Arétē — G703

Definition

feminine noun

properly, manliness (valor), i.e. excellence (intrinsic or attributed)

1. a virtuous course of thought, feeling and action
2. any particular moral excellence, as modesty, purity
1. in the plural his excellences, perfections, 'which shine forth in our gratuitous calling and in the whole work of our salvation' (John Gerhard)

Usually translated as

virtue, praise

Origin

from the same as G730

• árrhēn (G730)

Occurrences

Arétē occurs 5 times in 4 verses of the King James.

Distribution of the word across the Bible: Philippians (1), 1 Peter (1), 2 Peter (2)

• Philippians 4:8 — 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 (ἀρετὴ), and if there be any praise, think on these things.
• 1 Peter 2:9 — But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises (ἀρετὰς) of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
• 2 Peter 1:3 — 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 (αρετης):
• 2 Peter 1:5 — And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue (ἀρετήν); and to virtue knowledge;
• 2 Peter 1:5 — And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue (ἀρετὴ) knowledge;