2 Peter 3 18

2 Peter 3:18 kjv

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

2 Peter 3:18 nkjv

but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

2 Peter 3:18 niv

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

2 Peter 3:18 esv

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

2 Peter 3:18 nlt

Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

2 Peter 3 verses

2 Peter 3 18 Meaning

2 Peter 3:18 is a final, concise exhortation to believers, urging continuous spiritual maturation. It calls for an active, intentional, and ongoing process of growing deeper in God's unmerited favor (grace) and in an intimate, transformative understanding (knowledge) of Jesus Christ, who is simultaneously Lord and Savior. The verse concludes with a profound doxology, attributing all glory and honor to Him eternally, affirming His supreme worthiness and the ultimate purpose of this spiritual growth. It stands as a climactic charge against spiritual stagnation and intellectual superficiality, contrasting sharply with the destructive doctrines of the false teachers Peter has refuted.

2 Peter 3 18 Context

2 Peter 3:18 serves as the concluding exhortation of the entire letter, providing a stark contrast and definitive instruction after Peter has addressed the severe challenges posed by false teachers and their destructive doctrines. The immediate context of chapter 3 focuses on the certainty of the Lord's second coming, despite the scoffers who deny it. Peter reaffirms God's patience (v. 9), describes the fiery judgment and destruction of the present heavens and earth (v. 10-12), and anticipates the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells (v. 13).

In verses 14-17, Peter then urges his readers, in light of these realities, to be diligent in living holy and blameless lives, understanding God's patience, and guarding against being led astray by lawless men and falling from their steadfastness. Verse 18 then delivers the final, positive command for their spiritual security: instead of falling away, they are to actively pursue growth in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. This growth is the antidote to deception and spiritual instability, equipping believers to remain firm amidst opposition and anticipation of the Lord's return.

Historically, Peter's audience was facing internal doctrinal threats and potentially external persecution. The emphasis on "steadfastness" and "growth" was crucial for survival and thriving in a spiritual environment marked by doubt and false teachings.

2 Peter 3 18 Word analysis

• But (Greek: δέ, de): This conjunction serves as a mild adversative or a simple transition. Here, it introduces a crucial contrast to the preceding warnings against falling from steadfastness (v. 17). It shifts from what not to do (being led astray) to what to do (grow). It implies a continuous, positive action.
• grow (Greek: αὐξάνετε, auxanete): Present active imperative. "Grow" denotes an ongoing, commanded action. It implies a natural, organic increase in size, maturity, and strength. The active voice means it's something the believers are to actively pursue and participate in, not a passive occurrence. This growth is essential for spiritual health and stability. It counteracts stagnation.
• in grace (Greek: ἐν χάριτι, en chariti):
  • Grace (Greek: χάρις, charis): This signifies God's unmerited favor, His divine enablement and power working in believers, and the condition of standing accepted before Him. Growing "in" grace means increasing in one's experience of, appreciation for, and dependence upon this divine favor. It's not about receiving more initial saving grace, but expanding in its practical application and transforming power in daily life (e.g., being more humble, serving more, loving more).
• and knowledge (Greek: καὶ γνώσει, kai gnōsei):
  • Knowledge (Greek: γνῶσις, gnōsis): While gnosis generally means intellectual acquaintance, the context, especially with the addition of "of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," points to something deeper than mere factual accumulation. It's an experiential, intimate understanding that transforms one's character and conduct. This knowledge protects against error (v. 17) and fuels spiritual progress.
• of our Lord (Greek: τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, tou Kyriou hēmōn):
  • Lord (Greek: Κύριος, Kyrios): A title indicating supreme authority, mastery, and deity. Acknowledging Jesus as "Lord" implies submission and worship. Growing in the knowledge of Him as Lord means recognizing and yielding more fully to His divine sovereignty and authority in one's life.
• and Savior (Greek: καὶ Σωτῆρος, kai Sōtēros):
  • Savior (Greek: Σωτήρ, Sōtēr): A title emphasizing Jesus' redemptive work, His power to deliver from sin, judgment, and death. Growing in the knowledge of Him as "Savior" means deepening one's understanding and appreciation of His atoning sacrifice and His ongoing work of delivering and preserving His people. The combination of "Lord and Savior" highlights both His divine nature and His salvific mission, comprehensive in His person and work.
• Jesus Christ. (Greek: Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Iēsou Christou):
  • Jesus (Greek: Ἰησοῦς, Iēsous): His personal name, indicating His humanity.
  • Christ (Greek: Χριστός, Christos): His title, "Anointed One," indicating His Messiahship and divine appointment. The full appellation "our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" underscores His true identity as both God and man, who is uniquely qualified to redeem and rule. Knowing Him in this fullness is key to spiritual growth.
• To Him be the glory (Greek: αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα, autō hē doxa): This is a doxology, a declaration of praise and honor.
  • Him (Greek: αὐτῷ, autō): Refers specifically to Jesus Christ. This verse attributes divine glory to Him.
  • Glory (Greek: δόξα, doxa): Implies honor, praise, renown, magnificence, and the visible manifestation of divine excellence. It is the ultimate purpose of all creation and redemption. Assigning glory to Jesus means acknowledging His supreme worth and giving Him all praise.
• both now and (Greek: καὶ νῦν καὶ, kai nyn kai): Signifies present reality. This glorification of Christ is not reserved for the future; it is fitting now, in this life, even amid struggle and challenge.
• to the day of eternity. (Greek: εἰς ἡμέραν αἰῶνος, eis hēmeran aiōnos): Lit. "into a day of eternity" or "unto an eternal day." This emphasizes an endless, perpetual state. The glory given to Christ is not temporary but extends throughout eternity. This underscores His eternal preeminence and lasting reign.
• Amen. (Greek: Ἀμήν. Amēn): A Hebrew transliteration meaning "So be it," "Truly," or "Let it be true." It confirms the truthfulness and certainty of the preceding statement and signifies a concluding, emphatic affirmation. It punctuates the doxology with finality and fervent assent.

