1 Peter

1 Peter front

Introduction to 1 Peter

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of 1 Peter

1. Introduction (1:1–2)

2. Peter reminds the believers of their identity in Christ (1:3–2:10)

   • Praise to God for saving the believers (1:3–12)
   • Command to be holy (1:13–21)
   • Command to love each other as a family (1:22–2:10)

3. Peter tells the believers how they should behave (2:11–4:11)

   • How believers should act toward other people (2:11–3:12)
   • How believers should endure suffering (3:13–4:6)
   • How believers should act because the end is near (4:7–11)

4. Peter encourages the believers to persevere when suffering (4:12–5:11)

   • How believers should respond to trials (4:12–19)
   • How believers should interact with one another (5:1–11)

5. Conclusion (5:12–14)

Who wrote the book of 1 Peter?

The author identified himself as Peter, who was also called Simon Peter. He was an apostle, and he also wrote the book of 2 Peter. Peter probably wrote this letter in Rome. He wrote the letter to Gentile Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor. (See: Peter, Simon Peter, Cephas)

What is the book of 1 Peter about?

Peter wrote this letter to encourage Gentile Christians who were being persecuted and to exhort them to stand firm in “the true grace of God” (5:12). Peter told his readers how they should act in the midst of a society that hated them. He encouraged Christians to continue obeying God even when they were suffering. He told them to do this because Jesus would return soon. Peter also instructed Christians about submitting to people in authority over them.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title “1 Peter” or “First Peter, ” or they may choose a clearer title, such as “The First Letter from Peter” or “The First Letter Peter Wrote.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

How were Christians treated in Rome?

Peter was probably in Rome when he wrote this letter. In 5:13 Peter referred to Rome symbolically as “Babylon.” It appears that when Peter wrote this letter, Romans were severely persecuting Christians.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Singular and plural “you”

In this book, the word “I” refers to Peter, except in two places: 1:16 and 2:6. The word “you” is always plural and refers to Peter’s audience. Sometimes it refers to a specific group of people within Peter’s audience, such as wives, husbands, church leaders, or other groups. These groups are indicated in the notes. (See: Forms of You)

What are the major issues in the text of the book of 1 Peter?

“Having purified your souls by obedience to the truth for sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart” (1:22). The ULT, UST, and most other modern versions read this way. Some older versions read, “Having purified your souls by obedience to the truth through the Spirit for sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from the heart.” Translators are advised to follow the modern reading.

(See: Textual Variants)

1 Peter 1

1 Peter 1 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

1. Introduction (1:1–2)
2. Praise to God for saving the believers (1:3–12)
3. Command to be holy (1:13–21)
4. Command to love each other as a family (1:22–2:10)

Peter begins this letter in 1:1–2 by giving his name, identifying the people to whom he is writing, and offering a greeting. That was the way people typically began letters at that time.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 1:24–25.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

What God reveals

When Jesus comes again, everyone will see how good God’s people were because they had faith in Jesus. Then God’s people will see how gracious God has been to them, and all people will praise both God and his people.

Holiness

God wants his people to be holy because God is holy (1:15). (See: holy, holiness, unholy, sacred)

Eternity

Peter tells Christians to live for things that will last forever and not to live for the things of this world, which will end. (See: eternity, everlasting, eternal, forever)

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Peter writes that his readers are glad and sad at the same time (1:6). He can say this because they are sad because they are suffering, but they are also glad because they know that God will save them “in the last time” (1:5)

1 Peter 1:1

Peter

Quote: Πέτρος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

In this culture, letter writers would give their own names first, and they would refer to themselves in the third person. If that would be confusing in your language, you could use the first person. If your language has a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, you could also use that. Alternate translation: “I, Peter, am writing this letter” or “From Peter”

an apostle of Jesus Christ

Quote: ἀπόστολος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

This phrase gives further information about Simon Peter. He describes himself as being someone given the position and authority of being Christ’s apostle.

to the elect exiles

Quote: ἐκλεκτοῖς παρεπιδήμοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

In this culture, after giving their own names, letter writers would then state to whom they were writing, naming those people in the third person. If that would be confusing in your language, you could use the second person. Alternate translation: “to you elect exiles”

to the elect exiles of the dispersion

Quote: ἐκλεκτοῖς παρεπιδήμοις διασπορᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of elect and dispersion, you can express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “to those whom God has elected and exiled among those whom God has dispersed”

to the elect exiles of the dispersion

Quote: ἐκλεκτοῖς παρεπιδήμοις διασπορᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

When Peter calls his readers exiles, he could mean: (1) they are exiles because they are far away from their true home in heaven. Alternate translation: “to the elect exiles of the dispersion who are far from their home in heaven” (2) they are exiles because they were forced to leave their homes and go far away to Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Alternate translation: “to you elect exiles of the dispersion who are far away from your homes”

of the dispersion

Quote: διασπορᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, dispersion could refer to: (1) groups of Gentile Christians who were spread throughout the world instead of in their true home in heaven. In this case, dispersion would have a similar meaning to exiles and would add emphasis. Alternate translation: “among those dispersed outside of their true home in heaven” (2) the groups of Jewish people who were spread across the Greek-speaking world that was outside of the land of Israel, which is the common technical meaning for this word. Alternate translation: “among the dispersed Jews”

of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia

Quote: Πόντου, Γαλατίας, Καππαδοκίας, Ἀσίας, καὶ Βιθυνίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia are names of Roman provinces that were located in what is now the country of Turkey.

1 Peter 1:2

the foreknowledge of God the Father

Quote: πρόγνωσιν Θεοῦ Πατρός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of foreknowledge, you can express the same idea with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “what God the Father foreknew”

the foreknowledge of God the Father

Quote: πρόγνωσιν Θεοῦ Πατρός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This phrase could mean: (1) God had determined what would happen ahead of time. Alternate translation: “what God the Father planned previously” (2) God knew what would happen ahead of time. Alternate translation: “what God the Father knew beforehand”

the Father

Quote: Πατρός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples

Father is an important title for God.

by sanctification of the Spirit

Quote: ἐν ἁγιασμῷ Πνεύματος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of sanctification, you can express the same idea with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “by the Spirit sanctifying you”

by sanctification of the Spirit

Quote: ἐν ἁγιασμῷ Πνεύματος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Peter is using the possessive form to describe sanctification that is produced by the Holy Spirit. If this is not clear in your language, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by the Spirit causing you to be sanctified”

for obedience and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ

Quote: εἰς ὑπακοὴν καὶ ῥαντισμὸν αἵματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, obedience could refer to: (1) obeying God. Alternate translation: “for obedience of God and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ” (2) obeying Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “for obedience of Jesus Christ and the sprinkling of his blood”

for obedience

Quote: εἰς ὑπακοὴν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of obedience, you can express the same idea with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “for you to obey”

for obedience

Quote: εἰς ὑπακοὴν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, for introduces a purpose clause. Peter is stating a purpose for which the Holy Spirit sanctifies believers. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of obedience”

the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ

Quote: ῥαντισμὸν αἵματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses sprinkling to refer to believers being in a covenant relationship with God. Just as Moses sprinkled blood on the people of Israel in Exodus 24:1–11 to symbolize that they were joining in a covenant relationship with God, believers are joined in a covenant relationship with God by means of Jesus’ death. Moses also sprinkled blood on the priests to set them apart to serve God as priests (Leviticus 8:30). If your readers would not understand this, you could use a simile or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the covenant between believers and God established by the blood of Jesus Christ”

of the blood of Jesus Christ

Quote: αἵματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, blood refers to the death of Jesus. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “of the blood, the symbol of the death of Jesus Christ”

Grace and peace be multiplied to you

Quote: χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη πληθυνθείη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing

In this culture, letter writers would offer a good wish for the recipient before introducing the main business of the letter. Use a form in your language that makes it clear that this is a greeting and blessing. Alternate translation: “May God increase his kind acts to you and make you more peaceful”

Grace and peace be multiplied to you

Quote: χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη πληθυνθείη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the abstract nouns Grace and peace by stating the ideas behind them with equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “May God multiply his kind acts to you and give you a more peaceful spirit”

Grace and peace be multiplied to you

Quote: χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη πληθυνθείη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter speaks of Grace and peace as if they were objects that could increase in size or number. If this is confusing in your language, you can use a different metaphor that means that these things will increase, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “May grace and peace increase in your lives”

Grace and peace be multiplied to you

Quote: χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη πληθυνθείη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May God multiply grace and peace to you”

1 Peter 1:3-5

General Information:

Peter begins to talk about the believers’ salvation and faith. 1:3–5 are one sentence, but you may need to divide them into shorter sentences in your language.

1 Peter 1:3

Blessed {is

Quote: εὐλογητὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

Peter is using a statement to give an exhortation. If this is confusing in your language, you can use a more natural form for exhortation. Alternate translation: “Let us bless” or “Let us praise”

Father

Quote: Πατὴρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples

Father is an important title for God.

our … us

Quote: ἡμῶν & ἡμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

The words our and us are inclusive. They refer to Peter and those believers to whom he is writing. Your language may require you to mark these forms.

of our Lord

Quote: τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Peter is using the possessive form to describe Jesus as the Lord who rules over those who believe in him. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “of the person who is lord over us,” or “of the person who rules over us,”

according to his great mercy

Quote: κατὰ τὸ πολὺ αὐτοῦ ἔλεος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of mercy, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “according to his great merciful character”

who, … caused us to be born again

Quote: ἀναγεννήσας ἡμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The phrase born again is a metaphor that refers to spiritual rebirth. Since this is an important metaphor in the Bible, you should keep it in your translation and include an explanation if necessary. Alternate translation: “who … has caused us to be spiritually reborn”

who, … caused us to be born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from dead ones

Quote: ἀναγεννήσας ἡμᾶς εἰς ἐλπίδα ζῶσαν, δι’ ἀναστάσεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐκ νεκρῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

The clause into a living hope is parallel to “into an imperishable and undefiled and unfading inheritance” in the next verse. If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of the phrases in this verse in order to show that parallel structure. Alternate translation: “who … has caused us to be born again through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from dead ones into a living hope”

into a living hope

Quote: εἰς ἐλπίδα ζῶσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, into introduces a purpose clause. Peter is stating a purpose for which God causes believers to be born again. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of giving us a living hope”

into a living hope

Quote: εἰς ἐλπίδα ζῶσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses living to describe hope that is certain and will not lead to disappointment. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “into a hope that will not disappoint you”

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from dead ones

Quote: δι’ ἀναστάσεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐκ νεκρῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of resurrection, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “through Jesus Christ being resurrected from among dead ones”

1 Peter 1:4

into an imperishable and undefiled and unfading inheritance

Quote: εἰς κληρονομίαν ἄφθαρτον, καὶ ἀμίαντον, καὶ ἀμάραντον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, into introduces a purpose clause. Peter is stating a second purpose for which God causes believers to be born again. This clause states what the “living hope” in the previous verse is. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of giving us an imperishable and undefiled and unfading inheritance”

into an imperishable and undefiled and unfading inheritance

Quote: εἰς κληρονομίαν ἄφθαρτον, καὶ ἀμίαντον, καὶ ἀμάραντον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word inheritance, you can express the same idea with a verb. Alternate translation: “into what we will inherit that is imperishable and undefiled and unfading”

an imperishable and undefiled and unfading inheritance

Quote: κληρονομίαν ἄφθαρτον, καὶ ἀμίαντον, καὶ ἀμάραντον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses inheritance to refer to what we will receive in heaven. This could refer to: (1) The promise of God that we will live forever with him. Alternate translation: “a sure and unfailing promise the we will live forever with God” (2) future blessings in heaven after this life. Alternate translation: “imperishable and undefiled and unfading blessings”

having been kept in heaven for you

Quote: τετηρημένην ἐν οὐρανοῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which God has kept in heaven for you”

1 Peter 1:5

the ones being protected by the power of God

Quote: τοὺς ἐν δυνάμει Θεοῦ φρουρουμένους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the ones whom God is protecting with his power”

through faith

Quote: διὰ πίστεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “by believing in Jesus”

for a salvation

Quote: εἰς σωτηρίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, for introduces a purpose clause. Peter is stating a purpose for which God is protecting believers. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of giving us a salvation”

for a salvation ready to be revealed

Quote: εἰς σωτηρίαν ἑτοίμην ἀποκαλυφθῆναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of salvation, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for the time when God saves you, which is ready to be revealed”

ready to be revealed

Quote: ἑτοίμην ἀποκαλυφθῆναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that God is ready to reveal”

in the last time

Quote: ἐν καιρῷ ἐσχάτῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the last time refers to “the day of the Lord,” which is the time when Jesus returns to the world to judge everyone and vindicate those who believe in him. (See: day of the Lord, day of Yahweh) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in the last time, when Jesus returns and judges everyone”

1 Peter 1:6

In this

Quote: ἐν ᾧ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, this could refer to: (1) the “last time” referred to at the end of the previous verse. Alternate translation: “About this last time” (2) everything described in 1:3–5. Alternate translation: “In all of this that I have said”

In this you greatly rejoice

Quote: ἐν ᾧ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

In here introduces the reason why Peter’s readers rejoice. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “On account of this you greatly rejoice” or “Because of this you greatly rejoice”

if now being necessary, having been distressed

Quote: ἄρτι, εἰ δέον λυπηθέντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact

Peter is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Peter is saying is not certain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “if now it is necessary, and it is, to have been distressed”

if now being necessary, having been distressed a little {while} in various trials

Quote: ὀλίγον ἄρτι, εἰ δέον λυπηθέντες ἐν ποικίλοις πειρασμοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if now it is necessary for various trials to distress you a little while”

1 Peter 1:7

the genuineness of your faith—… but being tested by fire

Quote: τὸ δοκίμιον ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως & διὰ πυρὸς δὲ δοκιμαζομένου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Peter speaks of faith, as if it were gold that is refined by passing it through fire. He also uses fire to refer to the hardships that test how well believers trust in Christ. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: “the genuineness of your faith … but being tested by hardships the way fire tests gold”

the genuineness of your faith

Quote: τὸ δοκίμιον ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of genuineness and faith, you can express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “the fact that you genuinely believe”

so that the genuineness of your faith—more precious than perishing gold, but being tested by fire—might be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ

