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1 Peter 2: The powerful goodness of virtue
1. 1 Peter 2: The powerful goodness of virtue
Peter lists a sequence of steps for a Christian life.
2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; [kjv]
1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; [kjv]
1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. [kjv]
Today, the English word "
virtue" is usually associated with some behavior that evidences or shows a form of high moral character or standards.
In ancient Greece, "
virtue" was a foundational goal of much of Greek philosophy.
One pastor (2021-07-18) did a sermon on the fruit of the spirit called "
goodness", defined the appropriate Greek word from Galatians 5, and then did the rest of the sermon on "
virtue" (different Greek word) used in 2 Peter (discussed below).
2. English
The English word "
virtue" as a good moral life or excellence in conduct can be traced to the 12th century. This is a narrowing of the Greek word «
αρετή» which, though meaning some of these qualities, goes back to the legend of Hercules.
The English word
"virtue" is from the Middle English word
"vertu" ≈ "virtue" which is from the Latin word
"virtus" ≈ "manliness, bravery" which is from the Latin word
"vir" ≈ "man". The Latin word has secondary meaning of the Greek idea of worth and/or moral excellence.
3. Greek
4. Diagram
5. Greek glory in names
6. 1 Peter 2:20
1 Peter 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. [kjv]
ποιον γαρ κλεος ει αμαρτανοντες και κολαφιζομενοι υπομενειτε αλλ ει αγαθοποιουντες και πασχοντες υπομενειτε τουτο χαρις παρα θεω [gnt]
… gloria … [v]
In addition to the use of the Greek word for "
virtue" in 2 Peter (twice), Peter uses this word for "
glory" in writing to his Greek audience, the only place this word is used in the
GNT.
7. 1 Peter 2:20
KJV: For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
Greek: ποιον γαρ κλεος ει αμαρτανοντες και κολαφιζομενοι υπομενειτε αλλ ει αγαθοποιουντες και πασχοντες υπομενειτε τουτο χαρις παρα θεω
Latin: quae enim gloria est si peccantes et colaphizati suffertis sed si benefacientes et patientes sustinetis haec est gratia apud Deum
Wycliffe: For what grace is it, if ye synnen, and ben buffatid, and suffren? But if ye don wel, and suffren pacientli, this is grace anentis God.
Luther: Denn was ist das für ein Ruhm, so ihr um Missetat willen Streiche leidet? Aber wenn ihr um Wohltat willen leidet und erduldet, das ist Gnade bei Gott.
Slavonic: Кая бо похвала, аще согрешающе мучими терпите? Но аще добро творяще и страждуще терпите, сие угодно пред Богом,
Russian: Ибо что за похвала, если вы терпите, когда вас бьют за проступки? Но если, делая добро и страдая, терпите, это угодно Богу.
The Latin word
"gloria" ≈ "glory" and is the source of the English word "
glory".
The word "
glory" is repeated many times in the
Song: Battle Hymn of the Republic.
Some Bible versions use words other than "
glory".
The Russian word "похвала" (pokhvala) ≈ "praise".
The German word "Ruhm" ≈ "fame"
8. Hercules and Arete
There is a legend (Greek parable) of Hercules and the goddess Arete called "
Hercules at the crossroads" or the "
Choice of Hercules".
At the crossroads, Hercules is offered the choice between "
virtue" (Arete) and "
vice" (Kakia).
Virtue represents hardship and honor (and things good) as the goddess "Arete". The modern Greek word "αρετή" (a-reh-TEE) ≈ "goodness, excellence, virtue".
Vice represents pleasure (and things not good) as the goddess "Kakia". The modern Greek word "κακός" (ka-KOS) ≈ "bad, evil, wicked".
9. Greek book for children
A Greek book for children, "
Hercules and his 12 feats" (Malliaris Paideia, 4th Ed., 2012-2013, ISBN 960-239-801-9) details the part of the story with Kakia and Arete.
10. Hercules choosing virtue over evil
The theme of Hercules making a decision between Kakia (vice, worthlessness) and Arete (virtue) was a common artistic theme in the Middle Ages (and at other times).
The idea of Kakia (vice) moved to that of "
evil" and than of Arete (virtue) to that of "
good".
Greek philosophy sometimes twisted the idea of "
virtue" in ways that today seem somewhat strange.
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Details are left as a future topic.
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11. Robert Frost
This choice of "
vice" or "
virtue" brings to mind the poem of Robert Frost (1874-1963) called "
The road not taken".
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
12. Yogi Berra
For sports fans, some quotes attributed to baseball player and manager Yogi Berra appear relevant.
13. Fork in the road
Yogi Berra (American professional baseball player and manager) catcher, manager (U.S. Navy, gunner's mate, Normandy Landings, Purple Heart)
Player: 1946-1963 (Yankees), 1965 (Mets)
Manager: 1964, 1972-1975, 1984-1985
Popular book. (2001):
When you come to a fork in the road, take it!
Of course, as Yogi once said:
I never said most of the things I said.
Yogi Berra returned back to baseball in 1984 as depicted on the April 2, 1984 Sports Illustrated cover "
Yogi's Back".
One aspect of the humor (some call it stupid humor) is the double meanings of some of the words or situations used.
14. Perfection
Yogi Berra caught Dan Larsen's perfect game in game 5 of the 1956 World Series against the Dodgers in 97 pitches. Only Pee Wee Reese got to 3 balls, in the first inning.
Note that the English word
"perfect" is not the same is the Greek which means "
complete" or "
perfected" (but not necessarily without errors).
Why is it called the World Series if only North American teams can play?
Christians are not
perfect, just
forgiven.
Not
sinless, but they should
sin less.
15. Goals
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there. Yogi Berra (American professional baseball player and manager)
16. Counter-factual logic
The idea that once a path is taken, one cannot go back and take the other path is called "
counterfactual logic" or logic that is "
counter to fact" as in not the path taken in reality.
Humans tend to reason in counterfactual logic as in terms of "
what if" questions and thoughts.
Spreadsheets became popular as a tool with which to ask "
what if" questions for planning and forecasting.
C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) makes this a part of his Narnia series of novels in that once a choice is made, one cannot go back nor see what would have happened.
17. Feats of Hercules
Hercules goes on to complete twelve feats that require tremendous effort and mental agility. The Greek term "
virtue" added the idea of fulfillment of purpose of life.
Implicit in the idea of "
virtue" is that of choice and, if selected, would result in an extreme amount of physical and mental effort - but with a meaningful purpose as a result.
18. Commitment and contribution
The idea of not turning back is the idea of "
commitment". Commitment can be contrasted with just making a "
contribution".
There is a difference between a commitment and a contribution. Consider the bacon and egg breakfast:
The chicken makes a contribution (an egg).
The pig makes a commitment (some bacon or ham).
19. Greek audience
In both 1 Peter and 2 Peter, Peter uses many Greek terms that have specific meaning in that culture.
It appears that the word "virtue" as used by Peter and Paul refers to significant work and effort.
20. Philippians 4:8
KJV: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Greek: το λοιπον αδελφοι οσα εστιν αληθη οσα σεμνα οσα δικαια οσα αγνα οσα προσφιλη οσα ευφημα ει τις αρετη και ει τις επαινος ταυτα λογιζεσθε
21. 2 Peter 1:3
KJV: According as 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:
Greek: ως παντα ημιν της θειας δυναμεως αυτου τα προς ζωην και ευσεβειαν δεδωρημενης δια της επιγνωσεως του καλεσαντος ημας δια δοξης και αρετης
Are we being called to "
glory and virtue" or are we called through the "
glory and virtue" of Jesus?
The modern Greek word
"δόξα" (THO-ksa) ≈ "glory" is a narrowing of the ancient Greek «
δοκειν» which has to do with thinking well of something or someone. The English word "
doxology" is a way to proclaim "
glory".
22. 2 Peter 1:5
KJV: And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
Greek: και αυτο τουτο δε σπουδην πασαν παρεισενεγκαντες επιχορηγησατε εν τη πιστει υμων την αρετην εν δε τη αρετη την γνωσιν
Latin: vos autem curam omnem subinferentes ministrate in fide vestra virtutem in virtute autem scientiam
Wycliffe: And bringe ye in alle bisynesse, and mynystre ye in youre feith vertu, and`in vertu kunnyng;
Luther: so wendet allen euren Fleiß daran und reichet dar in eurem Glauben Tugend und in der Tugend Bescheidenheit
Russian: то вы, прилагая к сему все старание, покажите в вере вашей добродетель, в добродетели рассудительность,
23. Strongs
- *G703 *5 ἀρέτη (ar-et'-ay) : from the same as G730; properly, manliness (valor), i.e. excellence (intrinsic or attributed):--praise, virtue.
- αρετη *3
- Philippians 4:8 ... are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any ...
- 2 Peter 1:3 ... to glory and virtue:
- 2 Peter 1:5 ... your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
- αρετας
- 1 Peter 2:9 ... people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of ...
- αρετην
- 2 Peter 1:5 ... your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
The Strongs definition does not appear to match the Greek idea of "
virtue" from a historical perspective.
24. 2 Peter 1:6
KJV: And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
Greek: εν δε τη γνωσει την εγκρατειαν εν δε τη εγκρατεια την υπομονην εν δε τη υπομονη την ευσεβειαν
25. 2 Peter 1:7
KJV: And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
Greek: εν δε τη ευσεβεια την φιλαδελφιαν εν δε τη φιλαδελφια την αγαπην
26. Progression
Peter uses a bottom-up (from here to there) progression of which "
virtue" is near the beginning of the list. Here is the progression, each building on the previous.
