1 Peter

1 Peter front

Introduction to 1 Peter

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of 1 Peter

1. Introduction (1:1-2)
2. Praise for God’s salvation of the believers (1:3-2:10)
3. Christian living (2:11-4:11)
4. Encouragement to persevere when suffering (4:12-5:11)
5. Closing (5:12-14)

Who wrote the Book of 1 Peter?

The Book of 1 Peter was written by the Apostle Peter. He wrote the letter to Gentile Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor.

What is the Book of 1 Peter about?

Peter stated that he wrote this letter for the purpose of “encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God” (5:12).

He encouraged Christians to continue obeying God even when they are suffering. He told them to do this because Jesus will return soon. Peter also gave instructions about Christians submitting to persons in authority.

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 probably was in Rome when he wrote this letter. He gave Rome the symbolic name of “Babylon” (5:13). It appears that when Peter wrote this letter, Romans were badly persecuting Christians.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Singular and plural “you”

In this book, the word “I” refers to Peter, except for two places: 1 Peter 1:16 and 1 Peter 2:6. The word “you” is always plural and refers to Peter’s audience. (See: Forms of You)

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

“You made your souls pure by obedience to the truth. This was for the purpose of sincere brotherly love; so love one another earnestly from the heart” (1:22). The ULT, UST, and most other modern versions read this way. Some older versions read, “You made your souls pure by obedience to the truth through the Spirit for the purpose of sincere brotherly love, so love one another earnestly from the heart.”

If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading.

(See: Textual Variants)

1 Peter 1

1 Peter 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Peter formally introduces this letter in verses 1-2. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.

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 to have 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. (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 Peter 1:6). He can say this because they are sad because they are suffering, but they are glad because they know that God will save them “in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5)

1 Peter 1:1

Peter identifies himself as the writer and identifies and greets the believers to whom he is writing.

ἐκλεκτοῖς παρεπιδήμοις διασπορᾶς

Peter speaks of his readers as people who live away from their homes in many different countries. (See: Metaphor)

Καππαδοκίας…Βιθυνίας

Along with the other places that Peter mentions, Cappadocia and Bithynia were Roman provinces located in what is now the country of Turkey.

ἐκλεκτοῖς παρεπιδήμοις

“to the chosen foreigners” or “the ones whom God the Father has chosen.” God has chosen them according to his own foreknowledge.

1 Peter 1:2

πρόγνωσιν Θεοῦ Πατρός

The abstract noun foreknowledge can be translated with a verbal phrase. This could mean: (1) God had determined what would happen ahead of time. Alternate translation: “what God the Father decided previously” (2) God knew what would happen ahead of time. Alternate translation: “what God the Father knew beforehand” (See: Abstract Nouns)

αἵματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here the blood refers to the death of Jesus. (See: Metonymy)

ῥαντισμὸν αἵματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Just as Moses sprinkled blood on the people of Israel to symbolize their covenant with God, believers are in covenant with God because of Jesus’ death. (See: Metaphor)

χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη πληθυνθείη

This passage speaks of grace as if it were an object that believers could possess, and of peace as if it were something that could increase in amount. Of course, grace is in reality the kind way God acts toward believers, and peace is how believers live in safety and joy with God. (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Peter 1:3

Peter begins to talk about the believers’ salvation and faith. Here he elaborates on a metaphor in which what God promises to do for all believers is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that he passes on to them.

ἡμῶν…ἡμᾶς

The words our and us refer to Peter and those to whom he is writing. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἀναγεννήσας ἡμᾶς

“he has caused us to be born again”

1 Peter 1:4

εἰς κληρονομίαν ἄφθαρτον, καὶ ἀμίαντον, καὶ ἀμάραντον

You can translate inheritance using a verb. Alternate translation: “which we confidently expect to receive as an inheritance” (See: Abstract Nouns)

κληρονομίαν

Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: Metaphor)

ἄφθαρτον, καὶ ἀμίαντον, καὶ ἀμάραντον

Peter uses three similar phrases to describe the inheritance as something that is perfect and eternal. (See: Metaphor)

τετηρημένην ἐν οὐρανοῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “which God is reserving in heaven for you” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Peter 1:5

τοὺς ἐν δυνάμει Θεοῦ φρουρουμένους

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and God is protecting you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν δυνάμει Θεοῦ

Here, power is a way of saying that God is strong and able to protect believers. (See: Abstract Nouns)

διὰ πίστεως

Here, faith refers to the fact that the believers trust in Christ. Alternate translation: “because of your faith” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἑτοίμην ἀποκαλυφθῆναι

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that God is ready to reveal” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Peter 1:6

ἐν ᾧ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε

The word this refers to all the blessings that Peter mentions in the previous verses.

1 Peter 1:7

ἵνα τὸ δοκίμιον ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως

In the same way in which fire refines gold, hardships test how well believers trust in Christ. (See: Metaphor)

τὸ δοκίμιον ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως

God wishes to test how well believers trust in Christ.

ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως πολυτιμότερον χρυσίου τοῦ ἀπολλυμένου, διὰ πυρὸς δὲ δοκιμαζομένου

Faith is more valuable than gold, because gold does not last forever, even if it is refined in fire.

εὑρεθῇ εἰς ἔπαινον, καὶ δόξαν, καὶ τιμὴν

This could mean: (1) God will honor them very highly because of their faith. (2) Their faith will bring praise, glory, and honor to God.

ἐν ἀποκαλύψει Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

“when Jesus Christ is revealed.” This refers to the return of Christ. This can also be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: “when Jesus Christ appears to all people” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Peter 1:8

χαρᾷ ἀνεκλαλήτῳ καὶ δεδοξασμένῃ

“with wonderful joy that words cannot describe”

1 Peter 1:9

σωτηρίαν ψυχῶν

The abstract noun “salvation” can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “God saving you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

σωτηρίαν

This words presents the idea as if it were an object. In reality, salvation refers to the action of God saving us, or to what happens as a result.