Quote: ἵνα τὸ δοκίμιον ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως πολυτιμότερον χρυσίου τοῦ ἀπολλυμένου, διὰ πυρὸς δὲ δοκιμαζομένου, εὑρεθῇ εἰς ἔπαινον, καὶ δόξαν, καὶ τιμὴν, ἐν ἀποκαλύψει Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “so that the genuineness of your faith might be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; that faith is more precious than the perishing gold, but being tested by fire”

of your faith—more precious than perishing gold, but being tested by fire

Quote: ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως πολυτιμότερον χρυσίου τοῦ ἀπολλυμένου, διὰ πυρὸς δὲ δοκιμαζομένου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

In this clause Peter means that faith is more valuable than gold because faith lasts forever but gold does not, even if it is refined by someone passing it through fire. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “of your faith, which is more precious than gold because even gold that is tested by fire can perish, but your faith will not perish”

might be found to result in praise and glory and honor

Quote: εὑρεθῇ εἰς ἔπαινον, καὶ δόξαν, καὶ τιμὴν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it might result in praise and glory and honor”

at the revelation of Jesus Christ

Quote: ἐν ἀποκαλύψει Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Peter assumes that his readers will know that he is referring to the future revelation of Jesus Christ, when Jesus returns to earth. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “at the future revelation of Jesus Christ” or “when Jesus Christ reveals himself again in the future”

at the revelation of Jesus Christ

Quote: ἐν ἀποκαλύψει Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of revelation, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “at the time when Jesus Christ is revealed”

1 Peter 1:8

with joy inexpressible and filled with glory

Quote: χαρᾷ ἀνεκλαλήτῳ καὶ δεδοξασμένῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here, inexpressible and filled with glory mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how great the joy is. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you can use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “with joy so great that words cannot describe it”

1 Peter 1:9

receiving for yourselves … salvation

Quote: κομιζόμενοι & σωτηρίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Peter speaks of salvation as if it were an object that someone could receive. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “experiencing … the salvation”

of your faith

Quote: τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “of you believing in Jesus”

salvation of your souls

Quote: σωτηρίαν ψυχῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of salvation, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God saving your souls”

salvation of your souls

Quote: σωτηρίαν ψυχῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, souls refers to the individual Christians to whom Peter is writing this letter. If this might confuse your readers, you could use plain language. Alternate translation: “your salvation”

1 Peter 1:10

searched and inquired carefully

Quote: ἐξεζήτησαν καὶ ἐξηραύνησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The phrases searched and inquired carefully mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how hard the prophets tried to understand this salvation. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you can use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “examined very carefully”

this salvation

Quote: ἧς σωτηρίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of salvation, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God saving you”

this grace for you

Quote: τῆς εἰς ὑμᾶς χάριτος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Here, this grace refers to this salvation, mentioned earlier in this verse. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of grace, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God being gracious to you by saving you”

1 Peter 1:11

into whom or what time

Quote: εἰς τίνα ἢ ποῖον καιρὸν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The word translated whom could also be translated “what.” In that case, “what” would refer to the time when salvation would take place and what time would then refer to the specific circumstances. However, most translations agree with the ULT’s use of whom. Alternate translation: “into what time or what circumstances”

the Spirit of Christ

Quote: τὸ & Πνεῦμα Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Peter is using the possessive form to describe the Holy Spirit as being the Spirit that is associated with Christ. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit, associated with Christ,”

testifying beforehand

Quote: προμαρτυρόμενον (1)

This could indicate: (1) the time when the Spirit of Christ was revealing information to the prophets. Alternate translation: “when testifying beforehand” (2) the means by which the Spirit of Christ was revealing information to the prophets. Alternate translation: “by means of testifying beforehand”

about} the sufferings of Christ and the glories after these things

Quote: τὰ εἰς Χριστὸν παθήματα, καὶ τὰς μετὰ ταῦτα δόξας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of sufferings and glories, you can express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “about how Christ would suffer, and glorious things would happen afterwards”

1 Peter 1:12

It was revealed to them

Quote: οἷς ἀπεκαλύφθη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God revealed to them”

which now were declared to you by the ones who proclaimed the gospel to you

Quote: ἃ νῦν ἀνηγγέλη ὑμῖν, διὰ τῶν εὐαγγελισαμένων ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which those who proclaimed the gospel to you have now declared to you”

by the Holy Spirit having been sent from heaven

Quote: Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ, ἀποσταλέντι ἀπ’ οὐρανοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This phrase indicates the means by which the evangelists proclaimed the gospel to Peter’s readers. Peter uses the Holy Spirit here to refer specifically to the Holy Spirit’s work of giving those evangelists the ability or power to proclaim the gospel effectively. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “by means of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven enabling them to do so”

having been sent from heaven

Quote: ἀποσταλέντι ἀπ’ οὐρανοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language, as in the UST.

into which things

Quote: εἰς ἃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, things refers to what God had revealed to the prophets and some evangelists had proclaimed to Peter’s readers. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “into which things God revealed to the prophets and which were declared to you”

into which things angels desire to look

Quote: εἰς ἃ ἐπιθυμοῦσιν ἄγγελοι παρακύψαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses look to refer to getting a clearer understanding of what God has revealed about salvation. This does not mean that the angels do not understand salvation at all. If this might confuse your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “things which angels desire to understand more clearly”

1 Peter 1:13

Therefore

Quote: διὸ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Therefore here refers back to everything that Peter has written in 1:1–12. If it might be helpful to your readers, you could state this concisely. Alternate translation: “Since all these things I have just written are true”

having girded up the loins of your mind, being sober, hope fully

Quote: ἀναζωσάμενοι τὰς ὀσφύας τῆς διανοίας ὑμῶν, νήφοντες, τελείως ἐλπίσατε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

The clauses having girded up the loins of your mind and being sober could indicate: (1) two commands in addition to the command to hope fully that occurs in the next phrase. Alternate translation: “gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, hope fully” (2) two actions that are means by which Peter wants his readers to obey the command to hope fully. Alternate translation: “hope fully, by having girded up the loins of your mind and by being sober”

having girded up the loins of your mind

Quote: ἀναζωσάμενοι τὰς ὀσφύας τῆς διανοίας ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Girding up the loins is an idiom that means to prepare to work hard. It comes from the custom of tucking the bottom of one’s robe into a belt around the waist in order to move with ease. If this might confuse your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “having prepared your minds for action”

being sober

Quote: νήφοντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Peter uses sober to refer to mental clarity and alertness. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “thinking clearly”

the grace being brought to you

Quote: τὴν φερομένην ὑμῖν χάριν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the grace God is bringing to you”

the grace being brought to you

Quote: τὴν φερομένην ὑμῖν χάριν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Peter speaks of grace as if it were an object that could be brought to people. If this might confuse you readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the grace God is giving to you”

the grace being brought to you

Quote: τὴν φερομένην ὑμῖν χάριν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the grace refers to salvation, as it also does in 1:10. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the gracious salvation being brought to you”

the revelation of Jesus Christ

Quote: ἀποκαλύψει Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

See how you translated this phrase in 1:7.

1 Peter 1:14

As children of obedience

Quote: ὡς τέκνα ὑπακοῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Peter uses children to refer to people who love and obey God. The relationship between God and those who love him is like the relationship between a father and his children. Because this is an important concept in the Bible, you should not express the meaning plainly here, but you may use a simile. Alternate translation: “Like children of obedience”

children of obedience

Quote: τέκνα ὑπακοῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Peter is using the possessive form to describe children who are characterized by obedience. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “obedient” instead of the noun “obedience.” Alternate translation: “obedient children”

not being conformed to your former desires

Quote: μὴ συνσχηματιζόμενοι ταῖς πρότερον & ἐπιθυμίαις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, not being conformed to is an idiom meaning “not letting one’s life be controlled by.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “not being controlled by your former desires”

not being conformed to your former desires

Quote: μὴ συνσχηματιζόμενοι ταῖς πρότερον & ἐπιθυμίαις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

Peter is using a statement to give a command. If this is confusing in your language, you can use a more natural form for a command. Alternate translation: “do not be conformed to your former desires”

in your ignorance

Quote: ἐν τῇ ἀγνοίᾳ ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of ignorance, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when you were ignorant”

1 Peter 1:15

the one having called you

Quote: τὸν καλέσαντα ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This phrase refers to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “God who called you”

in all your behavior

Quote: ἐν πάσῃ ἀναστροφῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of behavior, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in how you conduct yourselves”

1 Peter 1:16

it is written

Quote: γέγραπται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Moses was the author of the quotation that follows. Alternate translation: “Moses had written”

it is written

Quote: γέγραπται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here Peter uses it is written to introduce a quotation from an Old Testament book (Leviticus 11:44). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Peter is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “it had been written in the scriptures”

You will be holy

Quote: ἅγιοι ἔσεσθε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

Peter quotes God using a future statement to give a command. If this is confusing in your language, you can use a more natural form for a command. Alternate translation: “You must be holy”

because I {am} holy

Quote: ὅτι ἐγὼ ἅγιος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

In this quotation from the Old Testament, I refers to God. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “because I, God, am holy”

1 Peter 1:17

if you call

Quote: εἰ & ἐπικαλεῖσθε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact

Peter is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Peter is saying is not certain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “because you call”

the one judging impartially

Quote: τὸν ἀπροσωπολήμπτως κρίνοντα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This phrase refers to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “God, who judges impartially”

during} the time of your sojourn

Quote: τὸν τῆς παροικίας ὑμῶν χρόνον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Peter speaks of his readers as if they were people living in a foreign land far away from their homes. Like people living away from home, so are Christians living away from their home in heaven. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: “during the time that you are living away from your true home”

1 Peter 1:18

you have been redeemed not with perishable things, with silver or with gold, from your futile behavior handed down from your fathers

Quote: οὐ φθαρτοῖς, ἀργυρίῳ ἢ χρυσίῳ, ἐλυτρώθητε ἐκ τῆς ματαίας ὑμῶν ἀναστροφῆς πατροπαραδότου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “you have been redeemed from your futile behavior handed down from your fathers, not with perishable things, with silver or with gold”

you have been redeemed

Quote: ἐλυτρώθητε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God has redeemed you”

from your futile behavior handed down from your fathers

Quote: ἐκ τῆς ματαίας ὑμῶν ἀναστροφῆς πατροπαραδότου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, handed down refers to one generation teaching futile behavior to another generation, as if that behavior were an object that could be passed by hand from one person to another. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from your futile behavior taught to you by your fathers”

from your futile behavior

Quote: ἐκ τῆς ματαίας ὑμῶν ἀναστροφῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of behavior, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “from behaving in futile ways”

handed down from your fathers

Quote: πατροπαραδότου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that your fathers handed down”

1 Peter 1:19

with the precious blood of Christ

Quote: τιμίῳ αἵματι & Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Peter uses the precious blood of Christ to refer to Jesus’ death. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with Christ’s precious death”

as of an unblemished and spotless lamb

Quote: ὡς ἀμνοῦ ἀμώμου καὶ ἀσπίλου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Peter compares Jesus’ blood to the blood of the lambs that the Jewish priests sacrificed to God because of the people’s sins. The point of this comparison is that Jesus died as a sacrifice so that God would forgive people’s sins. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “like that of the unblemished and spotless lambs that the Jewish priests sacrificed to God for sins”

unblemished and spotless

Quote: ἀμώμου καὶ ἀσπίλου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words unblemished and spotless mean basically the same thing. Peter uses this repetition to emphasize that Christ was completely perfect and sinless. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you can use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “completely perfect” or “with no imperfections at all”

1 Peter 1:20

having been foreknown

Quote: προεγνωσμένου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God having foreknown him”

having been foreknown

Quote: προεγνωσμένου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This phrase could mean: (1) God had determined what Christ would do. Alternate translation: “having been planned previously” (2) God knew what Christ would do ahead of time. Alternate translation: “having been known beforehand,”

before the foundation of the world

Quote: πρὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of foundation, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “before God founded the world”

having been revealed

Quote: φανερωθέντος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God having revealed him”

having been revealed

Quote: φανερωθέντος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, having been revealed refers to the first time Jesus came to the earth. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “having been revealed when he came to earth”

in the last of the times

Quote: ἐπ’ ἐσχάτου τῶν χρόνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the last of the times refers to the final period of history which began when Jesus came to the earth for the first time. This period will end when Jesus returns to earth. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “in this final time period of history”

1 Peter 1:21

who has raised him from dead ones

Quote: τὸν ἐγείραντα αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, to raise him is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “who caused him to live again so that he was no longer among the dead people”

has given him glory

Quote: δόξαν αὐτῷ δόντα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “has glorified him” or “has shown that he is glorious”

your faith and hope are in God

Quote: τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν καὶ ἐλπίδα, εἶναι εἰς Θεόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of faith and hope, you can express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “you would believe and hope in God”

1 Peter 1:22

Having purified your souls

Quote: τὰς ψυχὰς ὑμῶν ἡγνικότες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Having purified refers to being forgiven for sins. In the Bible, sin is often referred to as something that makes people dirty, and the forgiveness for sin is referred to as the removal of that dirt. God is the one who forgives sins and purifies those who believe in Jesus. However, here Peter is referring to his readers’ responsibility in their salvation, which is the responsibility to repent and believe that the gospel is true. Alternate translation: “Having made your souls spiritually pure” or “Having cleansed your souls from sin”

souls

Quote: τὰς ψυχὰς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

See how you translated souls in 1:9.

by the obedience to the truth

Quote: ἐν τῇ ὑπακοῇ τῆς ἀληθείας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of obedience and truth, you can express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “by obeying what is true” or “by obeying the true information”

to the truth

Quote: τῆς ἀληθείας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the truth refers to the true teaching about Jesus, which includes the command to repent and believe the gospel. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “to the true message about Jesus”

brotherly love

Quote: φιλαδελφίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although brotherly is a masculine word, Peter is using the phrase brotherly love in a generic sense to refer to the kind of love that all believers should have for other believers. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “love for fellow believers”

love one another earnestly from a pure heart

Quote: ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας, ἀλλήλους ἀγαπήσατε ἐκτενῶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Peter uses heart here to refer to a person’s thoughts or emotions. The word from indicates that the heart must be the source of the love that Peter is telling his readers to have. Therefore, this phrase has a similar meaning to the word “sincere” in the previous clause. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “love one another earnestly based on sincere thoughts”

1 Peter 1:23

having been born again

Quote: ἀναγεγεννημένοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated born again in 1:3.

not from perishable seed

Quote: οὐκ ἐκ σπορᾶς φθαρτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The word seed usually refers to either the seed of a plant or the sperm cell of a man, which is used to produce a baby. However, here Peter uses seed as a metaphor. It could refer to: (1) the word of God mentioned later in the verse. In this case, Peter is saying what the word of God is not. Alternate translation: “not by means of a human message that can perish” (2) physical human birth, in which case the meaning is similar to the idea expressed in John 1:13. Alternate translation: “not by means of mortal physical birth”

from imperishable

Quote: ἀφθάρτου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Peter is leaving out a word that a phrase would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply the word from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “from imperishable seed”

the living and enduring word of God

Quote: λόγου ζῶντος Θεοῦ, καὶ μένοντος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here Peter uses word to describe the gospel message that came from God and was proclaimed to Peter’s readers by using words. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God’s living and enduring message about Jesus”

living and enduring

Quote: ζῶντος & καὶ μένοντος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here, living and enduring mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize that God’s word is permanent. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you can use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “perpetually enduring”

1 Peter 1:24

For

Quote: διότι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

For here introduces a quotation of some phrases from an Old Testament book (Isaiah 40:6–8). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Peter is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “It is as Isaiah wrote in the scriptures”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: πᾶσα σὰρξ ὡς χόρτος, καὶ πᾶσα δόξα αὐτῆς ὡς ἄνθος χόρτου. ἐξηράνθη ὁ χόρτος, καὶ τὸ ἄνθος ἐξέπεσεν, (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

In these clauses and the first clause of the next verse, Peter quotes parts of Isaiah 40:6–8. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation.

