2 Peter 1:5

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

αὐτὸ

G846

beside

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

τοῦτο

G5124

this

that thing

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

σπουδὴν

G4710

diligence

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

πᾶσαν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

παρεισενέγκαντες

G3923

giving

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

ἐπιχορηγήσατε

G2023

add

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

ἐν

G1722

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

#10

τῇ

G3588

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

#11

πίστει

G4102

faith

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

#12

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

#13

τὴν

G3588

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

#14

ἀρετῇ

G703

virtue

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

#15

ἐν

G1722

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

#16

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#17

τῇ

G3588

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

#18

ἀρετῇ

G703

virtue

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

#19

τὴν

G3588

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

#20

γνῶσιν

G1108

knowledge

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Peter, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to 2 Peter's theological argument.

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding faith in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?