2 Peter 3:18

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

2 Peter 3:18 serves as a powerful concluding exhortation in Peter's second epistle, urging believers toward continuous spiritual development. It encapsulates the essence of Christian living: a dynamic journey of increasing intimacy with God and understanding of His character, culminating in eternal worship.

Context

This verse comes at the very end of 2 Peter, following Peter's urgent warnings against false teachers and scoffers who deny the Lord's return (2 Peter 3:3-4). Peter has just reminded his readers of God's patience and the certainty of the Day of the Lord (2 Peter 3:9-10), emphasizing that in light of these truths, believers should live holy and godly lives (2 Peter 3:11). The command to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" is presented as the antidote to being "led away with the error of the wicked" (2 Peter 3:17) and as preparation for the Lord's glorious appearing.

Key Themes

  • Continuous Spiritual Growth: The verb "grow" (Greek: auxanō) implies an ongoing, progressive process, not a one-time event. Christian maturity is a lifelong journey of increasing in spiritual stature.
  • Growth in Grace: This refers to an ever-deepening experience of God's unmerited favor and enabling power. It's not about earning more grace, but about understanding, appreciating, and living more fully within the grace already given. Grace is both the foundation and the means of our growth.
  • Growth in the Knowledge of Christ: This is not merely intellectual knowledge but a profound, experiential understanding (Greek: epignōsis) of Jesus Christ. It involves knowing Him personally as Lord and Saviour, embracing His teachings, and imitating His character. This intimate knowledge is essential for spiritual discernment and for eternal life itself.
  • The Centrality of Jesus Christ: The growth is unequivocally centered on "our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," highlighting His supreme authority and His redemptive work. He is both the object and the source of true spiritual advancement.
  • Doxology and Worship: The concluding doxology, "To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen," is a fitting response to Christ's majesty and grace. It shifts the focus from human effort to divine praise, acknowledging that all spiritual growth and salvation ultimately bring glory to God. This echoes similar praises found elsewhere in scripture, such as Jude 1:25.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "grow," auxanō (αὐξάνω), signifies a natural, continuous increase, much like a plant grows. It implies that spiritual development is an organic process, nurtured by God's grace and our active pursuit. The "knowledge" Peter speaks of is epignōsis (ἐπίγνωσις), which denotes a full, precise, and experiential knowledge, distinct from mere intellectual awareness (gnōsis). This emphasizes a deep, personal relationship with Christ rather than just knowing facts about Him.

Practical Application

2 Peter 3:18 calls believers to an active and intentional pursuit of spiritual maturity. To "grow in grace," we must regularly engage with God's Word, which teaches us His character and will (2 Timothy 3:16), and cultivate a vibrant prayer life. To "grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" involves not only studying His life and teachings but also allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds to be more like Him. This continuous growth equips us to withstand false doctrines, live righteously, and ultimately bring glory to God in every aspect of our lives, both "now and for ever."

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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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