All flesh

Quote: πᾶσα σὰρξ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here Peter quotes Isaiah using the term flesh to refer to human beings in general, which are made of flesh. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “All humankind” or “Everyone”

all its glory

Quote: πᾶσα δόξα αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter quotes Isaiah using glory to refer to whatever is beautiful or magnificent about humankind. If this might confuse your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “everything that is glorious about humankind”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ἄνθος χόρτου. ἐξηράνθη ὁ χόρτος, καὶ τὸ ἄνθος ἐξέπεσεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

Peter quotes Isaiah speaking of grass and flowers in general, not of one particular blade of grass or one flower. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “flowers of grass. Grass dried up, and flowers fell off”

the flower of the grass

Quote: ἄνθος χόρτου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here Peter quotes Isaiah using the possessive form to describe the flower that grows in the grass. If this is not clear in your language, you could use state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the flower that grows in the grass”

The grass was dried up

Quote: ἐξηράνθη ὁ χόρτος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

In this clause the prophet Isaiah continues the comparison between humankind and grass. Just like grass dies quickly, so human beings only live a short time. If this would confuse your readers, you could express this meaning by repeating the simile language from earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “Like the grass dries up, so do people die after a short time”

the flower fell off

Quote: τὸ ἄνθος ἐξέπεσεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

In this clause the prophet Isaiah continues the comparison between the glory of humankind and flowers. Just like a flower dies and falls to the ground, so does the beauty of mankind disappear. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this meaning by repeating the simile language from earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “like the flower that fell off the plant, so does everything that is glorious about humankind come to an end”

1 Peter 1:25

but the word of the Lord endures into eternity

Quote: τὸ δὲ ῥῆμα Κυρίου μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

This clause completes Peters quotation of Isaiah 40:6–8 that began in the previous verse. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this ending by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation.

the word of the Lord

Quote: τὸ & ῥῆμα Κυρίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Peter quotes Isaiah using word to describe all that God has spoken by using words. This general reference to God’s word would include what God had said about the Messiah. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the message that comes from the Lord”

And this is the word

Quote: τοῦτο δέ ἐστιν τὸ ῥῆμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here Peter uses word in the same specific sense as in 1:23. It is not the general meaning of word used earlier in the verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And this is the message about Jesus”

the word that has been proclaimed

Quote: τὸ ῥῆμα τὸ εὐαγγελισθὲν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the word that we have proclaimed”

1 Peter 2

1 Peter 2 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

1. Command to love each other as a family (1:22–2:10)
2. How believers should act toward other people (2:11–3:12)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 2:10 and the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 2:6, 7, 8, and 22.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Stones

The Bible uses a building made of large stones as a metaphor for the church. Jesus is the cornerstone, which is the most important stone. According to Ephesians 2:20, the apostles and prophets are the foundation, which is the part of the building on which all the other stones rest. In this chapter, Christians are the stones that make up the walls of the building. (See: Metaphor and cornerstone and foundation, founder, founded)

Milk and babies

When Peter tells his readers to “long for pure spiritual milk” in 2:2, he is using the metaphor of a baby craving his mother’s milk. Peter wants Christians to crave God’s word the same way a baby craves milk. (See: Metaphor)

Sheep and shepherds

The Bible often speaks metaphorically of people as sheep because sheep do not see well, do not think well, often walk away from those who care for them, and cannot defend themselves when other animals attack them. In 2:25, Peter alludes to Isaiah 53:6 to describe unbelievers as sheep that wander aimlessly and don’t know where they are going. God’s people are also similar to sheep in that they are weak and do foolish things like rebelling against God. In 2:25, Peter also refers to Jesus as a shepherd who takes care of believers, which is a similar idea to what Jesus said in John 10:11–18. (See: ewe, ram, sheep, sheepfold, sheepshearers, sheepskins and shepherd, herder, pastor)

1 Peter 2:1

Therefore

Quote: οὖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Therefore here refers back to everything that Peter has said in the previous paragraph (1:22–25).

having put aside all evil and all deceit and hypocrisies and envies and all slanders

Quote: ἀποθέμενοι & πᾶσαν κακίαν, καὶ πάντα δόλον, καὶ ὑποκρίσεις, καὶ φθόνους, καὶ πάσας καταλαλιάς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

This clause indicates a command in addition to the command to “long for pure spiritual milk” that occurs next in the verse. If this is confusing in your language, you can use a more natural form for a command. Alternate translation: “put aside all evil and all deceit and hypocrisies and envies and all slanders”

having put aside all evil and all deceit and hypocrisies and envies and all slanders

Quote: ἀποθέμενοι & πᾶσαν κακίαν, καὶ πάντα δόλον, καὶ ὑποκρίσεις, καὶ φθόνους, καὶ πάσας καταλαλιάς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter speaks of these sinful actions as if they were objects that people could put aside the way people remove dirty clothing. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “having stopped being evil or being deceptive or being hypocritical or being envious or speaking slander”

having put aside all evil and all deceit and hypocrisies and envies and all slanders

Quote: ἀποθέμενοι & πᾶσαν κακίαν, καὶ πάντα δόλον, καὶ ὑποκρίσεις, καὶ φθόνους, καὶ πάσας καταλαλιάς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of evil, deceit, hypocrisies, envies, or slanders, you can express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “having put aside every kind of evil and all deceitful, hypocritical, deceptive, and slanderous acts”

1 Peter 2:2

as newborn babies, long for the pure rational milk

Quote: ὡς ἀρτιγέννητα βρέφη τὸ λογικὸν ἄδολον γάλα ἐπιποθήσατε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that Peter wanted his readers to desire knowledge of God’s word just as newborn babies desire milk. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Just as babies long for their mother’s milk, so you must long for the pure rational milk”

long for

Quote: ἐπιποθήσατε (1)

Alternate translation: “desire intensely” or “yearn for”

the pure rational milk

Quote: τὸ λογικὸν ἄδολον γάλα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The word translated as rational could also be translated “pertaining to the word”; it refers to the word of God. Peter speaks of the word of God as if it were rational milk that nourishes children. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God’s pure word”

you may grow up

Quote: αὐξηθῆτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter speaks of believers advancing in the knowledge of God and faithfulness to him as if they were children growing up. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you may mature in your faith”

to salvation

Quote: εἰς σωτηρίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of salvation, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “until you are saved”

to salvation

Quote: εἰς σωτηρίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, salvation refers to when Jesus returns and God completes the salvation of his people. Peter also uses this meaning for salvation in 1:5. See how you translated salvation there. Alternate translation: “until God saves you completely”

1 Peter 2:3

if you have tasted

Quote: εἰ ἐγεύσασθε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact

Peter is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Peter is saying is not certain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since you have tasted”

if you have tasted

Quote: εἰ ἐγεύσασθε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses tasted to refer to personally experiencing something. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if you have experienced”

you have tasted that the Lord {is} kind

Quote: ἐγεύσασθε ὅτι χρηστὸς ὁ Κύριος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

This clause is a paraphrase of Psalm 34:8. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation.

1 Peter 2:4

coming to him

Quote: πρὸς ὃν προσερχόμενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, coming could indicate: (1) a factual statement, as in the UST. (2) a command, in which case “being built up” in the next verse would also be a command. Alternate translation: “Come to him”

to him

Quote: πρὸς ὃν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun him refers to Jesus, who is called “Lord” in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “to Jesus”

coming to him, a living stone

Quote: πρὸς ὃν προσερχόμενοι λίθον ζῶντα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter refers to Jesus as if he were a stone in a building. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or with a simile. Alternate translation: “coming to him, who is like a living stone in a building”

a living stone

Quote: λίθον ζῶντα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Peters speaks of a stone as if it were living. This could refer to: (1) a stone that is alive. This interpretation emphasizes the fact that Jesus is alive even though he had died. Alternate translation: “a stone that lives” (2) a stone that gives life. This interpretation emphasizes the fact that Jesus gives eternal life to everyone who believes in him. Alternate translation: “a stone that gives eternal life to others”

having been rejected by men

Quote: ὑπὸ ἀνθρώπων μὲν ἀποδεδοκιμασμένον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “one that men have rejected”

by men

Quote: ὑπὸ ἀνθρώπων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term men is masculine, Peter is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “by people”

but chosen by God

Quote: παρὰ δὲ Θεῷ ἐκλεκτὸν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but that God has chosen”

1 Peter 2:5

you yourselves, like living stones, are being built up {to be} a spiritual house

Quote: αὐτοὶ ὡς λίθοι ζῶντες οἰκοδομεῖσθε, οἶκος πνευματικὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses stones to refer to his readers, people who believe in Jesus. Just as people in the Old Testament used stones to build the temple that God dwelled in, God is using believers to bring together a group of people in whom he will dwell. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you, like stones that are put together and built into a house, are living stones that are being brought together into a spiritual community in which God dwells”

yourselves, like living stones

Quote: αὐτοὶ ὡς λίθοι ζῶντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Peters uses stones as if they were living. This emphasizes the fact that Peter’s readers have eternal life because they believe in Jesus. In this verse, living cannot mean to give life, because only God can give life. Alternate translation: “like stones that live”

you … are being built up {to be} a spiritual house

Quote: οἰκοδομεῖσθε, οἶκος πνευματικὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you … that God is building up as a spiritual house”

you … are being built up {to be

Quote: οἰκοδομεῖσθε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, are being built up could indicate: (1) a factual statement, as in the UST. (2) a command, in which case “coming to him” in the previous verse would also be a command. Alternate translation: “you … be built up”

for a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices

Quote: εἰς ἱεράτευμα ἅγιον ἀνενέγκαι πνευματικὰς θυσίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Peter speaks of believers as if they were part of a priesthood and as if their good deeds and acts of worship were sacrifices offered to God. Just as the priests in the Old Testament offered sacrifices to God, so should believers do good deeds and worship God. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or with a synonym. Alternate translation: “like the holy priesthood that offered sacrifices to God, so you are made into a group which does good spiritual deeds”

for a holy priesthood

Quote: εἰς ἱεράτευμα ἅγιον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

The word priesthood is a singular noun that refers to a group of priests. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “a group of holy priests”

spiritual sacrifices acceptable

Quote: πνευματικὰς θυσίας εὐπροσδέκτους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This could mean: (1) the sacrifices are of a spiritual, rather than physical, nature. Alternate translation: “the sacrifices of a spiritual nature that are acceptable” (2) the sacrifices are offered by the power of the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “the sacrifices offered by the power of the Holy Spirit, which are acceptable”

1 Peter 2:6

it stands in scripture

Quote: περιέχει ἐν Γραφῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Here the quotation of scripture that occurs next in the verse is spoken of as if it were a person who stands. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it is written in scripture”

it stands in scripture

Quote: περιέχει ἐν Γραφῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

This phrase introduces a quotation of an Old Testament book (Isaiah 28:16). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Peter is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “what Isaiah wrote in scripture stands”

Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone, chosen, precious. And the one believing in him may certainly not be ashamed

Quote: ἰδοὺ, τίθημι ἐν Σιὼν λίθον, ἀκρογωνιαῖον ἐκλεκτὸν ἔντιμον; καὶ ὁ πιστεύων ἐπ’ αὐτῷ, οὐ μὴ καταισχυνθῇ. (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

This sentence is a quotation from Isaiah 28:16. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation.

Behold

Quote: ἰδοὺ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter quotes Isaiah using Behold to call his readers to pay attention to what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here.

I am laying

Quote: τίθημι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

In this quotation from the Old Testament, I refers to God. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “I, God, lay”

a stone, a cornerstone

Quote: λίθον, ἀκρογωνιαῖον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here God refers to the Messiah as if he were not only a stone, but even the most important stone in a building, the cornerstone. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a simile or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “someone who is like the most important stone in a building”

a stone, a cornerstone, chosen, precious

Quote: λίθον, ἀκρογωνιαῖον ἐκλεκτὸν ἔντιμον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Here, chosen and precious show a distinction between this cornerstone and any other cornerstone. If this is not understood in your language, you could make the relationship between these phrases more clear. Alternate translation: “a cornerstone that is chosen and precious”

certainly not

Quote: οὐ μὴ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

The phrase certainly not translates two negative words in Greek. God uses them together to emphasize the truth of this statement. If your language can use two negatives together for emphasis without them cancelling each other to create a positive meaning, it would be appropriate to use that construction here.

1 Peter 2:7

the honor {is

Quote: ἡ τιμὴ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the honor refers to the statement in the previous verse that people who believe in Jesus will “certainly not be ashamed.” If this might confuse your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “this honor of never being ashamed is”

the honor {is

Quote: ἡ τιμὴ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase translated the honor could also be translated as “precious,” in which case it would refer to the “cornerstone” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “he is precious”

But to those not believing

Quote: ἀπιστοῦσιν δὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Peter is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “But to those who do not believe, God says in the scriptures”

A stone that the ones building rejected, this has become the head of the corner

Quote: λίθος ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

This sentence is a quotation from Psalm 118:22. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation.

