2 Peter 1:4 Study Bible: by which he has granted to us his precious and exceedingly great promises; that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.

◄ 2 Peter 1:4 ►

Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Study Bible

Through these
This phrase refers back to the previous verses where Peter speaks of God's divine power and glory. The Greek word "dia" (διά) indicates the means or channel through which something is accomplished. In this context, it emphasizes that it is through God's own glory and goodness that believers receive His promises. This highlights the divine initiative and grace, underscoring that it is not by human effort but by God's own action that these promises are given.

He has given us
The verb "has given" (Greek: "dedōrētai") is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action with ongoing effects. This suggests that God's act of giving is both a past event and a present reality, emphasizing the permanence and enduring nature of His gifts. The use of "us" includes all believers, indicating the communal and inclusive nature of God's promises.

His precious and magnificent promises
The adjectives "precious" (Greek: "timia") and "magnificent" (Greek: "megista") convey the immense value and greatness of God's promises. These promises are not ordinary; they are of supreme worth and grandeur. Historically, God's promises have been central to the faith journey of His people, from the covenant with Abraham to the promise of the Messiah. These promises are foundational to the Christian faith, offering hope and assurance.

so that through them
This phrase indicates purpose or result. The promises are not given without reason; they have a divine purpose. The Greek "hina" (ἵνα) often introduces a purpose clause, showing that God's promises are intended to lead believers to a specific outcome. This underscores the intentionality of God's plan for His people.

you may become partakers of the divine nature
The term "partakers" (Greek: "koinōnoi") implies sharing or fellowship. It suggests an intimate participation in something. The "divine nature" refers to the qualities and characteristics of God. This does not mean believers become gods, but rather that they share in God's moral and spiritual attributes, such as holiness and love. This transformative process is central to Christian sanctification, where believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ.

now that you have escaped the corruption in the world
The word "escaped" (Greek: "apophygontes") implies a decisive break or liberation from something. "Corruption" (Greek: "phthora") refers to moral decay and destruction, often associated with sin. This phrase highlights the believer's past condition and the radical change brought about by faith in Christ. Historically, the early Christians lived in a world rife with moral corruption, and this escape signifies a new way of life.

caused by evil desires
The Greek term for "evil desires" (Greek: "epithymia") often denotes strong cravings or lusts that are contrary to God's will. These desires are the root cause of the world's corruption. The Bible consistently warns against succumbing to such desires, urging believers to live by the Spirit and not by the flesh. This phrase serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for vigilance and reliance on God's promises to overcome.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Peter
The apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage believers in their faith and to warn against false teachings.

2. Believers
The recipients of Peter's letter, who are encouraged to grow in their faith and partake in the divine nature.

3. Divine Nature
Refers to the qualities and characteristics of God that believers are called to share in through their relationship with Christ.

4. Corruption in the World
Represents the moral decay and sinful desires that are prevalent in the world, from which believers are called to escape.

5. Promises of God
The assurances given by God to His people, which are described as precious and magnificent, enabling believers to partake in His divine nature.

Teaching Points

The Preciousness of God's Promises
God's promises are described as precious and magnificent, highlighting their immense value and reliability. Believers should treasure these promises and rely on them for spiritual growth.

Partaking in the Divine Nature
Through God's promises, believers are invited to share in His divine nature. This involves a transformation that aligns our character with God's holiness and love.

Escaping Worldly Corruption
Believers are called to escape the corruption caused by evil desires. This requires a conscious effort to reject sinful behaviors and embrace a life of righteousness.

The Role of Faith in Transformation
Faith is the means by which believers access God's promises and partake in the divine nature. It is through faith that we are empowered to live a godly life.

Living Out Our New Identity
As partakers of the divine nature, believers are called to live out their new identity in Christ, reflecting His character in their daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some of the "precious and magnificent promises" of God that you can identify in Scripture, and how do they encourage you in your faith journey?

2. How does understanding that you are a partaker of the divine nature impact your daily decisions and interactions with others?

3. In what ways can you actively escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires, and what practical steps can you take to pursue holiness?

