2 Peter 1:7 kjv

And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

2 Peter 1:7 nkjv

to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

2 Peter 1:7 niv

and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

2 Peter 1:7 esv

and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

2 Peter 1:7 nlt

and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

2 Peter 1 verses

2 Peter 1 7 Meaning

2 Peter 1:7 continues the chain of Christian virtues, outlining a progressive growth from faith to mature love. It teaches that true godliness, manifested in reverence and devotion to God, naturally extends to brotherly affection, a special love and care for fellow believers. This brotherly kindness, in turn, is to mature into Christian love (agape), which is an all-encompassing, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love for all, reflecting the very nature of God Himself. This progression implies that our inward piety fuels our outward love, first within the household of faith, then overflowing to all.

2 Peter 1 7 Context

2 Peter chapter 1 serves as an exhortation for believers to diligently pursue spiritual growth and ensure their calling and election. Verses 5-7 list a progression of virtues, starting with faith, building upon it with moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, and godliness. Verse 7 specifically culminates this internal and interpersonal development, linking godliness to brotherly affection and ultimately to Christian love (agape). This growth is crucial for avoiding spiritual unfruitfulness and for confirming their divine nature. Historically, this emphasis on ethical living likely countered elements within the early church, possibly influenced by antinomian (anti-law) teachings or early forms of Gnosticism, which might have decoupled intellectual knowledge from moral conduct, implying that grace alone sufficed without diligent ethical pursuit. Peter emphasizes that genuine knowledge of God leads to a transformed life of active virtue.

2 Peter 1 7 Word analysis

• and to (καὶ ἐν - kai en): This phrase indicates a progressive addition or an inherent characteristic that should be present "in" or "alongside" the preceding virtue, building upon it. It's not just a list but a foundational development, where one virtue facilitates the next. The "in" suggests a vital connection and a deeper manifestation.
• godliness (εὐσέβεια - eusebeia): Denotes reverence, piety, and true devotion or worship towards God. It implies a lifestyle that aligns with God's character, stemming from a right understanding and fear of Him. It's not merely external ritual but an inward disposition that produces outward conformity to divine will. It's an active, reverent piety.
• brotherly kindness (φιλαδελφία - philadelphia): Literally, "love of brothers/brethren." This refers specifically to the strong affection, care, and loyalty that Christians should have for their fellow believers. It's a family love, a mutual concern among those united in Christ. This virtue makes the invisible reality of the church visible through compassionate actions and support within the Christian community.
• charity (ἀγάπη - agape): This is the highest form of love, often translated as "love." Unlike philadelphia, which is specific to brethren, agape is a self-sacrificial, unconditional love, extended even to enemies. It is the love characteristic of God Himself, demonstrated supremely by Christ on the cross. It’s an active choice, a benevolent will, irrespective of the merit of the object loved.
• and to brotherly kindness charity: This phrasing emphasizes that philadelphia should expand into agape. It's not enough to love only fellow Christians; this love must mature and radiate outwards to encompass all people, reflecting God’s universal love. The chain moves from piety toward God, to specific love for fellow believers, and then to a broader, selfless love for humanity, the crown of all virtues.

2 Peter 1 7 Bonus section

The Greek term for "add" or "supply" in 2 Peter 1:5, ἐπιχορηγέω (epichorēgeō), carries the sense of generously providing or lavishly equipping, akin to funding a choir or dramatic chorus in ancient Greece. This suggests that believers are called not just to acquire these virtues minimally, but to diligently and abundantly supply them, indicating active participation and divine empowerment. This entire sequence of virtues culminates in agape (love) because it is the supreme virtue (1 Cor 13:13) and the fulfillment of the law (Rom 13:10), embodying the very nature of God Himself. Therefore, walking through these virtues transforms the believer to reflect more fully the character of God, providing entrance into the eternal kingdom.

2 Peter 1 7 Commentary

2 Peter 1:7 encapsulates a profound spiritual journey for the believer: from deep reverence for God (godliness), to heartfelt affection for fellow believers (brotherly kindness), culminating in divine, selfless love for all (agape). This is not merely a static list of admirable qualities, but a dynamic, active process of "adding" or "supplying" each virtue. Each step builds upon the previous one, showing that genuine piety naturally produces concern for God’s people, and that this love for the spiritual family ultimately overflows into unconditional love for the world, mirroring God’s character. This comprehensive love, which is the ultimate goal, indicates maturity in faith and a true participation in the divine nature mentioned earlier in the chapter. Without this active progression in love, the previous virtues risk remaining theoretical or self-focused, leading to spiritual unfruitfulness. The cultivation of agape is thus paramount, ensuring that believers’ faith is living and active.