A stone that the ones building rejected

Quote: λίθος ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author uses stone to refer to the Messiah, and he uses builders to refer to those who rejected Jesus. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: “The Messiah who was rejected just like builders reject a stone”

the head of the corner

Quote: κεφαλὴν γωνίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This phrase has the same meaning as “cornerstone” in the previous verse. It refers to the most important stone in a building. Here it refers specifically to the Messiah. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the Messiah, who is like a cornerstone”

1 Peter 2:8

and

Quote: καὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, and introduces a quotation of an Old Testament book (Isaiah 8:14). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Peter is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “and Isaiah wrote in the scriptures”

A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense

Quote: λίθος προσκόμματος, καὶ πέτρα σκανδάλου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

This sentence is a quotation from Isaiah 8:14. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation.

A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense

Quote: λίθος προσκόμματος, καὶ πέτρα σκανδάλου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter quotes Isaiah speaking of the Messiah as if he were a stone or rock that people tripped over. Peter means that many people would be offended by Jesus’ teachings and reject him. If your readers would not understand this, you could use a simile or express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “He is like a stone of stumbling and like a rock of offense”

A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense

Quote: λίθος προσκόμματος, καὶ πέτρα σκανδάλου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Peter quotes Isaiah using the possessive form twice in this sentence to describe a stone that causes stumbling and a rock that causes offense. If this is not clear in your language, you could use express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “A stone that makes people stumble and a rock that makes people feel offended”

A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense

Quote: λίθος προσκόμματος, καὶ πέτρα σκανδάλου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean almost the same thing. Isaiah says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize that people will be offended by this stone. If stating the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you could combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “a stone or a rock over which people will surely stumble”

the word

Quote: τῷ λόγῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word refers to the gospel message, which includes the command to repent and believe the gospel. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the message about Jesus”

They stumble

Quote: οἳ προσκόπτουσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, stumble could refer to: (1) being offended by the gospel, which is the meaning in the rest of this verse. Alternate translation: “They get offended” (2) being judged for rejecting the gospel. Alternate translation: “They are judged”

They stumble, disobeying the word

Quote: οἳ προσκόπτουσιν τῷ λόγῳ ἀπειθοῦντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, disobeying the word indicates the reason why they stumble. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “They stumble because they disobey the word”

disobeying the word

Quote: τῷ λόγῳ ἀπειθοῦντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, disobeying refers to disobeying the command to repent and believe the gospel, which is part of the gospel message. Therefore, this disobeying means refusing to believe the gospel. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “refusing to believe the word”

to which also they were appointed

Quote: εἰς ὃ καὶ ἐτέθησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to which God also appointed them”

to which

Quote: εἰς ὃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, which refers back to the previous part of this sentence. Those who do not believe in Jesus were appointed to stumble and disobey the word. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “To this, stumbling and disobeying the word,”

1 Peter 2:9

a chosen family, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for possession

Quote: γένος ἐκλεκτόν, βασίλειον ἱεράτευμα, ἔθνος ἅγιον, λαὸς εἰς περιποίησιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

All four of these phrases are quotations from the Old Testament. The phrase a chosen people is from Isaiah 43:20, a royal priesthood and a holy nation are from Exodus 19:6, and a people for possession is from Isaiah 43:21. It may be helpful for your readers to indicate these quotations with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations.

a chosen family

Quote: γένος ἐκλεκτόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a family whom God has chosen”

a royal priesthood

Quote: βασίλειον ἱεράτευμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This could refer to: (1) members of a priesthood who are also members of the king’s family. Alternate translation: “a kingly priesthood” (2) a priesthood which serves the king. Alternate translation: “a priesthood which serves the king”

a royal priesthood

Quote: βασίλειον ἱεράτευμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

The word priesthood is a singular noun that refers to a group of priests. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “a group of royal priests”

a people for possession

Quote: λαὸς εἰς περιποίησιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of possession, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “a people for God to possess”

of the one having called you out from darkness into his marvelous light

Quote: τοῦ ἐκ σκότους ὑμᾶς καλέσαντος, εἰς τὸ θαυμαστὸν αὐτοῦ φῶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This clause refers to God. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “of God, who called you from darkness into his marvelous light”

out from darkness into his marvelous light

Quote: ἐκ σκότους & εἰς τὸ θαυμαστὸν αὐτοῦ φῶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, darkness refers to the condition of people who do not know God and are sinful, and light refers to the condition of people who know God and are righteous. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use similes. Alternate translation: “from a life of sin and ignorance of God to a life of knowing and pleasing him”

1 Peter 2:10

not a people,” … a people of God;” … not having received mercy,” … having received mercy

Quote: οὐ λαὸς & λαὸς Θεοῦ & οὐκ ἠλεημένοι & ἐλεηθέντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

All four of these phrases are quotations from the Old Testament (Hosea 1:6–10). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate these quotations with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations.

1 Peter 2:11

General Information:

Peter begins to tell his readers how to live Christian lives.

foreigners and exiles

Quote: παροίκους καὶ παρεπιδήμους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here, foreigners and exiles mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize that Christians on this earth are far away from their home in heaven. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you can use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “true exiles”

foreigners

Quote: παροίκους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses foreigners here to refer to his Christian readers. Just like a foreigner is not in his homeland, so are Christians not at home while living on the earth. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: “those living away from their home in heaven”

exiles

Quote: παρεπιδήμους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated exiles in 1:1.

to abstain from fleshly desires

Quote: ἀπέχεσθαι τῶν σαρκικῶν ἐπιθυμιῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, fleshly refers to a person’s sinful nature. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to abstain from satisfying your sinful desires”

make war against the soul

Quote: στρατεύονται κατὰ τῆς ψυχῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Peter speaks of fleshly desires as if they were soldiers trying to destroy the spiritual life of believers. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: “will destroy your spiritual life”

the soul

Quote: τῆς ψυχῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

Peter is referring to each individual Christian to whom he is writing this letter, not one particular soul. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “your souls” or “you”

1 Peter 2:12

keeping your behavior among the Gentiles good

Quote: τὴν ἀναστροφὴν ὑμῶν ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἔχοντες καλήν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

Peter is using a statement to give a command. If this is confusing in your language, you can use a more natural form for command, starting a new sentence. Alternate translation: “Keep your behavior among the Gentiles good”

keeping your behavior among the Gentiles good

Quote: τὴν ἀναστροφὴν ὑμῶν ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἔχοντες καλήν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of behavior, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “behaving well among the Gentiles”

among the Gentiles

Quote: ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses Gentiles here to refer to people who are not Christians. Just like a Gentile was not a member of the Jewish people, so people who are not Christians are not members of God’s people. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: “among those who do not believe in Jesus” or “among those who are not Christians”

in whatever they slander you as

Quote: ἐν ᾧ καταλαλοῦσιν ὑμῶν ὡς (1)

Alternate translation: “with regard to what they slander you for as ” or “with respect to the very things that they slander you for as”

by observing your good works

Quote: ἐκ τῶν καλῶν ἔργων ἐποπτεύοντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of works, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “they may observe the good things that you do”

in the day of visitation

Quote: ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ἐπισκοπῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of visitation, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “on the day when he visits”

in the day of visitation

Quote: ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ἐπισκοπῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This phrase is an idiom that refers to the time when God will judge all people. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on the day when he comes to judge everyone”

1 Peter 2:13

for the sake of the Lord

Quote: διὰ τὸν Κύριον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the Lord refers to Jesus. This phrase could mean: (1) we should do this to follow the example of Jesus, who also obeyed human authorities. Alternate translation: “in order to follow the Lord’s example” (2) we should do this to honor Jesus. Alternate translation: “in order to honor the Lord”

to a king as one having supreme authority

Quote: βασιλεῖ ὡς ὑπερέχοντι (1)

Alternate translation: “to the king as the highest human authority” or “to the king, who has supreme human authority”

1 Peter 2:14

to governors as those being sent through him

Quote: ἡγεμόσιν ὡς δι’ αὐτοῦ πεμπομένοις (1)

Alternate translation: “to governors, who have been sent through him”

those being sent through him

Quote: δι’ αὐτοῦ πεμπομένοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom the king has sent”

those being sent through him

Quote: δι’ αὐτοῦ πεμπομένοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, him could refer to: (1) the king mentioned in the previous verse, as in the UST. (2) God, who is the one who installs and removes all governing authorities. Alternate translation: “those being sent by God”

for punishment of evildoers and praise of doers of good

Quote: εἰς ἐκδίκησιν κακοποιῶν, ἔπαινον δὲ ἀγαθοποιῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of punishment and praise, you can express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “to punish evildoers and praise those who do good”

1 Peter 2:15

doing good to silence the ignorance of the foolish people

Quote: ἀγαθοποιοῦντας φιμοῦν τὴν τῶν ἀφρόνων ἀνθρώπων ἀγνωσίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “to silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good”

doing good to silence the ignorance of the foolish people

Quote: ἀγαθοποιοῦντας φιμοῦν τὴν τῶν ἀφρόνων ἀνθρώπων ἀγνωσίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of ignorance, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “doing good to silence the ignorant things that foolish people are saying”

1 Peter 2:16

as free {people

Quote: ὡς ἐλεύθεροι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Peter is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. These words could be: (1) the command to submit to authorities stated in 2:13. Alternate translation: “submit as free people” (2) an implied imperative verb. Alternate translation: “act as free people” or “live as free people”

as a covering of evil

Quote: ὡς ἐπικάλυμμα & τῆς κακίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, covering could refer to: (1) something to prevent people from knowing about one’s evil deeds. Alternate translation: “as a way to prevent others from seeing your evil” (2) an excuse or pretext to do evil deeds. Alternate translation: “as an excuse to do evil”

1 Peter 2:17

the brotherhood

Quote: τὴν ἀδελφότητα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, brotherhood refers to all Christian believers. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the community of believers”

1 Peter 2:18

General Information:

Peter begins to speak specifically to people who were slaves who worked in people’s houses.

to the good and gentle ones

Quote: τοῖς ἀγαθοῖς καὶ ἐπιεικέσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words good and gentle mean similar things. Peter uses this repetition to emphasize that such masters treat their servants very kindly. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you can use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “to the very kind ones”

to the crooked ones

Quote: τοῖς σκολιοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, crooked ones is used to refer to people who act dishonestly or unjustly as if their morals were an object that could be bent or twisted. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the dishonest ones”

1 Peter 2:19

this {finds} favor

Quote: τοῦτο & χάρις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Peter assumes that his readers will know that he is referring to finding favor with God, which is what he states in the next verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “this is deserving of God’s favor” or “this is pleasing to God”

because of consciousness of God

Quote: διὰ συνείδησιν Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of consciousness, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “because one is aware of God”

because of consciousness of God

Quote: διὰ συνείδησιν Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Peter is using the possessive form to describe consciousness that is about or concerning God. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “because of having consciousness about God”

of God

Quote: Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, God refers to who God is and what he requires from his people. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “because of consciousness of who God is and what he requires”

1 Peter 2:20

For what credit {is there} if, sinning and being beaten, you will endure

Quote: ποῖον γὰρ κλέος, εἰ ἁμαρτάνοντες καὶ κολαφιζόμενοι ὑπομενεῖτε? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Peter is not asking for information, but is using the question form here to emphasize that there is nothing praiseworthy about suffering for doing something wrong. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate this sentence as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “For there is no credit if, sinning and being beaten, you will endure.”

being beaten

Quote: κολαφιζόμενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone beats you” or “your master beats you”

doing good and suffering

Quote: ἀγαθοποιοῦντες καὶ πάσχοντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

This could mean: (1) someone suffers even though that person did what is good. Alternate translation: “suffering despite doing good” (2) someone suffers because that person did what is good. Alternate translation: “suffering because of doing good”

this {finds} favor with God

Quote: τοῦτο χάρις παρὰ Θεῷ (1)

See how you translated a similar phrase in the previous verse.

1 Peter 2:21

to this

Quote: εἰς τοῦτο (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, this refers back to what Peter stated at the end of the previous verse. Believers are called by God to endure suffering while doing what is good. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “to endure suffering when you have done what is good”

to this you were called

Quote: εἰς τοῦτο & ἐκλήθητε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God has called you to this”

you might follow in his footsteps

Quote: ἐπακολουθήσητε τοῖς ἴχνεσιν αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses follow in his footsteps to refer to following Jesus’ example about enduring suffering. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you might imitate his behavior”

1 Peter 2:22

who did no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth

Quote: ὃς ἁμαρτίαν οὐκ ἐποίησεν, οὐδὲ εὑρέθη δόλος ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

This verse is a quotation from Isaiah 53:9. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation.

neither was deceit found in his mouth

Quote: οὐδὲ εὑρέθη δόλος ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “neither did anyone find deceit in his mouth”

neither was deceit found in his mouth

Quote: οὐδὲ εὑρέθη δόλος ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter quotes Isaiah referring to deceit as if it were an object that could be found inside someone’s mouth. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “neither was deceit spoken out of his mouth”

neither was deceit found in his mouth

Quote: οὐδὲ εὑρέθη δόλος ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Peter quotes Isaiah describing something the Messiah would say by association with his mouth, which he would use to say something. In this case it is something the Messiah did not say. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “neither did he say something deceitful”

1 Peter 2:23

who being reviled, did not revile back

Quote: ὃς λοιδορούμενος, οὐκ ἀντελοιδόρει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom people reviled, did not revile them back”

he entrusted {himself} to the one judging justly

Quote: παρεδίδου & τῷ κρίνοντι δικαίως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the one judging justly refers to God. This means that Jesus trusted God to punish those who reviled him or to prove that he was innocent. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “he entrusted himself to God, who judges justly”

1 Peter 2:24

who himself bore our sins

Quote: ὃς τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν αὐτὸς ἀνήνεγκεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns

Peter uses the word himself here to emphasize that Jesus alone is the one who bore our sins. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “none other than Jesus bore our sins” or “Jesus, that very person, bore our sins”

bore our sins in his body on the tree

Quote: τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν & ἀνήνεγκεν ἐν τῷ σώματι αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τὸ ξύλον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses bore our sins to refer to Jesus being punished for our sins as if sins were an object that he carried on his body. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “suffered the punishment for our sins in his body on the tree”

the tree

Quote: τὸ ξύλον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Peter uses tree to refer to the cross on which Jesus died, which was made of wood. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language, as in the UST.

having died to the sins

Quote: ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις ἀπογενόμενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, having died to sins is a metaphor that means to no longer be controlled by sin. Like a dead person is free from sinning because they are no longer alive, so believers are free to stop sinning because Jesus bore the punishment for their sins. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “being no longer controlled by sin”

having died to the sins

Quote: ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις ἀπογενόμενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential

This clause refers to an event that occurs before the event in the next clause. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could show this relationship by using a fuller phrase. Alternate translation: “after having died to sins”

we might live for righteousness

Quote: τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ ζήσωμεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

When Peter says we, he is speaking of himself and other believers in Christ, so we would be inclusive. Your language may require you to mark this form.

by whose wounds you were healed

Quote: οὗ τῷ μώλωπι ἰάθητε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

This clause is a quotation from Isaiah 53:5. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation.

by whose wounds you were healed

Quote: οὗ τῷ μώλωπι ἰάθητε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God has healed you by means of his wounds”

by whose wounds

Quote: οὗ τῷ μώλωπι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, wounds refers to all the suffering Jesus endured when he was beaten and killed on the cross. If our readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by whose suffering and death”

you were healed

Quote: ἰάθητε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, healed could mean: (1) being freed from the penalty and power of sin, which could include physical healing. Alternate translation: “you were freed from the effects of sin” (2) being forgiven for their sins and having a restored relationship with God. Alternate translation: “you were forgiven”

1 Peter 2:25

you were like straying sheep

Quote: ἦτε & ὡς πρόβατα πλανώμενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Peter speaks about his readers before they believed in Christ as if they had been similar to lost sheep that were wandering around aimlessly. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you were living aimlessly without knowing God”

you have been turned back

Quote: ἐπεστράφητε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God has turned you back”

the shepherd and overseer of your souls

Quote: τὸν ποιμένα καὶ ἐπίσκοπον τῶν ψυχῶν ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses shepherd and overseer to refer to Jesus. Just as a shepherd protects his sheep and an overseer takes care of his workers, Jesus protects and takes care of those who trust in him. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one who protects and takes care of your souls”

of your souls

Quote: τῶν ψυχῶν ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

See how you translated souls in 1:9.