- faith (as belief)
- virtue (decision to make a commitment)
- knowledge (background information as in awareness)
- temperance (holding it in)
- patience (endurance)
- godliness (pious seriousness)
- brotherly kindness (brotherly love, as in Philadelphia - to idea not the actual city behavior)
- charity (manifest love as in works)
Note the introductory word "
diligence" appears to be something that requires careful effort but is rewarding. The Greek word means "
in haste" as in a "
hurry" but in a "
deliberate" manner. Some other Greek words appear to be ignored. These words are a future topic.
27. Discussion
One hears many sermons or sermon series about the "fruit of the spirit".
Peter appears to make a similar statement.
How many times have you heard a sermon or sermon series on this progression by Peter? Why or why not?
28. 2 Peter 1:8
KJV: For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Greek: ταυτα γαρ υμιν υπαρχοντα και πλεοναζοντα ουκ αργους ουδε ακαρπους καθιστησιν εις την του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου επιγνωσιν
29. Old Testament
30. Habakkuk 3:3
KJV: God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise.
Hebrew: אלוה מתימן יבוא וקדוש מהר פארן סלה כסה שמים הודו ותהלתו מלאה הארץ׃
Greek: ο θεος εκ θαιμαν ηξει και ο αγιος εξ ορους κατασκιου δασεος διαψαλμα εκαλυψεν ουρανους η αρετη αυτου και αινεσεως αυτου πληρης η γη
Latin: Deus ab austro veniet et Sanctus de monte Pharan semper operuit caelos gloria eius et laudis eius plena est terra
Wycliffe: God schal come fro the south, and the hooli fro the mount of Faran. The glorie of hym kyueride heuenes, and the erthe is ful of his heriyng.
Luther: Gott kam vom Mittage und der Heilige vom Gebirge Paran. Sela. Seines Lobes war der Himmel voll und seiner Ehre war die Erde voll.
Slavonic: Бог от юга приидет, и Святый из горы Приосененныя чащи: покры небеса добродетель Его, и хваления Его исполнь земля.
Russian: Бог от Фемана грядет и Святый-от горы Фаран. Покрыло небеса величие Его, и славою Его наполнилась земля.
Spanish: Dios vendrá de Temán, y el Santo del monte de Parán (Selah) . Su gloria cubrió los cielos, y la tierra se llenó de su alabanza.
The Hebrew word
"ותהלתו" (u-te-hil-la-tow) ≈ "and his praise".
- *H8416 תְּהִלָּה (teh-hil-law') : from H1984; laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn:--praise.
31. Zechariah 6:13
KJV: Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
Hebrew: והוא יבנה את היכל יהוה והוא ישא הוד וישב ומשל על כסאו והיה כהן על כסאו ועצת שלום תהיה בין שניהם׃
Greek: και αυτος λημψεται αρετην και καθιεται και καταρξει επι του θρονου αυτου και εσται ο ιερευς εκ δεξιων αυτου και βουλη ειρηνικη εσται ανα μεσον αμφοτερων
The Hebrew word
"הוד" (howd) ≈ "the glory".
- *H1935 הוֹד (hode) : from an unused root; grandeur (i.e. an imposing form and appearance):--beauty, comeliness, excellency, glorious, glory, goodly, honour, majesty.
32. King James Bible
The
KJV (King James Version) uses the word "
virtue" as a translation for which the Greek word for "
virtue" is absent.
All three instances are from similar events recorded in Mark (once) and Luke (twice).
In all three cases, the modern Greek word
"δύναμιν" (THEE-na-meen) ≈ "power" and is the source English words such as "
dynamic", "
dynamite", etc. Many modern versions use "
power" rather than "
virtue".
33. Strongs - power
*G1411 *119 δύναμις (doo'-nam-is) : from G1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):--ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.
 |
Words: δυναμει=26 δυναμεις=20 δυναμεσι δυναμεσιν=2 δυναμεων=3 δυναμεως=21 δυναμιν=33 δυναμις=13
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The ancient Greek word
"δύναμις" ≈ "power, might, strength, potentiality".
34. Mark 5:30
KJV: And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
Greek: και ευθεως ευθυς ο ιησους επιγνους εν εαυτω την εξ αυτου δυναμιν εξελθουσαν επιστραφεις εν τω οχλω ελεγεν τις μου ηψατο των ιματιων
35. Luke 6:19
KJV: And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.
Greek: και πας ο οχλος εζητει εζητουν απτεσθαι αυτου οτι δυναμις παρ αυτου εξηρχετο και ιατο παντας
36. Luke 8:46
KJV: And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
Greek: ο δε ιησους ειπεν ηψατο μου τις εγω γαρ εγνων δυναμιν εξελθουσαν εξεληλυθυιαν απ εμου
37. End of page
