2 Peter 1:6
New International Version
and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

New Living Translation
and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness,

English Standard Version
and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,

Berean Standard Bible
and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

Berean Literal Bible
and into knowledge self-control, and into self-control endurance, and into endurance godliness,

King James Bible
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

New King James Version
to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,

New American Standard Bible
and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,

NASB 1995
and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,

NASB 1977
and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness;

Legacy Standard Bible
and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,

Amplified Bible
and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, godliness,

Christian Standard Bible
knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness,

American Standard Version
and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness;

Contemporary English Version
self-control, patience, devotion to God,

English Revised Version
and in your knowledge temperance; and in your temperance patience; and in your patience godliness;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
to knowledge add self-control; to self-control add endurance; to endurance add godliness;

Good News Translation
to your knowledge add self-control; to your self-control add endurance; to your endurance add godliness;

International Standard Version
your knowledge with self-control, your self-control with endurance, your endurance with godliness,

Majority Standard Bible
and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

NET Bible
to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness;

New Heart English Bible
and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control, perseverance; and in perseverance, godliness;

Webster's Bible Translation
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

Weymouth New Testament
along with knowledge, self-control; along with self-control, power of endurance;

World English Bible
and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control, perseverance; and in perseverance, godliness;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and with knowledge—self-control, and with self-control—endurance, and with endurance—piety,

Berean Literal Bible
and into knowledge self-control, and into self-control endurance, and into endurance godliness,

Young's Literal Translation
and in the knowledge the temperance, and in the temperance the endurance, and in the endurance the piety,

Smith's Literal Translation
And in knowledge self-control; and in self-control patience; and in patience devotion;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And in knowledge, abstinence; and in abstinence, patience; and in patience, godliness;

Catholic Public Domain Version
and in knowledge, moderation; and in moderation, patience; and in patience, piety;

New American Bible
knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion,

New Revised Standard Version
and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And to knowledge, self-control; and to selfcontrol, patience; and to patience; godliness;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But unto knowledge, perseverance, and unto perseverance, patience, and to patience, the worship of God,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness;

Godbey New Testament
and to knowledge holiness; and to holiness patience; and patience, godliness;

Haweis New Testament
and with intelligence moderation; and with moderation patience; and with patience piety;

Mace New Testament
to knowledge, temperance: to temperance, patience: to patience, piety:

Weymouth New Testament
along with knowledge, self-control; along with self-control, power of endurance;

Worrell New Testament
and in knowledge, continence; and in continence, patience; and in patience, godliness;

Worsley New Testament
and to fortitude knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience piety;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Partakers of the Divine Nature
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.…

Cross References
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

James 1:3-4
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Romans 5:3-4
Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope.

1 Corinthians 9:25
Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.

Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. / And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.

1 Timothy 6:11
But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. / It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. / For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. / But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.

Ephesians 4:1-2
As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: / with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Philippians 4:8-9
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. / Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Proverbs 16:32
He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.

Proverbs 25:28
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.

Psalm 37:7-9
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. / Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm. / For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.


Treasury of Scripture

And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

temperance.

Acts 24:25
And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

1 Corinthians 9:25
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Galatians 5:23
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

patience.

Psalm 37:7
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Luke 8:15
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Luke 21:19
In your patience possess ye your souls.

godliness.

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:

2 Peter 3:11
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

Genesis 5:24
And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Jump to Previous
Endurance Fear Godliness Mind Patience Perseverance Piety Power Quiet Self-Control Steadfastness Temperance
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Endurance Fear Godliness Mind Patience Perseverance Piety Power Quiet Self-Control Steadfastness Temperance
2 Peter 1
1. Peter confirms the hope of the increase of God's grace,
5. exhorts them, by faith, and good works, to make their calling sure;
12. whereof he is careful to remind them, knowing that his death is at hand;
16. and assures them of the authenticity of the Gospel, by the eyewitness of the apostles and the prophets.














and to knowledge, self-control;
Knowledge in this context refers to a deep understanding of God's will and His ways, which is essential for spiritual growth. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but experiential, gained through a relationship with Christ. Self-control is the ability to govern one's desires and impulses, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It is crucial for living a life that honors God, as it helps believers resist temptation and maintain purity. The call to self-control echoes the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, such as Proverbs, which emphasizes discipline and restraint.

and to self-control, perseverance;
Perseverance, or steadfastness, is the ability to endure trials and remain faithful under pressure. This quality is vital for Christians facing persecution or hardship, as it reflects a trust in God's sovereignty and promises. The early church, including Peter's audience, often faced severe trials, making perseverance a necessary virtue. James 1:2-4 also highlights the importance of perseverance, teaching that it leads to maturity and completeness in faith. The perseverance of the saints is a theme throughout Scripture, exemplified by figures like Job and the Apostle Paul.

