This verse reveals that God's power already provides everything we need for a truly vibrant life and devotion, not just later in heaven. It's all unlocked "through the knowledge of him"—meaning a deep, intimate understanding—not just intellectual assent.
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is writing to encourage believers who are facing challenges and deception, reminding them of the solid foundation they have in Christ. He's emphasizing that God has already provided everything they need for a godly life, not through some secret knowledge, but through a genuine relationship with Jesus. This sets the stage for him to then warn them about false teachers and urge them to grow in their understanding of God.
Ever feel like you're missing something for the Christian life? Like there's a piece of the puzzle missing for truly living godly?
Peter kicks off this powerful statement with the incredible truth that God's 'divine power' isn't just for the big miracles, but it's already provided everything we need for both living the Christian life ('life') and living a life that honors God ('godliness').
Think about it: this isn't a partial package or a 'to be continued' promise. It's a complete provision, handed to us by God's own mighty strength. Whatever challenge you face, whatever temptation comes your way, whatever you need to live faithfully – it's already been granted.
We're told we have everything we need. So why doesn't it always feel that way? What's the connection between knowing God and living right?
Peter doesn't leave us to guess how this provision is accessed. He connects it directly to 'the knowledge of him who called us'. This isn't just intellectual assent or knowing facts about God. It's a deep, relational knowledge – experiencing Him, understanding His character, and walking in relationship with Him.
This knowledge isn't passive. It's the very means by which God's power works in us to transform us. The more we truly know God – His glory, His excellence, His promises, His ways – the more His divine power can flow through us, enabling us to live lives that reflect His character.
Understand the original words
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dynamis · Greek Noun
The inherent authority and capability of God, which is actively manifest in the world. It is the manifestation of God’s nature in accomplishing His purposes.
eusebeia · Greek Noun
A life characterized by reverence, devotion, and a practical manifestation of God's character in one's conduct. It is a state of being that aligns with God's will.
doxa · Greek Noun
The splendor, weight, and radiance of God's character. It is the visible manifestation of His infinite worth and majesty.
aretē · Greek Noun
Moral excellence or manifestation of power. In a Christian context, it refers to the reflection of God’s own moral greatness through the life of the believer.
epangelma · Greek Noun
A declarative vow or assurance given by God to His people. These are rooted in His unchanging character and fulfilled in Christ.
koinōnos · Greek Adjective
To share in or participate in something. It speaks to the believer's union with Christ, wherein they are increasingly transformed to reflect His nature.
phthora · Greek Noun
Decay, ruin, or the process of moral and spiritual degradation. It describes the state of the world apart from God’s influence.
epithymia · Greek Noun
Improper or disordered cravings. It refers to human desires that are directed away from God and toward self-centeredness, leading to spiritual harm.
This passage echoes the idea of 'knowledge of him' as the pathway to eternal life, highlighting that true knowledge of God is transformative and life-giving, just as Peter describes.
Romans 8:32This verse parallels Peter's thought by emphasizing that God, who gave His Son, will also freely give us everything we need, reinforcing the immense generosity of His divine power made available to us.
1 Corinthians 1:30Here, Christ is presented as our wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption. This aligns with Peter's statement that God has provided all things for life and godliness through knowing Him, who is our ultimate source.
Philippians 3:8-10Paul describes counting everything as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. This powerfully illustrates the profound value and all-encompassing nature of the 'knowledge of him' that Peter mentions.
This verse reveals that God's power already provides everything we need for a truly vibrant life and devotion, not just later in heaven. It's all unlocked "through the knowledge of him"—meaning a deep, intimate understanding—not just intellectual assent.
Peter is writing to encourage believers who are facing challenges and deception, reminding them of the solid foundation they have in Christ. He's emphasizing that God has already provided everything they need for a godly life, not through some secret knowledge, but through a genuine relationship with Jesus. This sets the stage for him to then warn them about false teachers and urge them to grow in their understanding of God.
Peter is writing to encourage believers who are facing challenges and deception, reminding them of the solid foundation they have in Christ. He's emphasizing that God has already provided everything they need for a godly life, not through some secret knowledge, but through a genuine relationship with Jesus. This sets the stage for him to then warn them about false teachers and urge them to grow in their understanding of God.
"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that throu…" — This verse reveals that God's power already provides everything we need for a truly vibrant life and devotion, not just later in heaven. It's all unlocked "through the knowledge of him"—meaning a d…
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Last reviewed October 2026
