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BY WHICH:     In all the translations it is difficult to ascertain which article of verse 3 this refers to. But, as later in this verse the expression �that by these� obviously refers to the immediately preceding �precious promises,� so �by the which� here likely refers to �by His glory and virtue.� The other items �by which� could refer to are, a- His divine power, b- all things that pertain.. and c- the knowledge of Him. So in any case the PROMISES, mentioned next in the verse, come to us through attributes of the Lord, and we may say they:

HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO US �by (His) glory and virtue.�

EXCEEDINGLY GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES: We are going to examine the nature of these PROMISES but the first thing to note is the double and superlative adjectives! Not only precious but great and precious, and not only great, but exceedingly great. Here, certainly, is something the writer wishes to impress on us. And what is the difference between �great� and �precious?� Great means extensive and profound consequences, whereas precious indicates very desirable results.

                                                THE PROMISES

There are, of course, several thousand promises n the Old and New Testaments, any of which might be applicable to the individual Christian at the right time, and especially if �quickened� (made alive) by the Holy Spirit. But these (great and precious) promises must be central to the gospel, and for all people, as we see that the recipient will:
   1-   partake of the divine nature;
   2-   escape corruption that results from lust.
We will let scripture illuminate what these foundational promises are, and scripture is replete.

   {*32} �And this is the promise that He has promised us, even eternal life.�

   {*33} �and this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.�

[Notice �that they may know You,� the parallel of, vs3 �through the knowledge of Him.�]

   {*34} �In the hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.�

   {*35} �Who has saved us..   ..according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.�

   This verse, (35) is inserted to show the connection between the �promised eternal life,� (34) and Jesus Christ, �who has saved us before the world began.�

   {*36} �And for this reason He is the mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may received the promise of the eternal inheritance.�

   {*37} �Therefore it is of +faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure..�
             +Compare with Ephesians 2:8, �For by grace you have been saved through faith,�

So we have the �great and precious promise� of eternal life, so that, {*38} �in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace towards us;� and the promise of the eternal inheritance, to be {*39} �heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.�

Do we understand what we, already raised from dust to humanity by His hand, are being offered? We shall be raised further, to be �partakers of the divine nature.