ἀρετή (aretē)
aretē
virtue
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun aretē fundamentally denotes excellence or moral goodness, describing whatever quality earns high esteem. While classical philosophy narrowed it to intrinsic character, Scripture often blends this with the visible impact such character has on others. In 1 Peter 2:9, for instance, believers are called to proclaim the "excellencies" of God, suggesting that virtue is not just an internal state but a powerful manifestation that draws attention.
This dual sense appears throughout the New Testament. It refers to moral uprightness in Philippians 4:8, where Paul urges focus on whatever is true and noble. In 2 Peter 1:3, it describes the divine power that grants access to God’s own excellence, while verse 5 calls Christians to add this virtue to their faith. The term thus bridges personal integrity and the radiant influence of God’s nature.
Its root relates to honor or worth, implying that true aretē is inherently valuable and recognizable. Translators often render it as "virtue," though this English word can feel abstract. The Greek concept is more concrete: it is the visible strength of character that defines both divine action and human conduct.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word aretē points to a quality of life that stands out for its goodness and strength. It is not merely about following rules, but about possessing a character that reflects God’s own nature. When we seek this virtue, we are looking for the kind of integrity that shines through in difficult moments and brings honor to those around us.
In Philippians 4:8, Paul invites us to focus our minds on whatever is true, honorable, and of good report. This is where virtue takes root. It grows when we align our thoughts with what is pure and lovely. By doing so, we allow God’s power to shape our daily conduct, making our lives a visible testimony of His grace.
2 Peter 1:3 reminds us that this excellence comes from God Himself. His divine power provides everything we need for a life of godliness. We do not have to manufacture this virtue on our own; instead, we receive it through knowing Him. This knowledge empowers us to add moral excellence to our faith, creating a life that is both stable and radiant.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- virtue,1×
- virtue1×
- excellencies1×
- excellence,1×
- excellence1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀρετῇ,1×
- ἀρετῇ1×
- ἀρετήν,1×
- ἀρετὴ1×
- ἀρετὰς1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Paul uses this term to summarize the positive qualities believers should actively contemplate, linking virtue directly to a disciplined focus on truth and honor.
-
I Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Here the word describes God’s own excellence, showing that believers are called to proclaim the inherent worth and power of their Creator.
-
II Peter 1:3
seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue,
This verse identifies virtue as a divine attribute granted through knowledge of God, establishing it as the foundation for a godly life.
-
II Peter 1:5
Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge;
Peter instructs readers to actively add moral excellence to their faith, treating it as a necessary building block for spiritual growth.