Notice how Peter doesn't say "start with virtue" – he says "supplement your faith with virtue." This isn't about adding something new to an empty vessel, but about enriching what you already have in Christ, showing that true faith is meant to be an active, growing thing. It’s a continuous process of building and deepening, not just a one-time decision.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is writing to believers who are facing intense persecution and deception, urging them to stand firm in their faith. He’s just reminded them of God's incredible power and promises, which are meant to enable them to escape corruption and become partakers of the divine nature. This verse then kicks off a practical list of qualities they need to cultivate as they grow in Christ, starting with actively adding to the faith they already possess.
Think of your faith like a muscle. If you don't work it, it won't grow stronger. Peter is giving us the workout plan right here!
Peter starts this section by reminding believers of God's incredible power and promises (verses 3-4), which are the foundation of everything. But he doesn't want them to just sit back and bask in that! He urges them to be active in their faith. The word for 'make every effort' suggests a strong, diligent push – not a passive drift. It’s about actively pursuing godliness, understanding that our salvation is a starting point, not the finish line.
Faith alone is great, but Peter says it needs friends! What are these crucial companions, and why are they so important?
Peter doesn't just say 'add things to your faith.' He lists specific qualities in a particular order: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, mutual affection, and love.
These aren't optional extras; they are essential components that build upon each other, creating a robust, mature faith that reflects Christ.
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Understand the original words
aretē · Greek Noun
Moral virtue, courage, or goodness. It is the active expression of moral character that aligns with the requirements of a life surrendered to God.
gnōsis · Greek Noun
The practical, experimental understanding of God and His truth, moving beyond intellectual assent to a transformative, relational acquaintance with Him.
enkrateia · Greek Noun
The ability to master one’s passions, desires, and impulses through the power of the Holy Spirit, resulting in discipline and moderation.
hypomonē · Greek Noun
The capacity to hold one's ground or endure under pressure and trial without yielding or abandoning one's faith.
eusebeia · Greek Noun
A reverent lifestyle characterized by devotion to God, manifested in daily conduct that honors and reflects His character.
philadelphia · Greek Noun
The warm, tender affection that characterizes the relationship among fellow believers within the family of God.
agapē · Greek Noun
The highest, self-sacrificial, and unconditional love (agape) that seeks the ultimate good of others, modeled perfectly by God’s love for humanity.
argos · Greek Adjective
Lacking the intended spiritual impact; failing to fulfill the purpose for which God has saved and called a believer.
akarpos · Greek Adjective
Lacking spiritual productivity; failing to produce the 'fruit of the Spirit' in one's life.
This passage echoes the call to intentionality in 2 Peter, urging believers to focus their minds on what is excellent and praiseworthy, which aligns with building virtue and knowledge.
1 Timothy 4:7Similar to Peter's exhortation, Paul encourages Timothy to train himself in godliness, highlighting the active, disciplined effort required to grow spiritually beyond basic faith.
Ephesians 4:23This verse speaks to being renewed in the spirit of your minds, which connects to Peter's emphasis on supplementing faith with knowledge, suggesting a continuous, inward transformation.
Galatians 5:22-23The fruit of the Spirit listed here provides examples of the virtues that Peter is calling believers to pursue and develop, showing the practical outworking of a faith that is growing.
Notice how Peter doesn't say "start with virtue" – he says "supplement your faith with virtue." This isn't about adding something new to an empty vessel, but about enriching what you already have in Christ, showing that true faith is meant to be an active, growing thing. It’s a continuous process of building and deepening, not just a one-time decision.
Peter is writing to believers who are facing intense persecution and deception, urging them to stand firm in their faith. He’s just reminded them of God's incredible power and promises, which are meant to enable them to escape corruption and become partakers of the divine nature. This verse then kicks off a practical list of qualities they need to cultivate as they grow in Christ, starting with actively adding to the faith they already possess.
Peter is writing to believers who are facing intense persecution and deception, urging them to stand firm in their faith. He’s just reminded them of God's incredible power and promises, which are meant to enable them to escape corruption and become partakers of the divine nature. This verse then kicks off a practical list of qualities they need to cultivate as they grow in Christ, starting with actively adding to the faith they already possess.
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly a…" — Notice how Peter doesn't say "start with virtue" – he says "supplement your faith with virtue." This isn't about adding something new to an empty vessel, but about enriching what you already have i…
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Last reviewed October 2026