1 Peter 3

1 Peter 3 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

1. How believers should act toward other people (2:11–3:12)
2. How believers should endure suffering (3:13–4:6)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 3:10–12.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

“the spirits in prison”

3:19 states that Jesus went and proclaimed to “the spirits in prison,” but does not mention what Jesus proclaimed or who those spirits are. 3:20 states that these spirits disobeyed God during the time of Noah. Many scholars think that this means one of the following three meanings, each of which will be discussed in the notes for verses 19 and 20: (1) The spirits are demons who were imprisoned by God because they did something evil during Noah’s time (See: 2 Peter 2:4–5; Jude 6–7; Genesis 6:1–4). 3:19 then means that Jesus went to the place where they are imprisoned and proclaimed his victory to them at some time between his death on the cross and his return to heaven. (2) The spirits are sinful human beings who died during the flood in Noah’s time, and the prison is the realm of the dead. 3:19 then means that Jesus went to hell and proclaimed his victory to those dead people there at some time between his death and resurrection. (3) The spirits are sinful human beings who died during the flood in Noah’s time, but 3:19 refers to the pre-incarnate form of Jesus indirectly preaching the gospel to them through the preaching of Noah.

“Baptism now saves you”

In 3:20 Peter refers to the story of God rescuing Noah and his family from the flood “through water.” Then in 3:21 he states that the water is an “antitype” for baptism, which is a Christian ritual by which a person publicly identifies as a Christian. Then Peter makes the statement that baptism “now saves you.” Since the New Testament authors repeatedly state that God alone saves people and that no one can do any work to be saved, Peter’s statement cannot mean that a person can be saved by being baptized. Rather, Peter uses the word “baptism” to refer to the faith in Jesus that a person publicly confesses when that person is baptized. Peter indicates later in 3:21 that he is not referring to water baptism, which he describes as “the removal of dirt from the flesh.” Peter further states that the baptism he is referring to saves “through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” which means that a person is saved by faith in Jesus, because Jesus rose from the dead.

1 Peter 3:1

General Information:

In 3:1–6 Peter gives instructions specifically to women who are wives.

some are being disobedient to the word

Quote: τινες ἀπειθοῦσιν τῷ λόγῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, being disobedient to the word could refer to: (1) refusing to believe the gospel message, as in 2:8. Alternate translation: “some do not believe the message about Jesus” (2) disobeying the commands God gave in his word. Alternate translation: “some do not obey what God commands in his word”

they will be won

Quote: κερδηθήσονται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will win them”

they will be won

Quote: κερδηθήσονται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, won is an idiom that means that the unbelieving husbands will become believers in Jesus. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “they will be persuaded to believe in Christ”

without a word

Quote: ἄνευ λόγου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Peter is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “without you saying a word.”

without a word

Quote: ἄνευ λόγου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, word refers to anything the wives might say to their husbands about the gospel message. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “without a word about the gospel”

1 Peter 3:2

having observed

Quote: ἐποπτεύσαντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

This phrase indicates the reason why the unbelieving husbands would become believers in Jesus. These husbands became believers because they observed how their wives behaved. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “because they observed”

your pure behavior with fear

Quote: τὴν ἐν φόβῳ ἁγνὴν ἀναστροφὴν ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of behavior, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “you behave purely and with fear”

your pure behavior

Quote: τὴν & ἁγνὴν ἀναστροφὴν ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This could refer to: (1) the wives’ sincere and honest behavior. Alternate translation: “your sincere behavior” (2) the wives’ sexually chaste behavior. Alternate translation: “your sexually chaste behavior”

1 Peter 3:3

whose

Quote: ὧν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, whose refers to the Christian wives to whom Peter is speaking. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “your”

whose adornment

Quote: ὧν & κόσμος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of adornment, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “they way you adorn yourselves”

1 Peter 3:4

but the hidden man of the heart

Quote: ἀλλ’ ὁ κρυπτὸς τῆς καρδίας ἄνθρωπος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

If it would be helpful in your language, you could begin this verse as a new sentence. If you do so, then you will need to repeat the subject and verb from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “Rather, let your adornment be the inner man of the heart”

the hidden man of the heart

Quote: ὁ κρυπτὸς τῆς καρδίας ἄνθρωπος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, hidden man and heart both refer to a person’s thoughts or emotions. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the inner thoughts”

the hidden man of the heart

Quote: ὁ κρυπτὸς τῆς καρδίας ἄνθρωπος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Peter is using the possessive form to indicate that the hidden man is the same thing as the heart. If this is not clear in your language, you could use express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the hidden man, which is the heart” or “the hidden man, namely, the heart”

in the imperishable thing of the gentle and quiet spirit

Quote: ἐν τῷ ἀφθάρτῳ τοῦ πραέως καὶ ἡσυχίου πνεύματος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Peter is using the possessive form to indicate that the imperishable thing is the same thing as a gentle and quiet spirit. If this is not clear in your language, you could use express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “in the imperishable thing, which is a gentle and quiet spirit” or “in the imperishable thing, namely, a gentle and quiet spirit”

of the gentle and quiet spirit

Quote: τοῦ πραέως καὶ ἡσυχίου πνεύματος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here,quiet means “peaceful” or “calm.” It does not mean the opposite of loud. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of a gentle and peaceful spirit”

of the gentle and quiet spirit

Quote: τοῦ πραέως καὶ ἡσυχίου πνεύματος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, spirit refers to a person’s attitude or temperament. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of a gentle and quiet attitude.”

which is very precious before God

Quote: ὅ ἐστιν ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ πολυτελές (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter refers to God’s opinion as if it were a person standing directly in front of him. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “which God considers to be very precious”

1 Peter 3:5

adorned themselves

Quote: ἐκόσμουν ἑαυτάς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter speaks of the attitude of the holy women as if it were something with which they adorned themselves. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “made themselves beautiful”

being subjected to their own husbands

Quote: ὑποτασσόμεναι τοῖς ἰδίοις ἀνδράσιν (1)

See how you translated the similar clause in 3:1.

1 Peter 3:6

whose children you have become

Quote: ἧς ἐγενήθητε τέκνα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Peter uses a Hebrew idiom here in which people are said to be the children of someone who has qualities similar to theirs. Women who believe and who act like Sarah acted are thought of as if they were her actual children. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: “who resemble her as if you were her children”

not being afraid of any terror

Quote: μὴ φοβούμεναι μηδεμίαν πτόησιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

The phrase not being afraid of any translates two negative words in Greek. Peter uses them together to emphasize that believing women should not fear anything at all. If your language can use two negatives together for emphasis without them cancelling each other to create a positive meaning, it would be appropriate to use that construction here.

1 Peter 3:7

General Information:

In this verse Peter gives instructions specifically to men who are husbands.

live with the female

Quote: συνοικοῦντες & τῷ γυναικείῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

Here, the female refers to the wives of the men to whom Peter is writing, not to one particular woman. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “live with the women whom you have married”

according to knowledge

Quote: κατὰ γνῶσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in a knowledgeable way”

as with a weaker container

Quote: ὡς ἀσθενεστέρῳ σκεύει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Peter refers to women as if they were weaker containers. The word container is a term used to refer to both men and women in the Bible (Acts 9:15). Just as clay pots can break easily, so are human beings weak. Here Peter specifically refers to women as weaker containers because woman are usually physically weaker than men. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as with someone who is weaker than you are”

assigning honor as also fellow heirs of the grace of life

Quote: ἀπονέμοντες τιμήν ὡς καὶ συνκληρονόμοις χάριτος ζωῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of honor and heirs, you can express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “honor them as also those who will inherit with you the grace of life”

fellow heirs of the grace of life

Quote: συνκληρονόμοις χάριτος ζωῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter speaks of the grace of life as if it were something that people inherit. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: “those who will experience the grace of life together”

of the grace of life

Quote: χάριτος ζωῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Peter is using the possessive form to describe grace that is life. The word grace refers to a gracious gift and life refers to eternal life. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “of the gracious gift, namely, eternal life”

so that your prayers will not be hindered

Quote: εἰς τὸ μὴ ἐνκόπτεσθαι τὰς προσευχὰς ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that nothing will hinder your prayers”

1 Peter 3:8

General Information:

In 3:8–12 Peter writes instructions to all believers.

be} likeminded

Quote: ὁμόφρονες (1)

Alternate translation: “have the same opinion and be” or “have the same attitude and be”

loving as brothers

Quote: φιλάδελφοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although brothers is masculine, Peter is using the phrase loving as brothers in a generic sense to refer to the kind of love that all believers should have for other believers. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “loving as fellow believers”

1 Peter 3:9

not paying back evil in exchange for evil or insult in exchange for insult

Quote: μὴ ἀποδιδόντες κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ, ἢ λοιδορίαν ἀντὶ λοιδορίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses paying back to refer to responding to the actions of another person as if one was returning money to that person for those actions. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “not doing evil to someone who does evil to you or insulting someone who insults you”

blessing

Quote: εὐλογοῦντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Peter is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “blessing those who do evil to you or insult you”

to this you were called

Quote: εἰς τοῦτο ἐκλήθητε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God called you to this”

to this you were called so that

Quote: εἰς τοῦτο ἐκλήθητε, ἵνα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, this could refer to: (1) blessing earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “you were called to bless so that” (2) inherit a blessing later in the verse “to this you were called so that”

so that you might inherit a blessing

Quote: ἵνα εὐλογίαν κληρονομήσητε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter speaks of experiencing God’s blessing as if one is receiving an inheritance. If this might confuse your readers, you could express it plainly. Alternate translation: “so that you might experience God’s blessing as your permanent possession”

1 Peter 3:10

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

For here introduces a quotation from the Old Testament (Psalm 34:12–16). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Peter is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “It is as David wrote in the scriptures”

Let the one wanting to love life and to see good days stop

Quote: ὁ & θέλων ζωὴν ἀγαπᾶν, καὶ ἰδεῖν ἡμέρας ἀγαθὰς, παυσάτω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

From this clause through to the end of 3:12, Peter quotes from Psalm 34:12–16. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation.

the one wanting to love life and to see good days

Quote: ὁ & θέλων ζωὴν ἀγαπᾶν, καὶ ἰδεῖν ἡμέρας ἀγαθὰς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the desire to have a good life. If stating the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you could combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “the one truly wanting to have a good life”

to see good days

Quote: ἰδεῖν ἡμέρας ἀγαθὰς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter quotes David speaking of experiencing a good lifetime as to see good days. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to experience a good lifetime”

his tongue from evil, and his lips not to speak deceit

Quote: τὴν γλῶσσαν ἀπὸ κακοῦ, καὶ χείλη τοῦ μὴ λαλῆσαι δόλον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Peter quotes David using the words tongue and lips to refer to the person who is speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “himself from speaking evil and from speaking deceit”

his tongue from evil, and his lips not to speak deceit

Quote: τὴν γλῶσσαν ἀπὸ κακοῦ, καὶ χείλη τοῦ μὴ λαλῆσαι δόλον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of evil and deceit, you can express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “his tongue from saying evil things and his lips from speaking deceitful things”

1 Peter 3:11

let him turn away from evil

Quote: ἐκκλινάτω & ἀπὸ κακοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, turn away from is a metaphor that means to avoid doing something. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “let him avoid doing evil”

Let him seek peace and let him pursue it

Quote: ζητησάτω εἰρήνην καὶ διωξάτω αὐτήν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The phrases seek peace and pursue it mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize the importance of living peacefully with other people. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you can use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Let him earnestly pursue peace”

Let him seek peace

Quote: ζητησάτω εἰρήνην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, peace refers to peaceful relationships between people. If it might be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Let him seek to live peacefully with others”

1 Peter 3:12

the eyes of the Lord {are} on righteous ones

Quote: ὀφθαλμοὶ Κυρίου ἐπὶ δικαίους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, eyes being on someone is an idiom that refers to God acting favorably toward someone by taking care of that person. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a similar idiom in your language. Alternate translation: “The Lord lovingly takes care of the righteous ones”

his ears {are} toward their request

Quote: ὦτα αὐτοῦ εἰς δέησιν αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, ears being toward someone’s request is an idiom that refers to God listening to that person’s request. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a similar idiom in your language. Alternate translation: “the Lord listens to their request”

his ears {are} toward their request

Quote: ὦτα αὐτοῦ εἰς δέησιν αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The idea that the Lord listens to the requests of righteous people also implies that he responds to those requests. If this might be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “he listens to and grants their request”

their request

Quote: δέησιν αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

Here, request refers to requests in general, not to one particular request. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “their requests”

but the face of the Lord {is} against

Quote: πρόσωπον δὲ Κυρίου ἐπὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, face refers to the Lord himself. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “But the Lord is against”

but the face of the Lord {is} against

Quote: πρόσωπον δὲ Κυρίου ἐπὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the face being against someone is an idiom that refers to one person opposing another person. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a similar idiom in your language. Alternate translation: “but the Lord opposes”

those doing evil

Quote: ποιοῦντας κακά (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

After this phrase, Peter also ends his quotation from the book of Psalms. If you decided in 3:10 to mark this as a quotation, indicate that ending here with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation.

1 Peter 3:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

In 3:13–22 Peter teaches the believers how to behave when unbelievers persecute them.

who {is} the one who will harm you if you become zealous ones of the good

Quote: τίς ὁ κακώσων ὑμᾶς, ἐὰν τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ ζηλωταὶ γένησθε? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Peter is not asking for information, but is using the question form here to emphasize that it is unlikely that someone would harm them if they did good things. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “no one will harm you if you become zealous ones of the good”

zealous ones of the good

Quote: τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ ζηλωταὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Peter is using the possessive form to describe people who are zealous about doing good deeds. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “ones zealous to do good deeds”

1 Peter 3:14

you might suffer because of righteousness

Quote: πάσχοιτε διὰ δικαιοσύνην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “you might suffer because you do what is right”

you are} blessed ones

Quote: μακάριοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will cause you to be blessed ones”

But you should not fear the fear of them nor be troubled

Quote: τὸν δὲ φόβον αὐτῶν, μὴ φοβηθῆτε μηδὲ ταραχθῆτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

This sentence is a quotation from Isaiah 8:12. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation.

But you should not fear the fear of them nor be troubled

Quote: τὸν δὲ φόβον αὐτῶν, μὴ φοβηθῆτε μηδὲ ταραχθῆτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean the same thing. Peter states the same idea twice in order to emphasize that believers should not be afraid of people who persecute them. If stating the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you could combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “But you should not fear at all what people might do to you”

you should not fear the fear of them

Quote: τὸν & φόβον αὐτῶν, μὴ φοβηθῆτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

This could refer to: (1) the fear that unbelievers have. Alternate translation: “you should not fear what they fear” or “you should not fear the same things that they fear” (2) the fear that righteous people have for unbelievers. Alternate translation: “you should not fear them”

1 Peter 3:15

sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts

Quote: Κύριον & τὸν Χριστὸν ἁγιάσατε ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses sanctify the Lord Christ to refer to acknowledging Christ’s holiness. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “acknowledge in your hearts that the Lord Christ is holy”

in your hearts

Quote: ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, hearts refers to the thoughts or emotions of Peter’s readers. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in your minds” or “within yourselves”

for a defense

Quote: πρὸς ἀπολογίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of defense, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to defend your faith”

who asks you for a word

Quote: τῷ αἰτοῦντι ὑμᾶς λόγον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Peter uses word to refer to an answer or explanation spoken by using words. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who asks you for a statement”

concerning the hope in you

Quote: περὶ τῆς ἐν ὑμῖν ἐλπίδος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter speaks of hope as if it were something that could be inside a person. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “concerning your hope” or “concerning the hope that you have”

1 Peter 3:16

with meekness and fear

Quote: μετὰ πραΰτητος καὶ φόβου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of meekness and fear, you can express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “by being meek and fearful”

having a good conscience

Quote: συνείδησιν ἔχοντες ἀγαθήν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

This phrase implies not doing anything sinful that would cause a person to not have a good conscience. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “doing nothing wrong”

so that, in what you are being slandered, the ones reviling your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed

Quote: ἵνα ἐν ᾧ καταλαλεῖσθε, καταισχυνθῶσιν, οἱ ἐπηρεάζοντες ὑμῶν τὴν ἀγαθὴν ἐν Χριστῷ ἀναστροφήν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: “so that the ones who are reviling your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed about why you are being slandered”

you are being slandered

Quote: καταλαλεῖσθε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people are slandering you”

your good behavior in Christ

Quote: ὑμῶν τὴν ἀγαθὴν ἐν Χριστῷ ἀναστροφήν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, in Christ refers to being a Christian. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “your good behavior as a Christian”

the ones reviling your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed

Quote: καταισχυνθῶσιν, οἱ ἐπηρεάζοντες ὑμῶν τὴν ἀγαθὴν ἐν Χριστῷ ἀναστροφήν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God may shame the ones who are reviling your good behavior in Christ”

1 Peter 3:17

doing good, … doing evil

Quote: ἀγαθοποιοῦντας & κακοποιοῦντας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

These two phrases indicate two different reasons for suffering. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “because of doing good … because of doing evil”

if the will of God wills

Quote: εἰ θέλοι τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Peter uses the will of God to refer to God himself. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if God wills”

1 Peter 3:18

for sins

Quote: περὶ ἁμαρτιῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, sins implies the sins of people other than Jesus, because Jesus never sinned. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “for the sake of the sins of others”

having indeed been killed in flesh

Quote: θανατωθεὶς μὲν σαρκὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people having indeed killed him in the flesh”

having indeed been killed in flesh

Quote: θανατωθεὶς μὲν σαρκὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, flesh refers to Christ’s body, which was made of flesh. Peter is saying that the body of Christ was killed. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “having indeed been killed physically”

having been made alive in spirit

Quote: ζῳοποιηθεὶς & πνεύματι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God’s spirit having made him alive” or “God having made him alive in the spirit”

having been made alive in spirit

Quote: ζῳοποιηθεὶς & πνεύματι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, spirit could refer to: (1) the Holy Spirit, in which case this phrase would indicate the means by which Jesus was made alive. Alternate translation: “having been made him alive by the Spirit” (2) Jesus’ spiritual existence, in which case this phrase would be referring to the spiritual realm that is in contrast to the physical realm referred to with the phrase “in the flesh.” Alternate translation: “having been made alive spiritually” or “having been made alive in the spiritual realm”

1 Peter 3:19

in which

Quote: ἐν ᾧ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, which refers to “spirit” in the previous verse. As in the previous verse, this could refer to: (1) the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “by means of the Spirit” (2) Jesus’ spiritual existence. Alternate translation: “in the spiritual realm”

he proclaimed

Quote: ἐκήρυξεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Peter is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. This phrase could mean: (1) Jesus proclaimed God’s victory over sin and death, which he accomplished through his death and resurrection. Alternate translation: “he proclaimed God’s victory” (2) Jesus preached the gospel to wicked people indirectly through the preaching of Noah during the time before the great flood. This interpretation is less likely to be correct, because it would mean that Noah was actually the one preaching and Peter does not mention Noah preaching or Jesus’ pre-incarnate existence anywhere in this letter. Alternate translation: “he preached the gospel”

to the spirits in prison

Quote: τοῖς ἐν φυλακῇ πνεύμασιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, spirits could refer to: (1) evil spirits whom God imprisoned because of what they did before the flood that occurred in Noah’s time (See: 2 Peter 2:4–5; Jude 6–7; Genesis 6:1–4), as in the UST. (2) the spirits of people who died during the flood that occurred in Noah’s time. This interpretation is a less likely to be correct because Peter never refers to people as spirits, but rather “souls,” as in the next verse. Alternate translation: “to those people who had died and were in prison”

in prison

Quote: ἐν φυλακῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Peter uses prison as a metaphor. It could refer to: (1) a place where God imprisoned certain evil spirits whom he will judge when he judges the whole world (See: 2 Peter 2:4–5; Jude 6–7). Alternate translation: “whom God had imprisoned to await judgment” (2) the place where sinful people go when they die. Alternate translation: “in hell”

1 Peter 3:20

having disobeyed

Quote: ἀπειθήσασίν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Peter is leaving out a word that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply the word from the context. Alternate translation: “having disobeyed God”

the patience of God

Quote: ἡ τοῦ Θεοῦ μακροθυμία (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Peter uses patience of God to refer to God himself. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “God himself”

in the days of Noah

Quote: ἐν ἡμέραις Νῶε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here Peter uses days of Noah to refer to the time period when Noah was alive. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the time of Noah”

an ark being constructed

Quote: κατασκευαζομένης κιβωτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when Noah was constructing an ark”

1 Peter 3:21

which

Quote: ὃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, which refers back to the “water” mentioned at the end of the last verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this explicitly, as in the UST.

which, {being} an antitype, now saves you also, baptism

Quote: ὃ καὶ ὑμᾶς ἀντίτυπον νῦν σῴζει βάπτισμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “which, being an antitype for baptism, now saves you also”

which, {being} an antitype, now saves you also, baptism

Quote: ὃ καὶ ὑμᾶς ἀντίτυπον νῦν σῴζει βάπτισμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, antitype refers to one thing that is an analogy for another thing. In this context the “water” from the previous verse is an analogy for baptism. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “which is a symbol for baptism, now saves you also” or “which is analogous to baptism, now saves you also”

baptism

Quote: βάπτισμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here Peter uses baptism to refer to the faith in Jesus that believers profess when they are baptized. The Bible clearly states that God saves people by grace through faith, not by any work like baptism (Ephesians 2:8–9). See the discussion in the General Notes for this chapter. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the faith in Jesus demonstrated by baptism”

not a removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal of a good conscience to God

Quote: οὐ σαρκὸς ἀπόθεσις ῥύπου, ἀλλὰ συνειδήσεως ἀγαθῆς, ἐπερώτημα εἰς Θεόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of removal and appeal, you can express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “it does not remove dirt from the flesh, but appeals to God for a good conscience”

from the flesh

Quote: σαρκὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, Peter uses flesh to refer to a person’s physical body that is made of flesh. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the body”

an appeal of a good conscience to God

Quote: συνειδήσεως ἀγαθῆς, ἐπερώτημα εἰς Θεόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here the phrase a good conscience means Peter’s readers do not feel guilty because they know that God has forgiven their sins. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “an appeal to God to know that your sins have been forgiven”

now saves you also, baptism—not a removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal of a good conscience to God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Quote: καὶ ὑμᾶς & νῦν σῴζει βάπτισμα, οὐ σαρκὸς ἀπόθεσις ῥύπου, ἀλλὰ συνειδήσεως ἀγαθῆς, ἐπερώτημα εἰς Θεόν δι’ ἀναστάσεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

Here, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ indicates the means by which the faith demonstrated by baptism saves. If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases to make that meaning clear. Alternate translation: “baptism now saves you also through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is not a removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience”

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Quote: δι’ ἀναστάσεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of resurrection, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “through God raising Jesus Christ from the dead”

1 Peter 3:22

who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, with angels and authorities and powers having been subjected to him

Quote: ὅς ἐστιν ἐν δεξιᾷ Θεοῦ, πορευθεὶς εἰς οὐρανὸν, ὑποταγέντων αὐτῷ ἀγγέλων, καὶ ἐξουσιῶν, καὶ δυνάμεων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

The phrases having gone and having been subjected indicate that those two clauses describe events that occurred before the event in the first clause in this verse. If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases so that they appear in chronological order. Alternate translation: “after having gone into heaven, with angels and authorities and powers having been subjected to him, he is at the right hand of God”

who is at the right hand of God

Quote: ὅς ἐστιν ἐν δεξιᾷ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, Peter uses right hand to refer to the place located at the right side of God in heaven. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who is at God’s right side”

who is at the right hand of God

Quote: ὅς ἐστιν ἐν δεξιᾷ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

In this culture, the place at the right side of a ruler was a position of honor. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “who is at the place of honor next to God”

with angels and authorities and powers having been subjected to him

Quote: ὑποταγέντων αὐτῷ ἀγγέλων, καὶ ἐξουσιῶν, καὶ δυνάμεων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words angels, authorities, and powers are all terms for the ranks of supernatural beings, both angelic and demonic. If your language does not have three different terms for rulers or authorities, you can combine them. Alternate translation: “all types of supernatural beings having been subjected to him”

with angels and authorities and powers having been subjected to him

Quote: ὑποταγέντων αὐτῷ ἀγγέλων, καὶ ἐξουσιῶν, καὶ δυνάμεων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God having subjected angels and authorities and powers to him”

1 Peter 4

1 Peter 4 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

1. How believers should endure suffering (3:13–4:6)
2. How believers should act because the end is near (4:7–11)
3. How believers should respond to trials (4:12–19)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 4:18.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Ungodly Gentiles

Although the term “Gentiles” usually refers to people who are not Jewish, in 4:3 Peter uses “Gentiles” to refer to all ungodly people who are not Jews. It does not include Gentiles who have become Christians. Actions like “licentiousness, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry” were typical of ungodly Gentiles. (See: godly, godliness, ungodly, godless, ungodliness, godlessness)

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

“Let him” and “Let those”

In 4:16–19 Peter uses these phrases to tell his readers what he wants them to do. Although they are commands that he wants his readers to obey, it is as if he were telling one person what he wants other people to do. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate these as commands, like the UST does.

