Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

2 PETER 1:2KJV
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2 Peter 1:2 (KJV)

What does 2 Peter 1:2 mean?

2 Peter 1:2 is a greeting where the writer, Peter, wishes that grace and peace would increase for his readers as they grow in their understanding of God and Jesus Christ. The verse highlights that this growth in grace and peace comes specifically through knowing God and Jesus.

Peter is writing to believers, encouraging them at the start of his letter. He connects the experience of grace (God’s favor) and peace (inner and relational well-being) with a deepening knowledge of God and Jesus, showing that these blessings are not automatic but are tied to an ongoing relationship and understanding.

The Greek behind 2 Peter 1:2

  • χάρις (charis, "Grace"): This word often means favor, kindness, or goodwill, especially as a gift from God. Peter’s wish is not just for a static gift, but for this favor to keep growing in their lives.
  • εἰρήνη (eirēnē, "peace"): This word carries the sense of wholeness or harmony, not just the absence of conflict. Peter’s greeting suggests a deep, lasting peace that comes from God.
  • πληθυνθείη (plēthynthēi, "be multiplied"): The Greek here means to increase or abound. Peter is not just wishing for a little grace and peace, but for these to overflow in the lives of his readers.
  • ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis, "knowledge"): This word points to a full, personal, and growing knowledge, not just information. Peter links the increase of grace and peace to this kind of deep, relational knowing of God and Jesus.

Why 2 Peter 1:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that grace and peace are not just one-time gifts but can keep growing as someone’s relationship with God and Jesus deepens.
  • By tying grace and peace to knowledge, Peter emphasizes that understanding and knowing God personally is central to the Christian life, not just belief or ritual.
  • The greeting sets the tone for the rest of the letter, which will focus on growth, knowledge, and living out faith in practical ways.

Where else these words appear

“multiplied” Greek G4129 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
  • Acts 7:17 But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,
  • 2 Corinthians 9:10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

“knowledge” Greek G1922 · used in 20 verses

  • Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
  • Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
  • 2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

“peace” Greek G1515 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
  • Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

“Grace” Greek G5485 · used in 147 verses

  • Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Colossians 1:6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: