2 Peter 3:18
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Original Language Analysis
αὐξάνετε
grow
G837
αὐξάνετε
grow
Strong's:
G837
Word #:
1 of 23
to grow ("wax"), i.e., enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)
χάριτι
grace
G5485
χάριτι
grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
4 of 23
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γνώσει
in the knowledge
G1108
γνώσει
in the knowledge
Strong's:
G1108
Word #:
6 of 23
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 23
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
12 of 23
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
αὐτῷ
To him
G846
αὐτῷ
To him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 23
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
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξα
be glory
G1391
δόξα
be glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
16 of 23
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
18 of 23
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
20 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἡμέραν
G2250
ἡμέραν
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
21 of 23
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
Cross References
Colossians 1:10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;Ephesians 4:15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:1 Peter 2:2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:Philippians 3:8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,Colossians 3:10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:Ephesians 1:17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:2 Peter 1:3According 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:2 Corinthians 4:6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.2 Timothy 4:18And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Historical Context
The closing doxology follows standard first-century letter conventions but with distinctly Christian content—ascribing glory to Christ, not just God the Father, affirming His deity. Such doxologies appear throughout New Testament epistles (Rom 16:25-27; Eph 3:20-21; Phil 4:20; 1 Tim 1:17; 6:16; 2 Tim 4:18; Heb 13:21; 1 Pet 4:11; 5:11; Jude 24-25; Rev 1:5-6), often concluding with "Amen."
The exhortation to "grow in grace and knowledge" summarizes the epistle's pastoral concern: believers must progress in Christlikeness (grace) through deepening relationship with Christ (knowledge). Against false teachers promoting corrupt doctrine and immoral living, Peter calls readers back to foundational Christian growth—increasing in grace (sanctification) by increasing in knowing Christ (relationship). This growth provides assurance (1:10), fruitfulness (1:8), and stability against error (3:17).
Questions for Reflection
- What specific areas of growth in grace and knowledge of Christ do you need to pursue more intentionally?
- How do you measure spiritual growth to assess whether you're actually progressing in Christlikeness?
- What practices most effectively deepen your relational knowledge of Christ versus mere intellectual information about Him?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. Peter concludes with a call to "grow in grace" (auxanete de en chariti, αὐξάνετε δὲ ἐν χάριτι)—progressive increase in experiencing and expressing God's unmerited favor. This isn't static possession but dynamic development. "And in the knowledge" (kai gnōsei, καὶ γνώσει) returns to the epistle's theme (1:2-3, 5-6, 8)—deep, experiential, relational knowledge of Christ, not mere intellectual information.
The object is "our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (tou kyriou hēmōn kai sōtēros Iēsou Christou). Growth occurs specifically through knowing Him more deeply—His character, work, will, and presence. This person-centered focus distinguishes biblical Christianity from abstract philosophy or impersonal religion. Knowing Christ personally, intimately, transformatively is both the means and goal of spiritual growth.
The doxology "To him be glory both now and for ever" (autō hē doxa kai nyn kai eis hēmeran aiōnos) ascribes eternal glory to Christ. "Both now and for ever" emphasizes Christ's worthiness of glory temporally (in this age) and eternally (in the age to come). "Amen" (amēn, ἀμήν) confirms truth and expresses agreement. This Christocentric conclusion anchors all Peter's warnings and exhortations in the ultimate reality: Jesus Christ's eternal lordship and glory.