And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
What does 2 Peter 1:6 mean?
Faith unites the weak believer to Christ, as really as it does the strong one, and purifies the heart of one as truly as of another; and every sincere believer is by his faith justified in the sight of God.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside 2 Peter 1:6-10 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 2 Peter 1:6
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to knowledge temperance - On the meaning of the word "temperance," see the Acts 24:25 note, and 1 Corinthians 9:25 note. The word here refers to the mastery over all our evil inclinations and appetites. We are to allow none of them to obtain control over us. See the notes at 1 Corinthians 6:12 . This would include, of course, abstinence from intoxicating drinks; but it would also embrace all evil passions and propensities. Everything is to be confined within proper limits, and to no propensity of our nature are we to give indulgence beyond the limits which the law of God allows.
Context in 2 Peter 1
Show chapter context
2 Peter 1 belongs to the opening movement of the book, especially the section often described as growth in virtue and apostolic witness. Second Peter warns against false teachers, exhorts believers to growth in virtue, and reasserts the certainty of the Lord’s coming. Read this chapter with the wider themes of false teaching, growth, and memory in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
Explore by topic
Passages on trusting God, receiving Christ, persevering without sight, and the relation between faith and lived obedience.
Verses on the fear of the Lord, wise speech, practical judgment, teachability, and the difference between biblical wisdom and mere cleverness.
Bible verses about justice and mercy
Key texts on public righteousness, neighbor-love, social ethics, compassion, and the prophetic refusal to separate worship from justice.
Key passages on God's unmerited favour, the grace of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and how grace transforms the way believers live.