1 Peter 4:1

Therefore

Quote: οὖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Therefore here refers back to what Peter has said about Jesus’ suffering in 3:18. If it might help your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Considering what I have written about Christ’s suffering”

in the flesh, … in the flesh

Quote: σαρκὶ & σαρκὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, flesh refers to the human body, which is made of flesh. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the body … in the body”

arm yourselves {with} the same way of thinking

Quote: ὑμεῖς τὴν αὐτὴν ἔννοιαν ὁπλίσασθε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Peter uses arm yourselves to refer to preparing one’s mind for something. As soldiers get their weapons ready for battle, so should Christians be mentally prepared to suffer for their faith. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: “prepare your minds with the same way of thinking”

with} the same way of thinking

Quote: τὴν αὐτὴν ἔννοιαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Peter uses the same way of thinking to refer to Jesus’ way of thinking when he suffered. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “with the same way of thinking about suffering that Christ had when he suffered”

has ceased from sin

Quote: πέπαυται ἁμαρτίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, ceased from sin means “no longer living with a sinful mindset.” The idea is that suffering because of one’s faith indicates that a person is not living sinfully. Christians are often persecuted by unbelievers because they refuse to act sinfully. This phrase does not mean that Christians who suffer never sin. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “has stopped living sinfully”

1 Peter 4:2

in order to

Quote: εἰς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, in order to introduces a purpose clause. This could mean: (1) this verse states the purpose for ceasing from sin mentioned at the end of the previous verse. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “so that he will” (2) this verse states the purpose for the command to “arm yourselves” in the previous verse. Alternate translation (starting a new sentence): “Arm yourselves in order to”

the remaining time in the flesh

Quote: τὸν ἐπίλοιπον ἐν σαρκὶ & χρόνον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Peter uses time in the flesh to refer to a person’s lifetime. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the remaining time of your life” or “the rest of your life”

for the desires of men

Quote: ἀνθρώπων ἐπιθυμίαις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, desires refers specifically to sinful desires. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “for the sinful desires of men”

for the desires of men

Quote: ἀνθρώπων ἐπιθυμίαις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term men is masculine, Peter is using the word here in a generic sense to refer to humans in general. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for human desires”

1 Peter 4:3

the time having passed {is} enough

Quote: ἀρκετὸς & ὁ παρεληλυθὼς χρόνος (1)

Alternate translation: “enough time has passed”

the will of the Gentiles

Quote: τὸ βούλημα τῶν ἐθνῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Peter uses Gentiles to refer to sinful people who do not know God. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. See the discussion of this term in the General Notes for this chapter. Alternate translation: “the will of those people who do not know God”

having lived in licentiousness, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry

Quote: πεπορευμένους ἐν ἀσελγείαις, ἐπιθυμίαις, οἰνοφλυγίαις, κώμοις, πότοις, καὶ ἀθεμίτοις εἰδωλολατρίαις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter speaks of these different sins as if they were places that his readers had formerly lived in. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “having practiced licentiousness, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry”

having lived in licentiousness, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry

Quote: πεπορευμένους ἐν ἀσελγείαις, ἐπιθυμίαις, οἰνοφλυγίαις, κώμοις, πότοις, καὶ ἀθεμίτοις εἰδωλολατρίαις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of licentiousness, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, and idolatry, you can express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “having lived licentious and lustful lives, getting drunk, attending immoral parties and drinking parties, and worshiping prohibited idols”

1 Peter 4:4

you are not running with {them} into the same outpouring of recklessness

Quote: μὴ συντρεχόντων ὑμῶν εἰς τὴν αὐτὴν τῆς ἀσωτίας ἀνάχυσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses running into to refer to being eager to participate in sinful acts with unbelievers. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are not eagerly joining them to participate in the same outpouring of recklessness”

outpouring of recklessness

Quote: τῆς ἀσωτίας ἀνάχυσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses outpouring to refer to acting sinfully to such a high degree that it is as if sin were pouring out of the person like a flood. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “abundant acts of recklessness”

of recklessness

Quote: τῆς ἀσωτίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The word recklessness refers to dangerous behavior that shows that a person does not care about the consequences of his actions. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of careless sinning”

1 Peter 4:5

they will give a word

Quote: οἳ ἀποδώσουσιν λόγον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Peter uses give to refer to speaking something. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will speak a word”

they will give a word

Quote: οἳ ἀποδώσουσιν λόγον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here Peter uses word to refer to an explanation that they would speak using words. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will give an account”

to the one being ready to judge

Quote: τῷ ἑτοίμως ἔχοντι κρῖναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the one being ready to judge could refer to: (1) God. Alternate translation: “to God, who is ready to judge” (2) Christ. Alternate translation: “to Christ, who is ready to judge”

those living and dead ones

Quote: ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

The phrase living and dead ones refers to all people, whether they are still alive or have died. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “everyone”

1 Peter 4:6

the gospel was preached also to dead ones

Quote: καὶ νεκροῖς εὐηγγελίσθη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, dead ones refers to people who heard the gospel while they were alive but had died by the time Peter wrote this letter. Some people believe that this clause means that Jesus went to hell and preached the gospel to people who had died before Jesus himself died on the cross. However, that idea would contradict the statement in Hebrews 9:27 that “men are appointed to die once, and after that, the judgment.” The Bible does not state that God gave anyone a second chance to believe in Jesus after they had already died. If this use of dead ones might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the gospel was preached also to those who have since died”

the gospel was preached

Quote: εὐηγγελίσθη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) people preached the gospel. Alternate translation: “people preached the gospel” (2) Christ preached the gospel. Alternate translation: “Christ preached the gospel”

they might be judged indeed in the flesh according to men

Quote: κριθῶσι μὲν κατὰ ἀνθρώπους σαρκὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) men judged and persecuted them during their lives according to human standards. Alternate translation: “men judged them in the flesh by human standards” (2) God judged them as humans during their lives. Alternate translation: “God indeed judged them in the flesh as humans”

according to men

Quote: κατὰ ἀνθρώπους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term men is masculine, Peter is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “according to people” or “as people”

in the flesh

Quote: σαρκὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here Peter uses in the flesh to refer to a person’s lifetime. See how you translated this expression in 4:2.

they might live

Quote: ζῶσι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, live refers to experiencing eternal life. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they might experience eternal life”

they might live in the spirit

Quote: ζῶσι & πνεύματι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the spirit could refer to: (1) the Holy Spirit, in which case this phrase would indicate the means by which the people received eternal life. Alternate translation: “they might live by the Spirit” (2) their spiritual existence, in which case this phrase would be referring to the spiritual realm that is contrasted with the physical realm mentioned earlier in the verse with the phrase “in the flesh.” Alternate translation: “they might live spiritually” or “they might live in the spiritual realm” See how you translated the same expression in 3:18.

1 Peter 4:7

the end of all things

Quote: πάντων & τὸ τέλος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the end of all things refers to the end of the world, when Jesus returns and judges everyone. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the end of the world, when Jesus returns,”

has come near

Quote: ἤγγικεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses has come near to refer to something that will happen soon. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will soon happen”

be of sound mind, and be sober

Quote: σωφρονήσατε & καὶ νήψατε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words translated as sound mind and sober mean basically the same thing. Peter uses them to emphasize the need to think clearly since the end of the world is near. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you can use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “be completely clearheaded”

be sober

Quote: νήψατε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated sober in 1:13.

for prayers

Quote: εἰς προσευχάς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, for introduces a purpose clause. Peter is stating a purpose for his readers to think clearly. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of praying prayers”

1 Peter 4:8

for love covers up a multitude of sins

Quote: ὅτι ἀγάπη καλύψει πλῆθος ἁμαρτιῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter describes love as if it were a person who could cover something up, and he describes sins as if they were objects that could be covered up. This clause, covers up, means that people who love others will forgive them for the sins that they commit against them. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use similes. Alternate translation: “for those who love forgive the many sins committed against them by others”

1 Peter 4:9

be} hospitable ones

Quote: φιλόξενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The word hospitable refers to showing kindness to and providing for the needs of guests and travelers. This was especially important in Peter’s time because inns were dangerous places where people did many immoral activities, so Christians could not stay in them. If it might be helpful to your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “be those who provide food and a sleeping place” or “be those who provide room and board”

without complaining

Quote: ἄνευ γογγυσμοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

Here Peter uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “with cheerfulness”

1 Peter 4:10

just as each one has received a gift

Quote: ἕκαστος καθὼς ἔλαβεν χάρισμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, gift refers to special spiritual abilities that God gives to believers. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “just as each one has received a special spiritual ability from God”

as good stewards of the diverse grace of God

Quote: ὡς καλοὶ οἰκονόμοι ποικίλης χάριτος Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses stewards to refer to Christians using spiritual abilities from God to serve other believers as if they were managing resources for a boss. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: “as those managing well the diverse grace of God”

of the diverse grace of God

Quote: ποικίλης χάριτος Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Peter is using the possessive form to describe grace that is given by God. The word grace refers to the various spiritual gifts that God graciously gives believers. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “of the diverse, gracious gifts from God”

1 Peter 4:11

If anyone speaks—as {with} words of God

Quote: εἴ τις λαλεῖ, ὡς λόγια Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Peter is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “if anyone speaks, let him speak as if he is speaking the words of God”

if anyone serves—as from strength that God supplies

Quote: εἴ τις διακονεῖ, ὡς ἐξ ἰσχύος ἧς χορηγεῖ ὁ Θεός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Peter is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “if anyone serves others, let him serve others as if he were serving them with the strength that God supplies”

God might be glorified

Quote: δοξάζηται ὁ Θεὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you might glorify God”

to whom is the glory and the power

Quote: ᾧ ἐστιν ἡ δόξα καὶ τὸ κράτος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of glory and power, you can express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “may he be recognized as glorious and powerful”

1 Peter 4:12

the fiery trial among you

Quote: τῇ ἐν ὑμῖν πυρώσει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter refers to suffering Christians as if they were gold being refined by being passed through a fire. In the same way that fire refines gold, trials test and strengthen a Christian’s faith. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or with a simile. Alternate translation: “the trial you are experiencing that is refining you like gold is refined in fire”

1 Peter 4:13

at the revelation of his glory

Quote: ἐν τῇ ἀποκαλύψει τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of revelation and glory, you can express the same ideas in another way. This phrase could mean: (1) Christ will reveal his own glory. Alternate translation: “when he reveals how glorious he is” (2) God will reveal Christ’s glory. Alternate translation: “when God reveals how glorious Christ is”

at the revelation of his glory

Quote: ἐν τῇ ἀποκαλύψει τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the revelation of his glory refers to the time in the future when Jesus returns to earth and judges everyone. If this might be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “at the revelation of his glory when he returns to earth”

you may rejoice, being glad

Quote: χαρῆτε ἀγαλλιώμενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words rejoice and glad mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize the intensity of joy. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you can use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “you may rejoice even more” or “you may be exceedingly glad”

1 Peter 4:14

If you are reviled

Quote: εἰ ὀνειδίζεσθε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If people revile you”

for the name of Christ

Quote: ἐν ὀνόματι Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here,name refers to Christ himself. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for Christ”

you are} blessed ones

Quote: μακάριοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you are people whom God has blessed”

the Spirit of glory and of God

Quote: τὸ τῆς δόξης καὶ τὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ Πνεῦμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, of glory and of God both refer to the Holy Spirit. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Spirit of glory, who is the Spirit of God” or “the glorious Holy Spirit of God”

rests on you

Quote: ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἀναπαύεται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, rests on you is an idiom that refers to the Holy Spirit continually dwelling within Christians. Peter borrowed this language from Isaiah 11:2 where it originally referred to the Holy Spirit dwelling in the Messiah. The Holy Spirit dwells in the Messiah as well as in those who believe in the Messiah (John 1:33; 14:16–17). The Holy Spirit who dwells within believers provides strength and comfort when believers are persecuted for their faith. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is staying with you” or “remains within you”

1 Peter 4:15

as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler

Quote: ὡς φονεὺς, ἢ κλέπτης, ἢ κακοποιὸς, ἢ ὡς ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of murderer, thief, evildoer, and meddler, you can express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “as someone who murders, steals, does evil, or as someone who meddles”

a meddler

Quote: ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

Here, meddler refers to a person who gets involved with the affairs of others without having a right to do so. Alternate translation: “someone who needlessly meddles in the affairs of other people”

1 Peter 4:16

let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God

Quote: μὴ αἰσχυνέσθω, δοξαζέτω δὲ τὸν Θεὸν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Peter is addressing his readers indirectly by using the third person. If this might be confusing in your language, you could use the second person, as the previous verse does. See the discussion of this in the General Notes for this chapter. Alternate translation: “do not be ashamed, but glorify God”

in this name

Quote: ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, this name refers to the title “Christian” mentioned earlier in the verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “because he bears the name ‘Christian’” or “because people have recognized him as a Christian”

1 Peter 4:17

it is} the time to begin the judgment with the household of God

Quote: ὁ καιρὸς τοῦ ἄρξασθαι τὸ κρίμα ἀπὸ τοῦ οἴκου τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “it is time for God to begin judging the household of God”

the household of God

Quote: τοῦ οἴκου τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Peter uses household to refer to all believers as if they were a family that belongs to God. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those who belong to God”

but if first with us

Quote: εἰ δὲ πρῶτον ἀφ’ ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Peter is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “but if it is time for judgment to begin first with us”

with us

Quote: ἀφ’ ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

When Peter says us, he is speaking of himself and his readers, so us would be inclusive. Your language may require you to mark these forms.

what {will be} the end of the ones disobeying the gospel of God

Quote: τί τὸ τέλος τῶν ἀπειθούντων τῷ τοῦ Θεοῦ εὐαγγελίῳ? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Peter is not asking for information, but is using the question form here to emphasize that God’s judgment will be more severe for people who reject the gospel than for those who believe it. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “how terrible will be the end of the ones disobeying the gospel of God!”

the end

Quote: τὸ τέλος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, end refers to the final result of the lives of people who do not believe in Jesus. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the final result” or “the outcome”

of the ones disobeying

Quote: τῶν ἀπειθούντων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, disobeying refers to disobeying the command to repent and believe the gospel, which is part of the gospel message. See how you translated a similar phrase in 2:8. Alternate translation: “of the ones refusing to believe”

the gospel of God

Quote: τῷ τοῦ Θεοῦ εὐαγγελίῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, the gospel of God could refer to: (1) the gospel that came from God. Alternate translation: “the gospel from God” (2) the gospel that is about God. Alternate translation: “the gospel about God”

1 Peter 4:18

And

Quote: καὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

And here introduces a quotation from an Old Testament book (Proverbs 11:31). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Peter is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “And Solomon wrote in the Scriptures”

If with difficulty the righteous is being saved, where will the ungodly and sinner appear

Quote: εἰ ὁ δίκαιος μόλις σῴζεται, ὁ ἀσεβὴς καὶ ἁμαρτωλὸς ποῦ φανεῖται? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

This sentence is a quotation from Proverbs 11:31. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation.

