2 Peter 1:3 Meaning: All We Need for Life and Godliness
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,
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:
seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue;
As all things to us His divine power (the things pertaining unto life and piety) hath given, through the acknowledgement of him who did call us through glory and worthiness,
As his divine power has given to us all things which relate to life andgodliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us by glory and virtue,
Meaning in one sentence
God’s divine power supplies everything for life and godliness through knowing Him. See how this promise shapes your daily walk.
Context
Peter opens this letter to believers who share a precious faith. He has already greeted them with grace and peace. Now he grounds everything in what God has done: His divine power has already given everything needed for true life and genuine godliness. This is not a promise for the future, it is a present reality. The verse that follows speaks of great promises and escaping corruption, and then Peter urges his readers to respond with diligence. But before the call to effort comes the announcement of gift. God's provision comes first.
Key Words
Two Greek words here are particularly rich. The verb dedōrēmenēs means "having granted as a gift." It is stronger than an ordinary word for giving, it suggests a free, generous bestowal, like a present you did not earn. Peter wants you to know that everything you need for life with God has been given, not lent or promised for later. The word for "knowledge" is epignōsis, which means full, personal, accurate knowledge. This is not knowing facts about God but knowing Him relationally, the way you know a close friend. And at the end of the verse, the phrase "glory and virtue" uses aretē, a word for moral excellence or worth. It is striking that Peter applies this human-sounding word to God. God's own excellence is the ground of His call. His glory and His goodness together draw us to Him.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have read this verse as a foundation for the Christian life. Most agree that "life and godliness" refers to spiritual life, the life of the soul, and the reverence for God that flows from it. Some, like the Wesleyan commentator Adam Clarke, see it as covering both the present life and eternal life, with godliness as the path. The phrase "called us by his own glory and virtue" has been understood in two ways. The KJV reads "called us to glory and virtue," seeing these as the goal of our calling. Many modern translations read "by his own glory and virtue," meaning that God's own splendor and moral excellence are the means by which He calls us. Both readings honor God as the source and the end of our calling. What unites Christians here is the confidence that God has supplied everything we need, and that our part is to grow in knowing Him.
A common misunderstanding
Some read this verse and think that because God has given us all things, they have no part to play. They assume spiritual growth will happen automatically. In fact, Peter immediately follows by urging his readers to add all diligence (v.5). The gift is real and complete, but it is a gift that invites our active response. God supplies the resources; we are called to use them.
Living This Out
What does this verse ask of you this week? Maybe you feel lacking, not holy enough, not strong enough, not sure how to live well. Start here: before you try harder, pause and thank God that He has already given you everything you need. Not everything you want, but everything that truly matters for life with Him and for walking in reverence before Him. Then let that gratitude move you to know Him more. Spend a few minutes each day simply talking to Jesus, not to ask for things, but to know Him. That knowledge is the channel through which the gift flows.
Main takeaway: God's divine power has already given you everything you need for true life and godliness through knowing Jesus Christ.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God has given you everything you need to love Him and live for Him. You don't have to earn His help. It's already yours, like a gift waiting to be opened.
For ages 9, 12
This verse tells us that God's power has already supplied everything we need for living a life that pleases Him. The key is knowing Jesus personally. When we get to know Him better, through prayer, reading the Bible, and trusting Him, we start to see how much He has already given us. That gives us confidence to grow and to live for Him, not by our own strength but by His.
Questions People Ask
What does 'divine power' mean in 2 Peter 1:3?
It refers to God's own almighty strength, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. Peter emphasizes that it is this power, not human effort, that supplies everything for life and godliness.
What are 'all things that pertain to life and godliness'?
These are everything necessary for spiritual life and for living in a way that honors God. Commentators suggest it includes the knowledge of the gospel, the help of the Holy Spirit, the promises of God, and the grace we need to grow.
How does knowledge of God give us everything we need?
The word for knowledge here (epignōsis) means full, personal, relational knowledge. It is not just knowing facts about God, but knowing Him intimately. As we grow in this kind of knowledge, we receive the provision that God has already made available.
Does 2 Peter 1:3 mean we don't have to do anything?
No. While God gives all things, Peter immediately calls us to add all diligence (v.5). The gift is the foundation, but it invites our active response of faith and effort. We cooperate with what God has provided.
Is 'glory and virtue' our goal or God's means?
Different translations handle this phrase differently. The KJV reads 'called us to glory and virtue,' as the destination of our calling. Many modern translations read 'by his own glory and virtue,' meaning God calls us through His own splendor and excellence. Both are true: God's glory is both the way He calls us and the goal He calls us to.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study