A word study in 2 Peter 1:5-11
 
“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,
“to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,”
(2 Peter 1:6).
 
“Perseverance,” translated “patience” in the King James Version, has a broader meaning than we understand when we use the word patience today. It means “stedfastness, constancy, endurance.”
 
More specifically, this word has reference to the way a person reacts when he undergoes some trial or affliction in life—it is one’s reaction to such things as hurt, pain, conflict, humiliation, or even persecution. The question is: How does one’s faith or Christian commitment hold up under such negative circumstances?
 
Throughout the New Testament, we are admonished to endure no matter what happens to us in life; and certainly, Jesus left a supreme example of perseverance. We, then, must persevere, regardless of negative life experiences, because we have never suffered as severely as Jesus did.

A word study in 2 Peter 1:5-11
 
“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,
“to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,”   (2 Peter 1:6).
 
While the word is translated “temperance” in the King James Version, scholars agree it is better translated “self-control.” A definition of this word is “the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites.” A literal meaning is “one who holds himself in.”
 
Even though this definition is well accepted, the concept of self-control applies to all aspects of our lives, not just to our sensual side. As Christians, we must grow to the point we can “self-govern” our own lives, not giving in to the various temptations thrown into our pathway.
 
This kind of self-restraint or self-discipline can come only after we have increased our knowledge of what God desires, leading us to a deep, abiding, and courageous faith that we are not hesitant to share with others.

A word study in 2 Peter 1:5-11
 
“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,” (2 Peter 1:5).
 
“Knowledge” means “primarily a seeking to know, an enquiry, (an) investigation,…
especially of spiritual truth.”
 
The definition is not limited to the attaining of information; rather it means gathering information and translating it into action in a Christian’s life. It means the learner will be able to discern what is good and what is evil and be better able to please God.
 
Contextually, we learn that knowledge is necessary for us to receive grace and peace (verse 2) and to partake of the divine nature (verse 4). We can never be what God wants us to be until we delve into God’s word, learn the principles there, and put those principles into action in our lives.

A word study in 2 Peter 1:5-11
“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,” (2 Peter 1:5).
“Virtue” means “a virtuous course of thought, feeling, and action,” that is, moral excellence or moral goodness. It means a person has determined to do what is right. The literal meaning is to “supply in your faith” virtue.
One writer says virtue is “Christian manliness and active courage in the good fight of faith,” communicating the idea that virtue is not reticent but rather it is a picture of strength and power.
Virtue, then, enhances faith, giving  a Christian the strength and moral courage to make his faith known, regardless of the situation.

A word study in 2 Peter 1:5-11
 “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,” (2 Peter 1:5).
Since Christians have come out of the wickedness of the world, we must “give all diligence” to add these designated characteristics to our faith—that is, we must be dedicated, sincere, and earnest in doing so.
“Faith” is our personal belief that Jesus is the Son of God and that we will be able to attain redemption through Him. The word used in this passage refers to a person’s personal faith, not to THE faith, which would indicate a system of religion.
Our faith is not just a belief about God but faith in God. This faith leads us to know beyond doubt there is a Higher Power who has control of the universe and that His Son is our Savior and Redeemer.