If with difficulty the righteous is being saved

Quote: εἰ ὁ δίκαιος μόλις σῴζεται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If with difficulty God is saving the righteous one”

the righteous … the ungodly and sinner

Quote: ὁ δίκαιος & ὁ ἀσεβὴς καὶ ἁμαρτωλὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

Peter is speaking of these types of people in general, and not of specific, individual people. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “righteous ones … ungodly and sinful ones”

where will the ungodly and sinner appear

Quote: ὁ ἀσεβὴς καὶ ἁμαρτωλὸς ποῦ φανεῖται? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Peter is not asking for information, but is using the question form here to emphasize that ungodly people will suffer much more than believers do. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “the ungodly and sinner will surely not appear!”

where will the ungodly and sinner appear

Quote: ὁ ἀσεβὴς καὶ ἁμαρτωλὸς ποῦ φανεῖται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the combination of where will and appear is an idiom meaning “what will happen.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner”

the ungodly and sinner

Quote: ὁ ἀσεβὴς καὶ ἁμαρτωλὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words ungodly and sinner mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize the wickedness of these people. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you can use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “the ungodly sinners”

1 Peter 4:19

souls

Quote: τὰς ψυχὰς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

See how you translated souls in 1:9.

in doing good

Quote: ἐν ἀγαθοποιΐᾳ (1)

Alternate translation: “while doing good” or “while continuing to do good deeds”

1 Peter 5

1 Peter 5 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

1. How believers should interact with one another (5:1–11)
2. Conclusion (5:12–14)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Lion

Other animals are usually afraid of lions because they are fast and strong, and they eat almost every other kind of animal. They also eat people. Satan wants to make God’s people afraid, so Peter uses the simile of a lion to teach his readers that Satan can harm their bodies, but if they trust in God and obey him, they will always be God’s people, and God will care for them. (See: Simile)

Babylon

Babylon was the evil nation that had destroyed Jerusalem, taken the Jews away from their homes, and ruled over them. In other places in Scripture, the authors use Babylon as a metaphor for the enemies of God’s people. In 5:13 Peter uses Babylon as a metaphor for the nation that was persecuting the Christians to whom he was writing. Most scholars believe that here Peter is referring to Rome because the Romans were severely persecuting Christians there at that time. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant and Metaphor)

1 Peter 5:1

General Information:

In 5:1–4 Peter speaks directly to men who are leaders in the churches.

the fellow elder … the elders

Quote: πρεσβυτέρους & ὁ συνπρεσβύτερος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

In 5:1–5 the words elder and elders refer specifically to church leaders, who were often older men. Here these words do not refer to old men in general. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the fellow church leader … the church leaders”

witness of the sufferings of Christ

Quote: μάρτυς τῶν τοῦ Χριστοῦ παθημάτων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of witness and sufferings, you can express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “one who has witnessed Christ suffer in many ways”

of the glory being about to be revealed

Quote: τῆς μελλούσης ἀποκαλύπτεσθαι δόξης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “in the glory that God is about to reveal”

of the glory

Quote: τῆς & δόξης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in the glorious nature of Christ”

of the glory being about to be revealed

Quote: τῆς μελλούσης ἀποκαλύπτεσθαι δόξης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase the glory being about to be revealed refers to Christ’s glorious return to earth in the future. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the glory that is about to be revealed when Christ returns”

1 Peter 5:2

Shepherd the flock of God

Quote: ποιμάνατε τὸ & ποίμνιον τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Peter uses Shepherd to refer to leading and taking care of believers, and he uses flock to refer to those believers. Elders who lead assemblies of believers should take care of those believers like shepherds take care of their sheep. Since the shepherd and sheep metaphors are important metaphors in the Bible, you should keep the metaphors in your translation or use similes. Alternate translation: “Take care of God’s people as if they were a flock of sheep”

exercising oversight—not under compulsion

Quote: ἐπισκοποῦντες μὴ ἀναγκαστῶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of oversight and compulsion, you can express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “supervising—not because you must do so”

exercising oversight—not under compulsion

Quote: ἐπισκοποῦντες μὴ ἀναγκαστῶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Peter is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “exercising oversight over them—not doing this under compulsion”

not under compulsion, but willingly

Quote: μὴ ἀναγκαστῶς, ἀλλὰ ἑκουσίως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The phrases not under compulsion and willingly mean the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize that Peter wants church leaders to voluntarily take care of believers. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you can use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “with complete willingness”

according to God

Quote: κατὰ Θεόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This phrase refers to acting according to God’s will or requirements. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “according to God’s will” or “as God wants you to”

and not greedily, but eagerly

Quote: μηδὲ αἰσχροκερδῶς, ἀλλὰ προθύμως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The phrases not greedily and eagerly mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize that Peter wants church leaders to eagerly take care of believers. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you can use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “with complete eagerness”

1 Peter 5:3

as lording it over

Quote: ὡς κατακυριεύοντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Peter uses lording it over to refer to acting toward people in a harsh and controlling manner, as if someone were a harsh master who abuses his servants. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: “harshly controlling” or “acting like harsh masters over”

your portion

Quote: τῶν κλήρων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of portion, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “those who are assigned to you” or “those whom God has apportioned to you”

being examples to the flock

Quote: τύποι γινόμενοι τοῦ ποιμνίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Peter is using the possessive form to describe examples that are for the flock. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “being examples for the flock”

to the flock

Quote: τοῦ ποιμνίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated flock in the previous verse.

1 Peter 5:4

And

Quote: καὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

And here indicates that what follows is the result of obeying the commands that Peter gave in 5:2–3. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “As a result of doing these things”

the Chief Shepherd

Quote: τοῦ ἀρχιποίμενος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Chief Shepherd is a title for Jesus. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus, the Chief Shepherd”

the Chief Shepherd

Quote: τοῦ ἀρχιποίμενος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Peter speaks of Jesus as if he were a Shepherd who has authority over all the leaders of the assemblies of believers. Peter told those leaders to shepherd their flocks in 5:2. Since Chief Shepherd is an important title for Jesus that connects to some prophecies about the Messiah in the Old Testament, you should keep the metaphor in your translation or use a simile. Alternate translation: “the one who is like a lead shepherd”

when the Chief Shepherd has been revealed

Quote: φανερωθέντος τοῦ ἀρχιποίμενος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when the Chief Shepherd appears” or “when God reveals the Chief Shepherd”

the unfading crown of glory

Quote: τὸν ἀμαράντινον τῆς δόξης στέφανον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here,crown refers to a symbol of victory. It does not refer to the type of crown that kings wear. In ancient times an athlete would receive this crown as a reward for winning a competition. Those crowns were often made of leaves or flowers that would fade. Unlike those victory crowns, the reward that God gives will be unfading, which means that it will last forever. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a glorious reward that will last forever”

crown of glory

Quote: τῆς δόξης στέφανον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

This could refer to: (1) a crown that is characterized by glory. Alternate translation: “glorious crown” (2) a crown that is the glory referred to in 5:1. Alternate translation: “crown, that is, glory”

1 Peter 5:5

General Information:

In this verse Peter first instructs younger men specifically and then continues to instruct all of the believers.

be subjected

Quote: ὑποτάγητε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “subject yourselves”

to elders

Quote: πρεσβυτέροις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

See how you translated elders in 5:1.

everyone

Quote: πάντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, everyone refers to all the believers to whom Peter is writing this letter, and not to all people. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “every one of you believers”

clothe yourselves {with} humility

Quote: τὴν ταπεινοφροσύνην ἐγκομβώσασθε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter speaks of humility as if it were a piece of clothing that a person could put on. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “act with humility”

with} humility

Quote: τὴν ταπεινοφροσύνην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of humility, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “with humble actions”

for

Quote: ὅτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, for introduces a quotation from the Old Testament (Proverbs 3:34). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Peter is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “for it is as Solomon wrote in the Scriptures”

God resists proud ones, but gives grace to humble ones

Quote: ὁ Θεὸς ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται, ταπεινοῖς δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

This sentence is a quotation from Proverbs 3:34. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation.

gives grace

Quote: δίδωσιν χάριν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of grace, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “acts graciously”

1 Peter 5:6

under the powerful hand of God

Quote: ὑπὸ τὴν κραταιὰν χεῖρα τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Peter uses hand to refer to God’s power to save humble people and punish proud people. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “under God’s great power”

he may lift you up

Quote: ὑμᾶς ὑψώσῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter is using a spatial metaphor to describe God honoring someone as if God would lift that person up. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God may show honor to you”

1 Peter 5:7

having cast all your anxiety on him

Quote: πᾶσαν τὴν μέριμναν ὑμῶν ἐπιρίψαντες ἐπ’ αὐτόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Peter speaks of anxiety as if it were a heavy burden that a person can take off of his back and cast onto God. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “trusting him with everything that worries you” or “letting him take care of all the things that trouble you”

1 Peter 5:8

Be sober, be watchful

Quote: νήψατε, γρηγορήσατε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words translated as sober and watchful mean basically the same thing. Peter uses them to emphasize that believers need to be alert since the devil wants to destroy them. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you can use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Be completely alert”

Be sober

Quote: νήψατε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated sober in 1:13.

is walking around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour

Quote: ὡς λέων ὠρυόμενος περιπατεῖ, ζητῶν τινα καταπιεῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Peter speaks of the devil as if he were a roaring lion who wants to devour people. Just as a hungry lion devours its prey, the devil is seeking to destroy the faith of believers. See the discussion of this in the General Notes for this chapter. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is trying to find ways to destroy the faith of believers”

1 Peter 5:9

firm in the faith

Quote: στερεοὶ τῇ πίστει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Peter is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “being firm in the faith”

in the faith

Quote: τῇ πίστει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Here, the faith could refer to: (1) a person’s trust in Jesus. Alternate translation: “in the faith that you have” (2) the Christian faith in general. Alternate translation: “in the Christian faith”

the same kind of sufferings are being brought to completion

Quote: τὰ αὐτὰ τῶν παθημάτων & ἐπιτελεῖσθαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of sufferings, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “that people are suffering in the same ways”

the same kind of sufferings are being brought to completion

Quote: τὰ αὐτὰ τῶν παθημάτων & ἐπιτελεῖσθαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the same kind of sufferings are occurring”

in your brotherhood

Quote: ὑμῶν ἀδελφότητι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated brotherhood in 2:17.

in the world

Quote: ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ (1)

Alternate translation: “in various places throughout the world”

1 Peter 5:10

But the God of all grace, the one having called you to his eternal glory in Christ, having suffered for a little {while

Quote: ὁ δὲ Θεὸς πάσης χάριτος, ὁ καλέσας ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν αἰώνιον αὐτοῦ δόξαν ἐν Χριστῷ, ὀλίγον παθόντας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these clauses so that they appear in chronological order. Alternate translation: “But after having suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, the one who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ”

the God of all grace

Quote: ὁ & Θεὸς πάσης χάριτος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

God of all grace could mean: (1) God is always gracious. Alternate translation: “the God who is always gracious” (2) God always give gracious gifts, as mentioned in 4:10. Alternate translation: “the God who gives all gracious gifts”

to his eternal glory

Quote: εἰς τὴν αἰώνιον αὐτοῦ δόξαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to his glorious presence forever”

in Christ

Quote: ἐν Χριστῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, in Christ refers to being united with Christ through faith in him. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in union with Christ”

for a little {while

Quote: ὀλίγον (1)

Alternate translation: “for a short time”

will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, {and} establish

Quote: αὐτὸς καταρτίσει, στηρίξει, σθενώσει, θεμελιώσει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here, confirm, strengthen, and establish all mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize that God will fully strengthen people who suffer because they trust in Jesus. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you can use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “will himself restore and thoroughly strengthen in every way”

1 Peter 5:11

To him {be} the power

Quote: αὐτῷ τὸ κράτος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of power, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “May he rule powerfully”

1 Peter 5:12

Through Silvanus, the faithful brother, as I regard {him}, I wrote to you briefly

Quote: διὰ Σιλουανοῦ, ὑμῖν τοῦ πιστοῦ ἀδελφοῦ (ὡς λογίζομαι), δι’ ὀλίγων ἔγραψα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Through Silvanus means that Silvanus wrote down the words that Peter told him to write in this letter. In ancient times it was common for people to use scribes to write down letters for them. If this might confuse your readers, you could express it explicitly. Alternate translation: “I wrote to you briefly by means of Silvanus, the faithful brother, as I regard him, who wrote down what I told him to write”

brother

Quote: ἀδελφοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although brother is masculine and Silvanus is a man, here Peter is using brother in a generic sense to refer to another believer. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “fellow Christian”

this

Quote: ταύτην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, this refers back to what Peter has written in this letter, especially the gospel message that the letter contains. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “what I have written to you”

this to be the true grace of God

Quote: ταύτην εἶναι ἀληθῆ χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the word grace refers to the gospel message, which tells of the kind things that God has done for believers. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “this letter I have written contains God’s true and gracious message”

Stand in it

Quote: εἰς ἣν στῆτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter uses Stand to refer to being strongly committed to something as if someone is standing firmly in one place and refusing to move. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Remain strongly committed to it”

Stand in it

Quote: εἰς ἣν στῆτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, it refers to the true grace of God mentioned earlier in the verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Stand in this true grace”

1 Peter 5:13

She {who is} in Babylon, fellow-elect one

Quote: ἡ ἐν Βαβυλῶνι συνεκλεκτὴ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage

She and fellow-elect one here both refer to the group of believers who were with Peter when he wrote this letter. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This group of believers in Babylon, who are fellow-elect ones”

in Babylon

Quote: ἐν Βαβυλῶνι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage

Here, Babylon could mean: (1) the city of Rome. Alternate translation: “in Rome, which is like Babylon” (2) the city of Babylon, as it appears in the ULT. See the discussion of this in the General Notes to this chapter.

fellow-elect one

Quote: συνεκλεκτὴ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “one whom God has elected”

greets

Quote: ἀσπάζεται (1)

As was customary in this culture, Peter concludes the letter by extending greetings from people who are with him and who know the people to whom he is writing. Your language may have a particular way of sharing greetings in a letter. If so, you could use that form here. Alternate translation: “asks to be remembered by” or “says hello to”

my son

Quote: ὁ υἱός μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Peter refers to Mark as if he were his son, because he taught him about Christianity and loved him like a son. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one who is like my son” or “my spiritual son”

1 Peter 5:14

Greet

Quote: ἀσπάσασθε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative

Greet here is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. Alternate translation: “Make it your habit to greet” or “Make it your practice to greet”

with a kiss of love

Quote: ἐν φιλήματι ἀγάπης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

A kiss was an action that expressed Christian affection in this culture. It showed the unity of those who belong to Christ. If there is a gesture with similar meaning in your culture, you could consider using it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “with a loving kiss” or “a kiss to show your love for each other”

Peace to you, all those in Christ

Quote: εἰρήνη ὑμῖν πᾶσιν, τοῖς ἐν Χριστῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing

As was customary in his culture, Peter closes his letter with a blessing for his readers. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “May all you who are in Christ experience peace within yourselves” or “I pray that you all who are in Christ will have peace”

in Christ

Quote: ἐν Χριστῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

See how you translated in Christ in 5:10.