2 Peter 1:3

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ὡς
G5613
According as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#2
πάντα
G3956
all things
all, any, every, the whole
#3
ἡμῖν
G2254
unto us
to (or for, with, by) us
#4
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
θείας
G2304
divine
godlike (neuter as noun, divinity)
#6
δυνάμεως
G1411
power
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
#7
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#8
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
πρὸς
G4314
that pertain unto
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#10
ζωὴν
G2222
life
life (literally or figuratively)
#11
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
εὐσέβειαν
G2150
godliness
piety; specially, the gospel scheme
#13
δεδωρημένης
G1433
hath given
to bestow gratuitously
#14
διὰ
G1223
through
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#15
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἐπιγνώσεως
G1922
the knowledge
recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement
#17
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
καλέσαντος
G2564
of him that hath called
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
#19
ἡμᾶς
G2248
us
us
#20
διὰ
G1223
through
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#21
δόξης
G1391
glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
#22
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#23
ἀρετῆς·
G703
virtue
properly, manliness (valor), i.e., excellence (intrinsic or attributed)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing glory contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection