2 Peter study section
2 Peter word studies
A handful of Greek words carry the theology of 2 Peter. Tap the speaker next to any word to hear it pronounced.
Key words
ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis) — “Knowledge, Full Knowledge”
Usage: 2 Peter 1:2-3, 8; 2:20
Meaning: Knowledge, recognition, full or personal knowledge — a deeper, relational knowing.
Theological Significance: The true epignōsis “of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” is the foundation of the letter: through it God grants all things for godliness, and in it believers are to grow. Saving knowledge of Christ produces a transformed, fruitful life (2 Peter 1:2-3, 8; John 17:3).
ἀρετή (aretē) — “Virtue, Excellence”
Usage: 2 Peter 1:3, 5
Meaning: Virtue, moral excellence, goodness of character.
Theological Significance: Christ called us “to his own glory and aretē,” and believers are to supplement their faith with aretē. The knowledge of Christ is meant to produce genuine moral excellence, not mere profession (2 Peter 1:3, 5; Philippians 4:8).
προφητεία (prophēteia) — “Prophecy”
Usage: 2 Peter 1:19-21
Meaning: Prophecy — a message from God spoken or written by His messengers.
Theological Significance: Prophēteia did not come “from someone’s own interpretation” or “the will of man”; rather, “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” This grounds the divine origin and full trustworthiness of Scripture (2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16).
παρουσία (parousia) — “Coming, Arrival”
Usage: 2 Peter 1:16; 3:4, 12
Meaning: A coming, arrival, or presence; the technical term for Christ’s return.
Theological Significance: The parousia of Christ, mocked by the scoffers, is certain. The transfiguration was a preview of His powerful coming, and the day of the Lord will surely arrive; believers await it with holy lives (2 Peter 1:16; 3:4, 12; Matthew 24:27).
αὐξάνω (auxanō) — “To Grow”
Usage: 2 Peter 3:18
Meaning: To grow, increase, become greater.
Theological Significance: The letter’s closing charge is to auxanō “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Growth is the safeguard against being led astray and the goal of the Christian life — an ever-deepening knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 4:15).
My notes
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