Lexical Summary isotimos: Of equal value, equally precious Original Word: ἰσότιμος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance equal, like, of the same kindFrom isos and time; of equal value or honor -- like precious. see GREEK isos see GREEK time HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2472 isótimos (from 2470 /ísos, "equivalent, equal" and 5092 /timḗ, "assigned price, value") – properly, having the same (equal) value; "equally privileged, held in equal honor" (Abbott-Smith); of consistent value (preciousness, make-up) and therefore deserving equal respect (recognition). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom isos and timé Definition held in equal honor NASB Translation same kind (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2472: ἰσότιμοςἰσότιμος, ἰσότιμον (ἴσος and τιμή), equally precious; equally honored: τίνι, to be esteemed equal to, ἰσότιμον ἡμῖν πίστιν (a like-precious faith with us), concisely for πίστιν τῇ ἡμῶν πίστει ἰσότιμον (Winers Grammar, § 66, 2f.; Buttmann, § 133, 10): 2 Peter 1:1. (Philo, Josephus, Plutarch, Lucian, Aelian, others.) Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 2472 marks the New Testament’s declaration that every believer, irrespective of background, enjoys the same priceless standing before God in Christ. The lone appearance of the term occurs in 2 Peter 1:1 and frames the entire epistle by rooting all subsequent exhortations in the shared, honored faith given to the readers. Scriptural Usage 2 Peter 1:1 addresses “those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours.” By choosing this word, Peter, a Jewish eyewitness and pillar of the church, levels any imagined hierarchy between himself and his predominantly Gentile audience. The equality is qualitative—one faith of identical worth, supplied by the same divine righteousness. Historical Context in the Apostolic Church The earliest congregations blended Jewish believers steeped in covenant history with Gentiles newly brought near (Ephesians 2:14). Debates over circumcision, dietary customs, and temple identity (Acts 15) threatened unity. Peter’s terminology aligns with his earlier testimony in Caesarea: “God gave them the same gift He gave us” (Acts 11:17). By the time 2 Peter was penned, persecution and false teaching were rising; the reassurance that all possess an equally honored faith fortified saints to resist elitism and heresy alike. Theological Implications 1. Soteriology: Salvation is imparted, not earned. Faith—its origin, continuance, and value—derives “through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ,” excluding human merit (Romans 3:22). Relation to Old Testament Expectation Old Testament prophecy envisioned Gentile inclusion (Isaiah 49:6; Hosea 2:23). Peter’s word choice signals fulfillment: the “honor” once tied to covenant symbols now rests upon all who trust Messiah. As the Aaronic priesthood’s privileges were unparalleled in Israel, the New Covenant democratizes access—“a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Ministry and Discipleship Applications • Evangelism: No hearer is outside the reach of a faith equally honored with the apostles’. Doctrinal Safeguards False teachers frequently claim secret knowledge or elevated status. Peter opens his letter by undercutting such elitism; any doctrine that stratifies believers contradicts the equal honor embedded in the gospel. Testing teachings by this standard protects congregations from spiritual caste systems. Summary Strong’s 2472 encapsulates the gospel’s leveling power: one priceless faith bestowed through the righteousness of the God-Man, Jesus Christ. Embracing this truth nurtures humility, unity, and confident mission until the day “the morning star rises” (2 Peter 1:19). Forms and Transliterations ισοτιμον ισότιμον ἰσότιμον isotimon isótimonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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