Aretē is the classical Greek word for excellence, virtue, or moral goodness — the quality that makes something or someone outstanding in its proper function. In classical Greek philosophy (Plato, Aristotle), aretē was the highest human ideal — excellence of character. In the NT it appears only 5 times, suggesting the early Christians were selective about adopting this philosophically loaded term.
The NT's use of aretē is theologically reorienting. In Philippians 4:8, Paul lists aretē among things worthy of thought — but places it in a distinctly Christian framework. 2 Peter 1:3 says God's divine power has given us everything needed for "life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and aretē" — here God's own aretē is the basis for the call. The Christian vision of virtue is not self-cultivated Greek aretē but divine-imparted excellence through participation in Christ's nature (2 Peter 1:4–5).