King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 1:2 Mean?

2 Peter 1:2 in the King James Version says “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,”

2 Peter 1:2 · KJV

GracePeace

Context

1

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Simon: or, Symeon God: Gr. of our God and Saviour

2

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

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: to: or, by

4

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. Peter's greeting employs the standard Christian adaptation of Jewish and Greek salutations, but with crucial theological content. "Grace" (charis, χάρις) denotes God's unmerited favor, while "peace" (eirēnē, εἰρήνη) represents the Hebrew shalom—comprehensive well-being and reconciliation with God. These are not merely wished for but "multiplied" (plēthyntheiē, πληθυνθείη), indicating abundant increase.

The means of multiplication is critical: "through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord" (en epignōsei tou theou kai Iēsou tou kyriou hēmōn). The term epignōsis (ἐπίγνωσις) denotes not mere intellectual awareness but deep, experiential, relational knowledge. This word appears three times in chapter 1 (vv. 2, 3, 8) and stands in sharp contrast to the false knowledge (gnōsis) claimed by heretics Peter opposes.

The Greek construction again closely associates "God" and "Jesus our Lord," reinforcing Christ's deity. True spiritual growth comes through knowing God as He has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ, not through mystical experiences, secret teachings, or philosophical speculation. This sets the stage for Peter's emphasis on apostolic eyewitness testimony and prophetic Scripture as the foundation for genuine knowledge of God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The emphasis on epignōsis (deep knowledge) directly counters early Gnostic tendencies infiltrating the church. Gnostics claimed secret knowledge (gnōsis) necessary for salvation, often divorced from moral transformation and historical facts about Jesus. Peter's insistence that grace and peace multiply through true knowledge of God and Christ establishes that authentic Christianity is rooted in revealed truth, not esoteric speculation.

In the Greco-Roman world, various mystery religions and philosophical schools promised enlightenment through secret teachings and mystical experiences. The Jewish background emphasized knowing God through covenant relationship and Torah obedience. Peter synthesizes these by affirming that true knowledge comes through Jesus Christ—the fulfillment of Old Testament revelation and the incarnate Word who makes God known (John 1:18). This knowledge is accessible to all believers through apostolic teaching, not restricted to an elite spiritual class.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your pursuit of spiritual growth reflect Peter's emphasis on knowledge of God versus contemporary emphasis on experiences?
  2. What practices cultivate deep, experiential knowledge of God and Christ versus superficial familiarity?
  3. How can churches distinguish between legitimate spiritual experiences and subjective mysticism untethered from biblical knowledge?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
χάρις1 of 14

“Grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

ὑμῖν2 of 14

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

καὶ3 of 14

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰρήνη4 of 14

“peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

πληθυνθείη5 of 14

“be multiplied”

G4129

to increase (transitively or intransitively)

ἐν6 of 14

“through”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐπιγνώσει7 of 14

“the knowledge”

G1922

recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement

τοῦ8 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ9 of 14

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ10 of 14

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἰησοῦ11 of 14

“of Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

τοῦ12 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου13 of 14

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν14 of 14

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Peter. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Peter 1:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Peter 1:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 3:18Philippians 3:8John 17:31 Peter 1:2Numbers 6:24-26Isaiah 53:11

Test Your Knowledge

2 Peter 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Peter Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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