What Does 2 Peter 1:5 Mean?

(5) **And beside this.**—Rather, *and for this very reason.* The Authorised version is quite indefensible, and is the more to be regretted because it obscures a parallel between this and 1 Peter. There also we are exhorted to regulate our conduct by God’s (1Peter 1:15; 1Peter 2:1; 1Peter 2:5). [In the Notes on 2Peter 1:5-8 use has been made of addresses *On some Traits in the Christian Character.* Camb. 1876.] **Giving all diligence.**—Literally, *bringing in all diligence to the side of* God’s gifts and promises; making your contribution in answer to His. He has made all things possible for you; but they are not yet done, and you must labour diligently to realise the glorious possibilities opened out to you. **Add to your faith virtue.**—Rather, *in your faith supply virtue.* The error comes from Geneva; all other English versions are right. The interesting word inadequately translated “add” occurs again in 2Peter 1:11, and elsewhere only in 2Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 3:5; Colossians 2:19. Everywhere but here it is translated “minister.” Sufficient explanation of the word will be found in Notes on 2Corinthians 9:10 and Galatians 3:5. The notion of rendering a service that is expected of one in virtue of one’s position fits in admirably here. God *gives*; His blessings and promises come from His free undeserved bounty; man *renders, supplies, furnishes, *that which, considering the benefits which he has received, is fairly required of him. Note that we are not told to supply faith; that comes from God (Ephesians 2:8), and the Apostle assumes that his readers possess it. “Virtue” is that which is recognised by all men as excellent; the excellence of man as man. Heathen moralists had drawn a noble picture of what man ought to be; the gospel gave the command to realise a yet nobler ideal, and also gave the power by which it could be realised. **And to virtue knowledge.**—As before, *and in your virtue* [*supply*]* knowledge*—*i.e., *in the virtue which each of you possesses. Virtue for each individual is the excellence corresponding to the talents committed to him. The word for “knowledge” here is not the compound used in 2Peter 1:2-3, but the simple substantive. It means, therefore, knowledge that still admits of growth, not yet ripe or complete. It is worth noting that the word for *absolute* knowledge, *epistêmê, *does not occur in the New Testament. By “knowledge” here is probably meant spiritual discernment as to what is right and what is wrong in all things; the right object, the right way, the right time.