4. How does the concept of being made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27) relate to partaking in the divine nature as described in 2 Peter 1:4?

5. Reflect on a time when you relied on God's promises during a challenging situation. How did this experience strengthen your faith and help you grow in your relationship with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:26-27
The concept of being made in the image of God connects to the idea of partaking in the divine nature, as believers are restored to reflect God's character.

Romans 8:29
This verse speaks of being conformed to the image of Christ, which aligns with the idea of partaking in the divine nature.

Ephesians 4:22-24
Paul talks about putting off the old self and putting on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness, which parallels escaping corruption and partaking in the divine nature.

1 John 3:2-3
John speaks of believers being like Christ when He appears, emphasizing the transformation into the divine nature.

Sermons

Partakers of a Divine Nature	J.R. Thomson	2 Peter 1:4
The Sanctifying Power of the Promises	C. New	2 Peter 1:4
A Glimpse of Glory	Thos. Adams.	2 Peter 1:3-4
All Things Pertaining to Life and Godliness Given unto the Saints	H. Quick.	2 Peter 1:3-4
Christ the Complement of Our Life	F. B. Meyer, B. A.	2 Peter 1:3-4
Depravity	Homilist	2 Peter 1:3-4
Divine Promises		2 Peter 1:3-4
Exceeding Great and Precious Promises	John Graham.	2 Peter 1:3-4
Great and Precious Promises	E. P. Hood.	2 Peter 1:3-4
Partakers of the Divine Nature	W. Wilson, M. A.	2 Peter 1:3-4
Partakers of the Divine Nature	C. H. Parkhurst, D. D.	2 Peter 1:3-4
Partakers of the Divine Nature	A. Maclaren, D. D.	2 Peter 1:3-4
Precious Promises	W. Lawson, D. D.	2 Peter 1:3-4
The Beginning of Soul-Salvation	U.R. Thomas	2 Peter 1:3, 4
The Bounty of God	J.R. Thomson	2 Peter 1:3, 4
The Design of the Promises of God	R. Watson.	2 Peter 1:3-4
The Divine Liberality	Thos. Adams.	2 Peter 1:3-4
The Divinely Assimilating Force of Divine Promises	Homilist	2 Peter 1:3-4
The Efficacy of the Promises	H. Melvill, B. D.	2 Peter 1:3-4
The Influence of the Promises of the Gospel	Abp. Tillotson.	2 Peter 1:3-4
The Promises Designed to Make Men Holy	N. W. Taylor, D. D.	2 Peter 1:3-4
The Promises of God	D. Wilson, M. A.	2 Peter 1:3-4
The Promises of God	W. Scott.	2 Peter 1:3-4
The Wonders of Divine Grace	The Freeman.	2 Peter 1:3-4
The Christian Virtues in Their Completeness	U.R. Thomas	2 Peter 1:3-11

People

Peter, Simeon, Simon

Places

Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus

Topics

Caused, Completely, Corruption, Cravings, Desires, Destruction, Divine, Earthly, Escape, Escaped, Evil, Exceeding, Exceedingly, Exists, Flesh, Free, God's, Granted, Greatest, Highly, Hope, Lust, Magnificent, Nature, Order, Partakers, Participate, Passion, Precious, Promises, Rewards, Sharers, Valued, Whereby, Wondrous

Dictionary of Bible Themes

2 Peter 1:4

     4030   world, behaviour in
     5020   human nature
     5467   promises, divine
     6130   corruption
     6200   imperfection, influence
     6214   participation, in Christ
     7025   church, unity
     7923   fellowship, in gospel
     8117   discipleship, benefits
     8206   Christlikeness
     8211   commitment, to world
     8214   confidence, basis of
     9414   heaven, community of redeemed
     9512   hell, experience

