King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 1:5 Mean?

2 Peter 1:5 in the King James Version says “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;”

2 Peter 1:5 · KJV

Faith

Context

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.

5

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6

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

7

And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

Read 2 Peter 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge. The phrase "beside this" (kai auto touto de, καὶ αὐτὸ τοῦτο δὲ) means "for this very reason"—precisely because God has provided everything necessary (vv. 3-4), believers must exercise "all diligence" (spoudēn pasan, σπουδὴν πᾶσαν), meaning earnest effort and eager commitment. Divine provision doesn't eliminate human responsibility; it enables and requires it. This paradox of grace and effort pervades biblical theology.

"Add" (epichorēgēsate, ἐπιχορηγήσατε) is rich in meaning, originally referring to a wealthy patron fully supplying a chorus for Greek theater—generous, costly provision. Believers must lavishly supply or supplement their faith with specific qualities. This isn't merit-earning but fruit-bearing, the natural outworking of genuine faith. The list that follows (vv. 5-7) isn't sequential stages but interconnected virtues that mature together.

"Faith" (pistis, πίστις) is the foundation—trusting reliance on Christ and His promises. To this add "virtue" (aretē, ἀρετή), moral excellence or courage. Then "knowledge" (gnōsis, γνῶσις)—not the false knowledge of heretics but discernment of God's will and sound doctrine. True faith produces moral excellence, which requires knowledge to direct it properly. This sequence counters both mindless activism and sterile intellectualism, uniting character and understanding.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Greek ethical philosophy, especially Stoicism, emphasized virtue lists and progressive moral development through human effort and rational discipline. Peter adopts this familiar literary form but transforms it theologically. Whereas philosophers taught self-achieved virtue through reason and willpower, Peter roots growth in divine provision (vv. 3-4) and divine enablement. The virtues aren't abstract ideals but characteristics flowing from knowing God in Christ.

The emphasis on diligent effort would resonate with Jewish readers familiar with Torah obedience requirements while redirecting that energy toward Spirit-enabled growth rather than law-keeping. For Gentile Christians attracted to mystery religions promising instant enlightenment through secret knowledge, Peter insists on disciplined, progressive character development. Against libertine false teachers claiming freedom from moral constraints (2:19), this passage establishes that genuine Christianity produces demonstrable moral transformation. The early church faced pressure both to dissolve into mysticism and to fragment into legalism; Peter charts the biblical middle way of grace-enabled effort.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance resting in God's provision with exercising diligent effort in spiritual growth?
  2. What specific practices could help you 'add' knowledge and virtue to your faith more intentionally?
  3. How might your church better integrate doctrinal teaching with character formation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

“And”

G2532

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

αὐτὸ2 of 20

“beside”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τοῦτο3 of 20

“this”

G5124

that thing

δὲ4 of 20

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

σπουδὴν5 of 20

“diligence”

G4710

"speed", i.e., (by implication) despatch, eagerness, earnestness

πᾶσαν6 of 20

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

παρεισενέγκαντες7 of 20

“giving”

G3923

to bear in alongside, i.e., introduce simultaneously

ἐπιχορηγήσατε8 of 20

“add”

G2023

to furnish besides, i.e., fully supply, (figuratively) aid or contribute

ἐν9 of 20

“to”

G1722

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

τῇ10 of 20
G3588

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

πίστει11 of 20

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ὑμῶν12 of 20

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

τὴν13 of 20
G3588

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

ἀρετῇ14 of 20

“virtue”

G703

properly, manliness (valor), i.e., excellence (intrinsic or attributed)

ἐν15 of 20

“to”

G1722

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

δὲ16 of 20

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

τῇ17 of 20
G3588

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

ἀρετῇ18 of 20

“virtue”

G703

properly, manliness (valor), i.e., excellence (intrinsic or attributed)

τὴν19 of 20
G3588

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

γνῶσιν20 of 20

“knowledge”

G1108

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

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 1:5 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 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 4:8Proverbs 4:232 Peter 3:18Hebrews 6:112 Peter 1:2-32 Peter 1:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Peter 1 with CommentaryAll 2 Peter ChaptersComplete 2 Peter QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes