Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

2 Peter 1:3

ὡς. It is a question whether we ought to place a comma or a full stop immediately before this word. If a comma, then we must take this sentence with the preceding one and translate, “May grace and peace be multiplied, etc.… (as it surely will) seeing that His divine power has given, etc.” and come to a full stop at the end of 2 Peter 1:4. If a full stop, we must render thus, “Seeing that His divine power has given, etc.… you must give all diligence, etc.” The next full stop will then be at the end of 2 Peter 1:5. It is, however, awkward in this case to give a proper sense to the words καὶ αὐτὸ τοῦτο δὲ in 2 Peter 1:5. They are better suited to the beginning of a Greek sentence. I think the comma is to be preferred.

This is a case in which the early MSS., devoid of punctuation, do not help us.

θεία δύναμις does not occur elsewhere in N.T., but is very common in philosophical writings. It is also found (along with several other coincidences of language with 2 Peter) in an inscription of Stratonicea in Caria, mentioned in the Introduction (p. xxv, not[18]).

[18] e.g. in the case of ἀρετή used of God.

The divine power has supplied us with all that is needed for life and godliness (ζωή is probably life in this world, not in the next) by means of the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. Probably us means the Apostles. Christ called them to Him by showing them His glory (as at the Transfiguration), and His ἀρετή, His inner perfection, in His life and teaching. Thus, if the readers of the Epistle come to know Him, they will be in a position to live soberly and godly in this present world.

διὰ δόξης κ. ἀρετῆς. So BKL and a few other authorities: אACP and most versions read ἰδίᾳ δόξῃ κ. ἀρετῇ. A majority of editors (including the most recent) prefer the latter reading.

ἀρετή is rare in N.T. It only occurs in 1 Peter 2:9 ὅπως τὰς�, where it may be rendered by “mighty works” or “praises”: in Philippians 4:8 εἴ τις�, ταῦτα λογίζεσθε: and in 2 Peter 1:5 of this chapter.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

2 Peter 1:3

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