CategoryDoctrine / Moral and Power Term
Modern Equivalentmoral excellence; power; goodness.
KJV Word TypeNoun
DefinitionMoral excellence, goodness, or power. In the KJV, “virtue” can describe moral character or divine power going forth, as when healing power went out from Jesus.
Key Verses"And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all." (Luke 6:19); "Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge." (2 Peter 1:5)
KJV Usage NoteMay mean moral excellence or active power depending on the passage.
Common MisunderstandingIt does not always mean morality only; in some KJV contexts it means power or healing strength.
EtymologyFrom Latin virtus, meaning strength, excellence, or worth.