2 Peter 3 18 Bonus section

The emphasis on "growing" (αὐξάνετε) being a continuous, present active imperative, reinforces that salvation is a singular event, but sanctification is an ongoing, lifelong process. This refutes any notion of passive Christianity or achieving a spiritual state beyond which further growth is unnecessary. The pairing of "grace" and "knowledge" is crucial: grace provides the power and enablement for growth, while true knowledge provides the direction and motivation. Without knowledge, grace could be misunderstood or misused (as perhaps by the false teachers who twisted grace into license); without grace, true knowledge becomes mere intellectualism devoid of power. The ultimate doxology in 2 Peter 3:18, giving "glory...both now and to the day of eternity," serves not only as a theological affirmation of Christ's sovereignty and worth but also as a profound practical motivation for spiritual discipline. The goal of every believer's life and growth is to magnify Christ, and this should infuse every thought and action, not merely be an intellectual assent. The phrase "day of eternity" (eis hemeran aiōnos) is quite unique in the New Testament, emphasizing not just an unending future but a distinct, culminating eschatological period, a perpetual "day" marked by the manifestation of Christ's glory.

2 Peter 3 18 Commentary

2 Peter 3:18 is the capstone of Peter's second epistle, acting as a powerful and positive charge to believers in light of the coming judgment and the threat of false teachers. It calls for an active, lifelong process of spiritual maturation rather than passive consumption or spiritual stagnation. Growth in "grace" signifies an increasing appropriation of God's enabling power and favor in every facet of life – cultivating Christlikeness, bearing fruit, and deepening dependence on Him. It means living out of God's unmerited supply rather than human effort. Simultaneously, growth in "knowledge" of Jesus Christ refers not to a superficial understanding but an intimate, experiential, and transformative apprehension of His person and work as both sovereign Lord and suffering Savior. This deepened knowledge of Him personally shields against error and propels spiritual advancement. The order "grace and knowledge" suggests that as we experience more of God's grace, we gain a truer, deeper knowledge of Him, and vice versa.

The comprehensive title "our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" highlights His dual nature (divine and human) and His two primary roles: that of sovereign ruler (Lord) to whom all submission is due, and that of ultimate deliverer (Savior) who purchased redemption. Understanding and embracing Him in this fullness is central to Christian existence and spiritual flourishing. The ultimate purpose of this growth is explicitly stated in the doxology: "To Him be the glory." All spiritual progress and every Christian life find their telos (end goal) in the honor and praise given to Christ. This glorification is not limited to some future point but is appropriate "both now and to the day of eternity," asserting Christ's perpetual and timeless reign and worthiness of all adoration. It's a call to live now in a way that magnifies His name, with the full confidence that His glory will endure forever. This verse offers an antidote to the deception of the false teachers, whose lives demonstrated neither growth in grace nor a true knowledge of Christ, and whose aim was not God's glory but self-gratification.

Practical Usage:

• Regularly ask: "Am I actively pursuing growth in my understanding of Christ and relying more on God's grace daily?"
• Examine specific areas: Is there greater patience, humility, love, or forgiveness (marks of grace)? Is there deeper insight into His Word and character (marks of knowledge)?
• Actively praise Christ, recognizing His worthiness now, and looking forward to His eternal reign.