Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

2 PETER 1:4KJV
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2 Peter 1:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Peter 1:4 mean?

2 Peter 1:4 says that God has given believers very great and valuable promises, so that through these promises, they can share in God’s own nature and escape the moral decay in the world caused by human desires. The verse highlights both the generosity of God’s promises and their purpose: to transform believers and separate them from the world’s corruption.

Peter, writing to Christians facing challenges and false teachings, points out that God’s promises are not just comforting words but powerful gifts that change people’s lives. The verse explains that these promises allow believers to become more like God in character, and to break free from the destructive patterns found in the world.

The Greek behind 2 Peter 1:4

  • "Partakers" (κοινωνοί, koinōnoi): This word means "sharers" or "partners." In this context, it emphasizes that believers are not just observers but actually share in God’s nature in a real way.
  • "Divine" (θείας, theias): This word means "of God" or "God-like." Peter is saying that believers participate in something truly from God, not just something good or moral.
  • "Corruption" (φθοράς, phthoras): This word refers to decay, ruin, or moral breakdown. Peter uses it to describe the destructive effects of living by selfish desires, showing a sharp contrast with the "divine nature."
  • "Promises" (ἐπαγγέλματα, epangelmata): This word means "promises" or "pledges." Peter stresses that these are not ordinary promises, but ones that are "exceeding great and precious," highlighting their unique value and power.

Why 2 Peter 1:4 matters

  • 2 Peter 1:4 clarifies that the Christian life is not just about following rules, but about a real change in nature made possible by God’s promises.
  • The verse shows that escaping the world’s corruption is not by human effort alone, but by receiving and trusting in what God has provided.
  • This verse connects to Peter’s larger message about growth and maturity, setting the stage for the practical instructions that follow in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“promises” Greek G1862 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

“given” Greek G1433 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 15:45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
  • 2 Peter 1:3 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:

“divine” Greek G2304 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
  • 2 Peter 1:3 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:

“escaped” Greek G668 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Peter 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
  • 2 Peter 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.