter's "divine ladder" of virtues presented in [2 Peter 1:5-7](/2_peter/1-5-7 "2 Peter 1:5-7 - The Ladder of Virtues"). Following the assertion that believers have been given "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" through God's divine power and "exceeding great and precious promises" ([2 Peter 1:3-4](/2_peter/1-3-4 "2 Peter 1:3-4 - Divine Power and Promises")), Peter transitions to human responsibility. The phrase "and beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith" ([2 Peter 1:5](/2_peter/1-5 "2 Peter 1:5 - Adding Virtue to Faith")) sets the stage for a progressive list of qualities, each building upon the previous one. [2 Peter 1:6](/2_peter/1-6 "2 Peter 1:6 - Temperance, Patience, Godliness") specifically details the cultivation of self-mastery, steadfastness, and devotion, forming the middle rung of this spiritual ascent. This progression culminates in love ([2 Peter 1:7](/2_peter/1-7 "2 Peter 1:7 - Love, the Pinnacle Virtue")), and Peter assures his readers that possessing these qualities in increasing measure will prevent them from being "barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" ([2 Peter 1:8](/2_peter/1-8 "2 Peter 1:8 - Fruitful Knowledge")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's audience likely consisted of scattered believers in Asia Minor (as indicated in [1 Peter 1:1](/1_peter/1-1 "1 Peter 1:1 - Peter's Greeting to the Elect Exiles")), facing internal challenges from false teachers and external pressures. The concept of virtue lists (*aretē*) was common in both Jewish and Greco-Roman ethical thought, providing a familiar framework for moral instruction. However, Peter's list is distinctly Christian, rooted in divine empowerment rather than mere human effort. The emphasis on "knowledge" (gnōsis) in [2 Peter 1:5](/2_peter/1-5 "2 Peter 1:5 - Adding Virtue to Faith") and [2 Peter 1:6](/2_peter/1-6 "2 Peter 1:6 - Temperance, Patience, Godliness") also subtly counters the emerging Gnostic tendencies that would later plague the early church, which often emphasized a secret, esoteric knowledge over practical godliness. Peter grounds true knowledge in a transformative relationship with Christ that manifests in tangible character traits.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of this passage, and particularly [2 Peter 1:6](/2_peter/1-6 "2 Peter 1:6 - Temperance, Patience, Godliness"), is **Progressive Spiritual Growth and Sanctification**. Peter presents Christian life not as a static state but a dynamic journey of maturation, where believers are actively called to "add" (ἐπιχορηγέω, *epichorēgeō*, to supply generously) virtues to their faith. This verse specifically highlights the development of **Self-Control (Temperance)**, which is the mastery over one's desires and impulses, crucial for living a disciplined life that honors God and resists worldly temptations. It then progresses to **Endurance (Patience)**, emphasizing not passive waiting but active, hopeful perseverance through trials and difficulties, a quality essential for steadfastness in the face of adversity, as also seen in [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - Testing of Faith Produces Patience"). Finally, it culminates in **Godliness (Piety)**, which signifies a deep reverence for God that translates into practical holiness and a life lived in conformity to His will, reflecting a genuine and active devotion, as Paul often exhorted in passages like [1 Timothy 4:7-8](/1_timothy/4-7-8 "1 Timothy 4:7-8 - Exercise Thyself Unto Godliness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Temperance (Greek, _enkráteia'_):** Derived from *enkratēs*, meaning "strong in" or "master of oneself." This term denotes self-control, particularly in relation to one's appetites, passions, and desires. It is the inner discipline that enables a believer to resist temptations, manage impulses, and live soberly and righteously. It is not merely abstinence but a positive mastery over one's inner life, aligning it with God's will.
* **Patience (Greek, _hypomonḗ'_):** From *hypomenō*, meaning "to remain under" or "to endure." This word signifies cheerful, hopeful endurance, constancy, or steadfastness. It is the ability to bear up under trials, difficulties, and opposition without giving in to despair or bitterness. It implies a resolute perseverance that continues to trust God's purposes even when circumstances are challenging.
* **Godliness (Greek, _eusébeia'_):** From *eusebēs*, meaning "pious" or "reverent." This term refers to piety, reverence, or devotion towards God. It encompasses a practical holiness that manifests in a life lived in conformity to divine principles, stemming from a genuine, active relationship with God. It is conduct that reflects reverence for God and a desire to please Him in all things.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to knowledge temperance":** This phrase indicates that self-control is to be added to the foundation of "knowledge" (γνῶσις, *gnōsis*), which in this context refers to the practical, experiential understanding of God and His will, not mere intellectual assent. It implies that true knowledge of God should lead to a disciplined life where one's actions, thoughts, and desires are brought under the Spirit's control. Without self-control, knowledge can become theoretical and ineffective, failing to transform character.
* **"and to temperance patience":** Here, patience (endurance) is presented as the next virtue, building upon self-control. It suggests that the ability to master one's impulses and desires (temperance) is a prerequisite for developing steadfastness in the face of adversity. A person lacking self-control may quickly give up when trials arise, whereas one who has learned discipline is better equipped to persevere through difficulties, maintaining composure and hope.
* **"and to patience godliness":** The progression culminates in godliness, which is to be added to patience. This implies that enduring faithfully through trials (patience) refines and deepens one's devotion to God. It is through sustained perseverance that a believer's piety becomes truly authentic and robust, demonstrating a practical holiness that is tested and proven. Godliness is the outward manifestation of an inward reverence for God, cultivated through the crucible of disciplined endurance.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several literary devices to emphasize the progressive and interconnected nature of these virtues. The most prominent is **Anadiplosis**, where the last word of one clause becomes the first word of the next ("knowledge **temperance**; and to **temperance** patience; and to **patience** godliness"). This creates a chain-like structure, visually and conceptually linking each virtue as a necessary stepping stone to the next. This also contributes to the sense of **Climax** or **Ascension**, as the virtues are presented in a sequence that builds towards a higher spiritual state, culminating in godliness and ultimately love in the following verse. The repeated use of the conjunction "and" (Greek: *dé*, G1161), a form of **Polysyndeton**, further emphasizes each distinct step in the progression, highlighting the deliberate and additive nature of this spiritual development.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The virtues listed in [2 Peter 1:6](/2_peter/1-6 "2 Peter 1:6 - Temperance, Patience, Godliness") are not merely humanistic ideals but divinely empowered qualities that reflect the character of God Himself. They underscore the synergistic relationship between divine grace and human responsibility in the process of sanctification. While God provides "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" ([2 Peter 1:3](/2_peter/1-3 "2 Peter 1:3 - Divine Provision for Life and Godliness")), believers are called to "give all diligence" ([2 Peter 1:5](/2_peter/1-5 "2 Peter 1:5 - Diligence in Spiritual Growth")) to cultivate these virtues. This passage teaches that true knowledge of God is not passive but transformative, manifesting in a disciplined life (temperance), steadfastness in adversity (patience), and a profound, practical devotion to God (godliness). These qualities are foundational for a robust and effective Christian witness, preventing spiritual stagnation and ensuring a fruitful journey of faith.

* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")
* [Romans 5:3-4](/romans/5-3-4 "Romans 5:3-4 - Suffering Produces Perseverance")
* [1 Timothy 4:7-8](/1_timothy/4-7-8 "1 Timothy 4:7-8 - Exercise Thyself Unto Godliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's exhortation in [2 Peter 1:6](/2_peter/1-6 "2 Peter 1:6 - Temperance, Patience, Godliness") serves as a powerful reminder that the Christian life is a journey of active growth and intentional development. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to faith and to diligently cultivate virtues that reflect Christ's character. Developing temperance requires an honest assessment of areas where we lack self-control—whether in our thoughts, words, appetites, or emotions—and a conscious commitment to bring them under the Spirit's mastery. Cultivating patience means embracing trials not as obstacles to be avoided, but as opportunities for spiritual strengthening, learning to trust God's timing and purposes even in discomfort. And pursuing godliness calls us to live out our reverence for God in every aspect of our lives, ensuring our conduct consistently aligns with our confession. This is a lifelong process, demanding diligence and dependence on God's grace, but promising a life that is neither "barren nor unfruitful" ([2 Peter 1:8](/2_peter/1-8 "2 Peter 1:8 - Fruitful in Knowledge of Christ")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most need to cultivate "temperance" or self-control?**
* **How have past challenges or difficult circumstances helped you grow in "patience" or endurance?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your "godliness" and live more consistently in reverence for God?**
* **How does the idea of these virtues being a "ladder" or progressive chain impact your understanding of spiritual growth?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the order of virtues in this "ladder"?**