2 Peter 1:1-4

5467 promises, divine

2 Peter 1:2-4

6660 freedom, through Christ

2 Peter 1:3-4

5454 power, God's saving

2 Peter 1:3-11

6639 election, to salvation

Library

Like Precious Faith
'... Them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.'--2 Peter i. 1. Peter seems to have had a liking for that word 'precious.' It is not a very descriptive one; it does not give much light as to the quality of the things to which it is applied; but it is a suggestion of one-idea value. It is interesting to notice the objects to which, in his two letters--for I take this to be his letter--he applies it. He speaks of the trial of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Man Summoned by God's Glory and Energy
'... His Divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.'--2 Peter i. 3. 'I knew thee,' said the idle servant in our Lord's parable, 'that thou wert an austere man, reaping where thou didst not sow, and gathering where thou hadst not strewed. I was afraid, and went and hid my talent in the earth.' Our Lord would teach us all with that pregnant word the great truth that if once a man gets it into …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Partakers of the Divine Nature
'He hath given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.'--2 Peter i. 4. 'Partakers of the Divine nature.' These are bold words, and may be so understood as to excite the wildest and most presumptuous dreams. But bold as they are, and startling as they may sound to some of us, they are only putting into other language the teaching of which the whole New Testament is full, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Power of Diligence
'Giving all diligence, add to your faith ...'--2 Peter i. 5. It seems to me very like Peter that there should be so much in this letter about the very commonplace and familiar excellence of diligence. He over and over again exhorts to it as the one means to the attainment of all Christian graces, and of all the blessedness of the Christian life. We do not expect fine-spun counsels from a teacher whose natural bent is, like his, but plain, sturdy, common sense, directed to the highest matter, and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Going Out and Going In
'An entrance ... my decease.'--2 Peter i. 11, 15. I do not like, and do not often indulge in, the practice of taking fragments of Scripture for a text, but I venture to isolate these two words, because they correspond to one another, and when thus isolated and connected, bring out very prominently two aspects of one thing. In the original the correspondence is even closer, for the words, literally rendered, are 'a going in' and 'a going out.' The same event is looked at from two sides. On the one …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Faith and Life
Now, it will be clear to all, that in the four verses before us, our apostle has most excellently set forth the necessity of these two things--twice over he insists upon the faith, and twice over upon holiness of life. We will take the first occasion first. I. Observe, in the first place, what he says concerning the character and the origin of faith, and then concerning the character and origin of spiritual life. "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

Particular Election
When Mr. Whitfield was once applied to to use his influence at a general election, he returned answer to his lordship who requested him, that he knew very little about general elections, but that if his lordship took his advice he would make his own particular "calling and election sure;" which was a very proper remark. I would not, however, say to any persons here present, despise the privilege which you have as citizens. Far be it from me to do it. When we become Christians we do not leave off …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope
In 2 Timothy, 3:16, Paul declares: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;" but there are some people who tell us when we take up prophecy that it is all very well to be believed, but that there is no use in one trying to understand it; these future events are things that the church does not agree about, and it is better to let them alone, and deal only with those prophecies which have already been …
Dwight L. Moody—That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope

The Faithful Promiser
THE FAITHFUL PROMISER. By the Author of "THE WORDS OF JESUS," "THE MORNING AND NIGHT WATCHES," ETC. "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises."--2 Pet. i. 4. NEW YORK: STANFORD & DELISSER, No. 508, BROADWAY. 1858. …
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

Assurance
Q-xxxvi: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS WHICH FLOW FROM SANCTIFICATION? A: Assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end. The first benefit flowing from sanctification is assurance of God's love. 'Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.' 2 Pet 1:10. Sanctification is the seed, assurance is the flower which grows out of it: assurance is a consequent of sanctification. The saints of old had it. We know that we know …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Be Ye Therefore Perfect, Even as Your Father which is in Heaven is Perfect. Matthew 5:48.
In the 43rd verse, the Savior says, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy; but I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you, that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward …
Charles G. Finney—Lectures to Professing Christians

The Author to the Reader.
CHRISTIAN READER,--After the foregoing address, I need not put thee to much more trouble: only I shall say, that he must needs be a great stranger in our Israel, or sadly smitten with that epidemic plague of indifferency, which hath infected many of this generation, to a benumbing of them, and rendering them insensible and unconcerned in the matters of God, and of their own souls, and sunk deep in the gulf of dreadful inconsideration, who seeth not, or taketh no notice of, nor is troubled at the …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Christian's Book
Scripture references 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21; John 5:39; Romans 15:4; 2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70; 24:32,45; John 2:22; 10:35; 19:36; Acts 1:16; Romans 1:1,2; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; James 2:8. WHAT IS THE BIBLE? What is the Bible? How shall we regard it? Where shall we place it? These and many questions like them at once come to the front when we begin to discuss the Bible as a book. It is only possible in this brief study, of a great subject, to indicate the line of some of the answers. …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