and to perseverance, godliness;
Godliness involves a reverent awareness of God's presence and a commitment to living in a way that pleases Him. It encompasses both piety and practical holiness, reflecting the character of Christ. In the Greco-Roman world, godliness was often associated with religious duty, but for Christians, it is a comprehensive lifestyle of worship and obedience. The call to godliness is consistent with the teachings of the New Testament, where believers are urged to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). This pursuit of godliness is empowered by the Holy Spirit and is a response to God's grace.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
The apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage believers to grow in their faith and to warn against false teachings.

2. Recipients of the Epistle
The letter is addressed to those who have received faith through the righteousness of God and Jesus Christ. These are likely early Christians facing challenges in maintaining their faith.

3. Early Christian Communities
The context of this letter is the early Christian communities who were navigating their faith amidst external pressures and internal false teachings.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Self-Control
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and a vital aspect of Christian maturity. It involves mastering one's desires and impulses to align with God's will.

Perseverance in Trials
Perseverance is essential for enduring trials and challenges. It strengthens faith and character, leading to spiritual maturity.

Pursuing Godliness
Godliness reflects a life devoted to God, characterized by reverence and obedience. It is the culmination of adding virtues to one's faith.

The Progressive Nature of Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a continuous process. Each virtue builds upon the previous one, leading to a well-rounded and mature Christian character.

The Role of Knowledge in Spiritual Development
Knowledge of God and His Word is foundational. It informs and guides the development of other virtues like self-control and perseverance.(6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness.--And in your knowledge [supply] self control, and in your self-control, patience, and in your patience, godliness. In other words, your discerning between good and evil must lead to avoiding the evil and choosing the good--i.e., to the control of your own lawless propensities; and in restraining these you must endure difficulties patiently; and your patience must not be the stolid defiance of the savage, or the self-reliant and self-satisfied endurance of the Stoic, but a humble and loving trust in God. Virtue and knowledge are energetic and progressive; they are exercised in developing the powers implanted in us. Self-control and patience are restrictive and disciplinary; they are exercised in checking and regulating the conflicting claims of many co-existing powers, so as to reduce all to harmony. There is special point in "self-control" being placed as the consequence of "knowledge." The false teachers would insist that knowledge led to liberty, which with them meant emancipation from all control whatever. Self-mastery is to the world at large the opposite of liberty; to the Christian it is another name for it--that service which is perfect freedom. Patience to the world is to accept loss and suffering; to the Christian it is to win the best of prizes--"in your patience ye shall win your souls."

Verse 6. - And to knowledge temperance; rather, self-control (ἐγκράτεια). The words ἐκράτεια ψυχῆς are the heading of a section in the Greek of Ecclus. 18:30, and are followed immediately by the maxim, "Go not after thy lusts, but refrain thyself from thine appetites." This self-control extends over the whole of life, and consists in the government of all the appetites; it must be learned in the exercise of that practical knowledge which discerns between good and evil. True knowledge leads on to self-control, to that perfect freedom which consists in the service of God; not to that liberty promised by the false teachers, which is licentiousness. And to temperance patience; and to patience godliness. The practice of self-control will result in patient endurance; but that endurance will not be mere stoicism; it will be a conscious submission of our human will to the holy will of God, and so will tend to develop and strengthen εὐσέβεια, reverence and piety towards God (see note on verse 3).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
and
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

to
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

knowledge,
γνώσει (gnōsei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1108: Knowledge, doctrine, wisdom. From ginosko; knowing, i.e. knowledge.

self-control;
ἐγκράτειαν (enkrateian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1466: Self-mastery, self-restraint, self-control, continence. From egkrates; self-control.

and
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

to
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

self-control,
ἐγκρατείᾳ (enkrateia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1466: Self-mastery, self-restraint, self-control, continence. From egkrates; self-control.

perseverance;
ὑπομονήν (hypomonēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5281: Endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for. From hupomeno; cheerful endurance, constancy.

and
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

to
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

perseverance,
ὑπομονῇ (hypomonē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5281: Endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for. From hupomeno; cheerful endurance, constancy.

godliness;
εὐσέβειαν (eusebeian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2150: Piety (towards God), godliness, devotion, godliness. From eusebes; piety; specially, the gospel scheme.


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NT Letters: 2 Peter 1:6 And in knowledge self-control (2 Pet. 2P iiP ii Pet)
2 Peter 1:5
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