2 Peter 1:5

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Peter 1:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in [your] virtue knowledge;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in [your] virtue knowledge;
2 Peter 1:5 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Peter 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in [your] virtue knowledge;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And besides this, giving all diligence, etc.] “Or upon this”, as the Syriac and Arabic versions read, bestow all your labour, diligence, and care; namely, on what follows, and that from the consideration of what goes before; for nothing can more strongly animate, and engage to the diligent exercise of grace and discharge of duty, than a consideration of the high favours, and free grace gifts of God, and the exceeding great and precious promises of his Gospel: add to your faith virtue; or “with your faith”, so the Arabic version renders it, and the like, in the following clauses. They had faith, even like precious faith with the apostles, not of themselves, but by the gift of God, and which…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And beside this--rather, "And for this very reason," namely, "seeing that His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness" (Pe2 1:3). giving--literally, "introducing," side by side with God's gift, on your part "diligence." Compare an instance, Pe2 1:10; Pe2 3:14; Co2 7:11. all--all possible. add--literally, "minister additionally," or, abundantly (compare Greek, Co2 9:10); said properly of the one who supplied all the equipments of a chorus. So accordingly, "there will be ministered abundantly unto you an entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Saviour" (Pe2 1:11). to--Greek, "in"; "in the possession of your faith, minister virtue. Their faith…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And beside this - Καὶ αὐτὸ τοῦτο Kai auto touto. Something here is necessary to be understood in order to complete the sense. The reference is to 2 Peter 1:3; and the connection is, since 2 Peter 1:3 God has given us these exalted privileges and hopes, “in respect to this,” (κατὰ kata or διὰ dia being understood,) or as a “consequence” fairly flowing from this, we ought to give all diligence that we may make good use of these advantages, and secure as high attainments as we possibly can. We should add one virtue to another, that we may reach the highest possible elevation in holiness. Giving all diligence - Greek, “Bringing in all zeal or effort.” The meaning is, that we ought to make…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For this very reason - Because God hath given you so great blessings. Giving all diligence - It is a very uncommon word which we render giving. It literally signifies, bringing in by the by, or over and above: implying, that good works the work; yet not unless we are diligent. Our diligence is to follow the gift of God, and is followed by an increase of all his gifts. Add to - And in all the other gifts of God. Superadd the latter, without losing the former. The Greek word properly means lead up, as in dance, one of these after the other, in a beautiful order. Your faith, that "evidence of things not seen," termed before "the knowledge of God and of Christ," the root of all Christian graces.…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:5-7 The stair-step structure of these verses, with each virtue leading to another, is a common literary device called a sorites. The sequence in such passages is not stressed—e.g., Peter does not imply that moral excellence must come before knowledge. Yet love is the pinnacle of the virtues (1:7).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“beside: Luk 16:26, Luk 24:21 giving: Pe2 1:10, Pe2 3:14, Pe2 3:18; Psa 119:4; Pro 4:23; Isa 55:2; Zac 6:15; Joh 6:27; Phi 2:12; Heb 6:11, Heb 11:6, Heb 12:15 virtue: Pe2 1:3; Phi 4:8 knowledge: Pe2 1:2, Pe2 3:18; Co1 14:20; Eph 1:17, Eph 1:18, Eph 5:17; Phi 1:9; Col 1:9; Pe1 3:7 2 Peter 1:6”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification