2 Peter 1:5

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The author addresses believers who have received divine promises and escaped worldly corruption, urging them to respond to that grace by actively cultivating moral and spiritual qualities.

The words — σπουδὴν (spoudēn) = earnestness; παρεισενέγκαντες (pareisenegkantes) = having brought in.

The thread — The progression of added virtues continues in 2 Peter 1:6, while the theme of spiritual growth through divine provision echoes 2 Peter 3:18. The call to deliberate moral focus parallels the exhortation in Philippians 4:8 to fix the mind on what is true and honorable.

Why it lands — The text commands readers to treat spiritual maturity as an active, sequential work rather than a passive state, requiring deliberate effort to build upon the foundation of faith.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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

Cross-references

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Hebrews 6:11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.
2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Philippians 1:9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,
2 Peter 3:14 Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight.
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Ephesians 5:17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.