Virtue - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words

Virtue

[ 1,,G703, arete ]
properly denotes whatever procures preeminent estimation for a person or thing; hence, intrinsic eminence, moral goodness, virtue,"
(a) of God, 1 Peter 2:9, "excellencies" (AV, "praises"); here the original and general sense seems to be blended with the impression made on others, i.e., renown, excellence or praise (Hort); in 2 Peter 1:3, "(by His own glory and) virtue," RV (instrumental dative), i.e., the manifestation of His Divine power; this significance is frequently illustrated in the papyri and was evidently common in current Greek speech;
(b) of any particular moral excellence, Philippians 4:8; 2 Peter 1:5 (twice), where virtue is enjoined as an essential quality in the excercise of faith, RV, "(in your faith supply) virtue."

Note: In the AV of Mark 5:30; Luke 6:19; Luke 8:46, dunamis, "power" (RV), is rendered "virtue."

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words