### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ἰσότιμος (isótimos, `{{G2472}}`) is a compound word derived from two significant components: ἴσος (isos, `{{G2470}}`), meaning "equal" or "like," and τιμή (timē, `{{G5092}}`), meaning "honor," "value," or "price." Thus, its core meaning conveys the idea of "of equal value," "of equal honor," or "like precious." The term emphasizes a qualitative equality, indicating that two or more entities possess the same intrinsic worth, dignity, or esteemed status, rather than merely being identical in form or number. It speaks to a parity in essence or significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἰσότιμος (isótimos, `{{G2472}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, making its singular occurrence particularly weighty and significant.
* **[[2 Peter 1:1]]**: "Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ."
In this foundational verse, Peter addresses believers who have "obtained a faith of equal standing" (πίστιν ἰσότιμον) with his own and that of the other apostles. This declaration is profoundly significant for several reasons:
1. **Universal Access to Faith**: It asserts that the faith received by the Gentile converts (the likely recipients of the letter) is no less valuable or authentic than the faith possessed by the apostles themselves, who had direct interaction with Christ. This counters any potential hierarchical thinking based on proximity to the original apostolic witness or ethnic background.
2. **Divine Origin of Faith**: The faith is not earned but "obtained" (λαβόντες), implying it is a gift from God. The "equal standing" thus points to God's impartial distribution of this precious gift.
3. **Basis in God's Righteousness**: The equality of this faith is grounded "by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ." This underscores that the worth of faith is not based on human merit or achievement, but on the perfect righteousness of Christ, which is equally applied to all who believe.
4. **Unity in the Body of Christ**: By affirming this "like precious" faith, Peter fosters a sense of unity and shared identity among all believers, regardless of their background or the timing of their conversion. All are equally privileged to partake in the divine life through the same faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἰσότιμος (isótimos, `{{G2472}}`) is enriched by considering its constituent parts and related theological concepts:
* ἴσος (isos, `{{G2470}}`): "equal," "like." This root emphasizes the parity and non-discriminatory nature of God's grace. Other New Testament uses of ἴσος often relate to equality in judgment, reward, or status (e.g., [[Matthew 20:12]], [[Luke 6:34]]).
* τιμή (timē, `{{G5092}}`): "honor," "value," "price," "preciousness." This component highlights the immense worth and dignity attributed to the faith itself. It is not cheap or common but something highly esteemed by God.
* πίστις (pistis, `{{G4102}}`): "faith." As the direct object of ἰσότιμος in [[2 Peter 1:1]], the word profoundly elevates the nature and value of saving faith.
* **Divine Impartiality**: The concept of God showing no favoritism (e.g., [[Romans 2:11]], [[Acts 10:34]]) is strongly echoed by ἰσότιμος. God's grace and the gift of faith are extended equally to all who believe.
* **Unity in Christ**: The term contributes to the understanding of the church as a unified body where all members, whether Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, share equally in the spiritual blessings of Christ (e.g., [[Galatians 3:28]], [[Ephesians 2:19-22]]).
* **Preciousness of Salvation**: The "like precious" nature of faith underscores the inestimable value of the salvation it brings.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἰσότιμος (isótimos, `{{G2472}}`) is profound, particularly given its singular appearance at the outset of 2 Peter. It serves as a foundational declaration of the universal and equally valuable nature of saving faith for all believers.
1. **Affirmation of God's Impartiality**: It powerfully asserts that God does not differentiate among His people based on their background, status, or even their historical proximity to Christ's earthly ministry. The faith granted to a Gentile convert in Asia Minor is as precious and valid in God's eyes as the faith of Peter, an apostle who walked with Jesus. This directly challenges any form of spiritual elitism or hierarchy within the early church.
2. **Elevation of Saving Faith**: By describing faith as "of equal standing" or "like precious," Peter elevates its intrinsic worth. This is not a human achievement but a divine gift, equally bestowed and equally valuable, regardless of the recipient. It emphasizes that the *quality* of faith, not its human possessor, is what matters to God.
3. **Foundation for Christian Growth**: By establishing this equality of faith, Peter lays the groundwork for the subsequent exhortations in 2 Peter 1 concerning spiritual growth. Since all believers possess a faith of equal standing, all are equally called and enabled to grow in grace and knowledge, making their calling and election sure.
4. **Unity of the Church**: The term fosters a deep sense of unity and shared identity within the Body of Christ. All believers are united by the same "like precious" faith, which originates from the righteousness of God and Savior Jesus Christ. This common spiritual foundation transcends all human divisions.
### Summary
The Greek word ἰσότιμος (isótimos, `{{G2472}}`), meaning "of equal value or honor" or "like precious," is a rare but highly significant term in the New Testament. Its sole occurrence in [[2 Peter 1:1]] powerfully declares that the faith obtained by all believers is of the same intrinsic worth and standing as that possessed by the apostles. This concept underscores God's impartial grace, the divine origin and immense value of saving faith, and the fundamental spiritual equality of all who are in Christ. It serves as a theological cornerstone for understanding the unity of the church and the universal accessibility of salvation based on the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ.
TRV