2PE 1:1-2

A Greeting from Peter

1Simeon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith equally precious as ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: [1:2] grace and peace be multiplied to you in the full knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

In the world it was spoken into

In the 1st-century Greco-Roman world, the term (slave) carried significant cultural weight, denoting complete subservience and ownership. For Peter to identify himself as a of Jesus Christ would have been striking, as it placed him in a position of humility and total allegiance to his master, Jesus. The phrase (equally precious) would have resonated in a society deeply structured by honor-shame dynamics, suggesting that the recipients of this letter shared in the same honor and privilege as Peter through their faith. The verb (having obtained) implies a divine allotment, emphasizing that their faith was not achieved through human effort but granted by God’s righteousness. The mention of (knowledge) would have been significant in a context where philosophical and religious groups emphasized deeper, experiential understanding over mere intellectual assent. This greeting frames the recipients as part of a divine, honor-bound community, grounded in God’s grace and peace.

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How other translations render this

2PE 1:1

KJV: Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
BSB: Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:
Koinōnos: Simeon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith equally precious as ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

2PE 1:2

KJV: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
BSB: Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Koinōnos: grace and peace be multiplied to you in the full knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

2PE 1:1

a servant:The word translated 'a servant' here refers to a slave, someone bound to another's will and service, highlighting a complete devotion and submission rather than merely an employee.
equally precious:The phrase 'equally precious' conveys the idea of having equal honor, privilege, or value, suggesting that all recipients share the same high standing regardless of their background.
having obtained:The word translated 'having obtained' often implies receiving something by lot or divine apportionment, suggesting that this faith was not earned but divinely granted.

2PE 1:2

[the] knowledge:The term translated 'knowledge' here implies a full, precise, or experiential knowledge, often suggesting a deeper understanding or recognition rather than mere intellectual acquaintance.