Answer: The order in [2 Peter 1:5-7](/2_peter/1-5-7 "2 Peter 1:5-7 - The Ladder of Virtues") is highly significant, suggesting a progressive and interdependent development. It begins with "faith," the foundational element, to which "virtue" (moral excellence) is added. Then, "knowledge" (practical understanding of God) informs "temperance" (self-control), as true knowledge should lead to disciplined living. "Temperance" enables "patience" (endurance), as self-mastery is crucial for steadfastness in trials. "Patience" then refines "godliness" (piety), demonstrating that authentic devotion is forged through perseverance. Finally, "godliness" leads to "brotherly kindness" and ultimately "charity" (agape love), which is the pinnacle, encompassing all other virtues. Each virtue builds upon the previous, creating a robust and complete Christian character.

**How does "temperance" differ from "patience" and "godliness" in this context?**

Answer: While interconnected, these three virtues address distinct aspects of Christian character. **Temperance** (enkráteia) primarily concerns internal self-mastery—the ability to control one's impulses, desires, and appetites. It's about discipline over oneself. **Patience** (hypomonḗ) refers to enduring external pressures and difficulties with steadfastness and hope. It's about perseverance in the face of adversity. **Godliness** (eusébeia) is the overarching attitude of reverence and devotion toward God that permeates one's entire life, leading to practical holiness. It's about living in conformity to God's will. So, temperance is internal control, patience is external endurance, and godliness is the ultimate aim and expression of a life lived for God.

**Is this list of virtues something we achieve through our own effort, or is it a gift from God?**

Answer: Peter presents a beautiful synergy between divine grace and human responsibility. [2 Peter 1:3-4](/2_peter/1-3-4 "2 Peter 1:3-4 - Divine Power and Promises") clearly states that God has already provided "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" through His "divine power" and "exceeding great and precious promises." This means the capacity and resources for these virtues are a gift from God. However, [2 Peter 1:5](/2_peter/1-5 "2 Peter 1:5 - Diligence in Spiritual Growth") then commands believers to "give all diligence" and "add" these virtues. Therefore, it is not solely human effort nor solely passive reception. It is a diligent, active cooperation with the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to cultivate these Christ-like qualities. We strive because God has enabled us to strive.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The virtues of temperance, patience, and godliness, as exhorted by Peter, find their perfect embodiment and ultimate source in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of **temperance**, demonstrating absolute self-control in His life, resisting every temptation by Satan in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Temptation of Jesus")) and consistently bringing His human will into submission to the Father's divine will, even unto death ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Christ also perfectly exemplified **patience** and enduring steadfastness, "who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). His unwavering commitment to His mission, even through immense suffering, is the pinnacle of perseverance. Furthermore, Jesus was the epitome of **godliness**, living a life of perfect piety and devotion to the Father, always doing "those things that please him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). Believers are enabled to cultivate these virtues not by sheer willpower, but by being "partakers of the divine nature" ([2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature")) through union with Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, who produces these very qualities as "fruit" in our lives ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, our pursuit of temperance, patience, and godliness is fundamentally a process of becoming more like Christ, by Christ's power, for God's glory.

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

Romans 5:3

And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

Romans 5:4

And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

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:

Hebrews 10:36

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Luke 21:19

In your patience possess ye your souls.

Hebrews 12:1

¶ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

1 Corinthians 9:25

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.