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

2 PETER 1:5KJV
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2 Peter 1:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Peter 1:5 mean?

2 Peter 1:5 urges believers to make every effort to build on their faith by adding virtue and then knowledge. The verse highlights a process of spiritual growth, encouraging readers to actively pursue qualities that deepen and strengthen their faith.

Peter, writing to Christians facing challenges and confusion, calls them to be intentional and diligent ("giving all diligence") in their spiritual lives. He lists faith as the foundation, then instructs them to add "virtue" (moral excellence) and "knowledge" (understanding or discernment), showing that faith is meant to grow through committed effort and practical steps.

The Greek behind 2 Peter 1:5

  • The word for "diligence" is σπουδή (spoudē), transliterated as spoudē, which often means earnestness or eagerness. Here, it emphasizes that spiritual growth requires real effort and intentionality, not just passive belief.
  • The verb "add" is ἐπιχορηγήσατε (epichorēgēsate), transliterated as epichorēgēsate, which carries the sense of supplying or providing generously. This suggests that believers are to actively supply these qualities to their faith, not just hope they appear.
  • The word for "virtue" is ἀρετή (aretē), transliterated as aretē, which is often understood as moral excellence or goodness. Peter is calling for a faith that is lived out in upright character.
  • The word for "knowledge" is γνῶσις (gnōsis), transliterated as gnōsis, which refers to understanding, insight, or discernment. This points to the importance of growing in practical and spiritual understanding, not just head knowledge.

Why 2 Peter 1:5 matters

  • 2 Peter 1:5 clarifies that faith is not a one-time event but a starting point for a lifelong process of growth, which involves active participation.
  • The verse shows that moral excellence ("virtue") and understanding ("knowledge") are not optional add-ons but essential parts of a well-rounded Christian life.
  • By placing "diligence" at the start, Peter emphasizes that spiritual maturity does not happen by accident; it requires focused and sustained effort, especially in the face of confusion or false teaching.

Where else these words appear

“virtue” Greek G703 · used in 4 verses

  • Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
  • 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
  • 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:

“add” Greek G2023 · used in 5 verses

  • 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;)
  • Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
  • Colossians 2:19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

“diligence” Greek G4710 · used in 12 verses

  • Mark 6:25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
  • Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
  • 2 Corinthians 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

“knowledge” Greek G1108 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
  • 1 Corinthians 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
  • 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;