The Mystical Union with Immanuel.
"Christ in you the hope of glory." --Col. i. 27. The union of believers with Christ their Head is not effected by instilling a divine-human life-tincture into the soul. There is no divine-human life. There is a most holy Person, who unites in Himself the divine and the human life; but both natures continue unmixed, unblended, each retaining its own properties. And since there is no divine-human life in Jesus, He can not instil it into us. We do heartily acknowledge that there is a certain conformity …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Its Basis
In our last chapter we contemplated the problem which is presented in the justifying or pronouncing righteous one who is a flagrant violater of the Law of God. Some may have been surprised at the introduction of such a term as "problem": as there are many in the ranks of the ungodly who feel that the world owes them a living, so there are not a few Pharisees in Christendom who suppose it is due them that at death their Creator should take them to Heaven. But different far is it with one who has been …
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification

The Beatific vision.
Reason, revelation, and the experience of six thousand years unite their voices in proclaiming that perfect happiness cannot be found in this world. It certainly cannot be found in creatures; for they were not clothed with the power to give it. It cannot be found even in the practice of virtue; for God has, in His wisdom, decreed that virtue should merit, but never enjoy perfect happiness in this world. He has solemnly pledged himself to give "eternal life" to all who love and serve him here on earth. …
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." There is a great marriage spoken of, Eph. v. that hath a great mystery in it, which the apostle propoundeth as the sample and archetype of all marriages or rather as the substance, of which all conjunctions and relations among the creatures are but the shadows. It is that marriage between Christ and his church, for which, it would appear, this world was builded, to be …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to Growing in Grace.
I come now to speak a little to the other part of sanctification, which concerneth the change of our nature and frame, and is called vivification, or quickening of the new man of grace; which is called the new man, as having all its several members and parts, as well as the old man; and called new, because posterior to the other; and after regeneration is upon the growing hand, this duty of growing in grace, as it is called, 2 Pet. iii. &c. is variously expressed and held forth to us in Scripture; …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Remaining Books of the Old Testament.
1. The divine authority of the Pentateuch having been established, it is not necessary to dwell at length on the historical books which follow. The events which they record are a natural and necessary sequel to the establishment of the theocracy, as given in the five books of Moses. The Pentateuch is occupied mainly with the founding of the theocracy; the following historical books describe the settlement of the Israelitish nation under this theocracy in the promised land, and its practical operation …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Concerning the Sacrament of Baptism
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to the riches of His mercy has at least preserved this one sacrament in His Church uninjured and uncontaminated by the devices of men, and has made it free to all nations and to men of every class. He has not suffered it to be overwhelmed with the foul and impious monstrosities of avarice and superstition; doubtless having this purpose, that He would have little children, incapable of avarice and superstition, to be initiated into …
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Faith
What does God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for our sin? Faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means, whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption. I begin with the first, faith in Jesus Christ. Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood.' Rom 3: 25. The great privilege in the text is, to have Christ for a propitiation; which is not only to free us from God's wrath, but to …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Approval of the Spirit
TEXT: "Yea, saith the Spirit."--Rev. 14:31. The world has had many notable galleries of art in which we have been enabled to study the beautiful landscape, to consider deeds of heroism which have made the past illustrious, in which we have also read the stories of saintly lives; but surpassing all these is the gallery of art in which we find the text. Humanly speaking John is the artist while he is an exile on the Island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea. The words he uses and the figures he presents …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

Links

2 Peter 1:4 NIV
2 Peter 1:4 NLT
2 Peter 1:4 ESV
2 Peter 1:4 NASB
2 Peter 1:4 KJV

2 Peter 1:4 Commentaries

Bible Hub