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)
Notice how it's not just that God gives us promises, but that these "precious and very great" promises are the very means by which we're empowered to escape the world's corruption. It's through actively embracing and believing these divine assurances that we begin to share in God's very character, rather than through our own efforts.
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 encouraging believers to grow in their knowledge of Jesus, reminding them of the incredible power and divine promises God has given them. These promises are the foundation for escaping sin and becoming more like Christ, which is the central theme of this chapter and the entire letter. He's building up to a strong exhortation to add certain virtues to their faith, making these promises the essential fuel for that growth.
Peter opens this incredible verse with a bang! He talks about 'precious and very great promises' given to us by God. What are these promises, and how do they connect to something as mind-blowing as becoming 'partakers of the divine nature'?
The core of this verse is the transformative power of God's promises. These aren't just nice words; they are the very means through which God invites us to share in His very essence.
The Source of Transformation
Peter states that through these promises, we become participants in the divine nature. This isn't about us earning divinity, but about God’s gracious act of sharing His character with us. Think of it like a royal decree that grants a citizen certain privileges and a share in the kingdom's wealth. God’s promises are His decree, and participation in His divine nature is the incredible inheritance.
Escaping Corruption
This divine participation comes with a powerful byproduct: escape from corruption. The world is steeped in a 'corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.' But by embracing God's promises and His divine nature, we are equipped to break free from the destructive patterns driven by selfish cravings.
Peter doesn't pull any punches about the state of the world – it's marked by corruption fueled by sinful desire. But he immediately contrasts this with a powerful escape route. How does becoming like God help us overcome our worst impulses?
Ask a follow-up
The 'corruption that is in the world' is a pervasive force, driven by our own selfish wants and desires. Peter identifies 'sinful desire' as the engine of this decay.
The Choice to Escape
However, the verse offers a way out. By becoming 'partakers of the divine nature,' we are given a new nature that is fundamentally opposed to this corruption. It's like a seed of purity planted within us, capable of growing and overpowering the weeds of sin.
A Present Reality
This isn't a future hope only; it's a present reality we can step into. The promises of God empower us to actively 'escape' the grip of worldly desires. It's a process of renewing our minds and aligning our wills with God's, allowing His nature to transform our behavior.
Understand the original words
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 becoming 'children of God' through belief, aligning with the promise of transformation and participation in the divine nature.
Romans 8:29It speaks to being 'conformed to the image of his Son,' which is the ultimate outworking of becoming partakers of the divine nature, moving away from worldly corruption.
1 Corinthians 1:30This verse highlights Jesus as our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, showing how God's promises enable our participation in His holiness and escape from sin's power.
1 John 3:2It directly states that 'we shall be like him,' emphasizing the future fulfillment of becoming partakers of the divine nature when Christ appears, as promised.
Notice how it's not just that God gives us promises, but that these "precious and very great" promises are the very means by which we're empowered to escape the world's corruption. It's through actively embracing and believing these divine assurances that we begin to share in God's very character, rather than through our own efforts.
Peter is encouraging believers to grow in their knowledge of Jesus, reminding them of the incredible power and divine promises God has given them. These promises are the foundation for escaping sin and becoming more like Christ, which is the central theme of this chapter and the entire letter. He's building up to a strong exhortation to add certain virtues to their faith, making these promises the essential fuel for that growth.
Peter is encouraging believers to grow in their knowledge of Jesus, reminding them of the incredible power and divine promises God has given them. These promises are the foundation for escaping sin and becoming more like Christ, which is the central theme of this chapter and the entire letter. He's building up to a strong exhortation to add certain virtues to their faith, making these promises the essential fuel for that growth.
"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." — Notice how it's not just that God gives us promises, but that these "precious and very great" promises are the very means by which we're empowered to escape the world's corruption. It's through a…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026