σωτηρίαν ψυχῶν

Here the word souls refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “your salvation” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Peter 1:10

σωτηρίας…χάριτος

These words present two ideas as if they were things or objects. In reality, salvation refers to the action of God saving us, or to what happens as a result. Similarly, grace refers to the kind way in which God deals with believers.

ἐξεζήτησαν καὶ ἐξηραύνησαν

The phrase inquired carefully means basically the same thing as “searched.” Together these words emphasize how hard the prophets tried to understand this salvation. Alternate translation: “examined very carefully” (See: Doublet)

1 Peter 1:11

Peter continues talking about the prophets’ search for salvation.

ἐραυνῶντες

“trying to determine”

τὸ…Πνεῦμα Χριστοῦ

This is a reference to the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 1:12

οἷς ἀπεκαλύφθη

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God revealed to the prophets” (See: Active or Passive)

εἰς ἃ ἐπιθυμοῦσιν ἄγγελοι παρακύψαι

“things that angels want to understand”

1 Peter 1:13

διὸ

Peter uses the word So here to refer back to everything he has said about salvation, their faith, and the Spirit of Christ giving revelations to the prophets.

ἀναζωσάμενοι τὰς ὀσφύας τῆς διανοίας ὑμῶν

Girding up the loins refers to preparing 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. Alternate translation: “after getting your minds ready” (See: Idiom)

νήφοντες, τελείως

Here the word sober refers to mental clarity and alertness. Alternate translation: “controlling your thoughts” or “being careful about what you think” (See: Idiom)

τὴν φερομένην ὑμῖν χάριν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the grace that God will bring to you” (See: Active or Passive)

τὴν φερομένην ὑμῖν χάριν

Here God’s way of dealing kindly with believers is spoken of as if it were an object that he will bring to them. (See: Metaphor)

ἐν ἀποκαλύψει Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

This refers to when Christ returns. This can also be expressed with an active form. See how you translated this in 1 Peter 1:7. Alternate translation: “when Jesus Christ appears to all people” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Peter 1:14

μὴ συνσχηματιζόμενοι ταῖς πρότερον…ἐπιθυμίαις

“not desiring the same things as before” Alternate translation: “not living to gratify the desires you used to have” (See: Idiom)

1 Peter 1:16

διότι γέγραπται

This refers to God’s message in the scripture. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “For as God said” (See: Active or Passive)

ἅγιοι ἔσεσθε, ὅτι ἐγὼ ἅγιος

Here the word I refers to God.

1 Peter 1:17

ἐν φόβῳ τὸν τῆς παροικίας ὑμῶν χρόνον ἀναστράφητε

Peter speaks of his readers as if they were people living in a foreign land away from their home. Alternate translation: “be careful how you use the time you are living away from your true home” (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 1:18

ἐλυτρώθητε

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has redeemed you” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Peter 1:19

τιμίῳ αἵματι…Χριστοῦ

Here, blood stands for Christ’s death on the cross. (See: Metonymy)

ὡς ἀμνοῦ ἀμώμου καὶ ἀσπίλου

Jesus died as a sacrifice so that God would forgive people’s sins. Alternate translation: “like the lambs without blemish or spot that the Jewish priests sacrificed” (See: Simile)

ἀμώμου καὶ ἀσπίλου

Peter expresses the same idea in two different ways to emphasize Christ’s purity. Alternate translation: “with no imperfections” (See: Doublet)

1 Peter 1:20

προεγνωσμένου

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God chose Christ” (See: Active or Passive)

πρὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου

You can translate this with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “before God created the world” (See: Abstract Nouns)

φανερωθέντος…δι’ ὑμᾶς

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has revealed him … for you” (See: Active or Passive)

φανερωθέντος…δι’ ὑμᾶς

Peter does not mean that his readers actually saw Christ, but that they learned the truth about him. (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 1:21

τὸν ἐγείραντα αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν

Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “who caused him to live again so that he was no longer among the dead” (See: Idiom)

δόξαν αὐτῷ δόντα

You can state the abstract noun glory in verbal form. Alternate translation: “glorified him” or “showed that he is glorious” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Peter 1:22

τὰς ψυχὰς ὑμῶν ἡγνικότες

Here the word souls refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “Since you made yourselves pure” (See: Synecdoche)

ἡγνικότες

Here the idea of cleanliness refers to being acceptable to God. (See: Metaphor)

ἐν τῇ ὑπακοῇ τῆς ἀληθείας

You can translate this using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “by obeying the truth” (See: Abstract Nouns)

φιλαδελφίαν

This refers to love between fellow believers.

ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας, ἀλλήλους ἀγαπήσατε ἐκτενῶς

Here, heart is a metonym for a person’s thoughts or emotions. To love someone “from the heart” means to love some one completely with total commitment. Alternate translation: “love one another earnestly and completely” (See: Metonymy)

1 Peter 1:23

ἀναγεγεννημένοι, οὐκ ἐκ σπορᾶς φθαρτῆς, ἀλλὰ ἀφθάρτου

Here, seed could mean: (1) This refers to the seed of a plant that grows and produces new life in believers. (2) This refers to the tiny cells inside a man or woman that combine to cause a baby to grow inside the woman. (See: Metaphor)

ἀφθάρτου

seed that will not rot or dry up or die

διὰ λόγου ζῶντος Θεοῦ, καὶ μένοντος

Peter speaks of the word of God as if it were alive forever. In reality, it is God who lives forever, and whose instructions and promises last eternally. (See: Metonymy)

1 Peter 1:24

In these verses Peter quotes a passage from the prophet Isaiah relating to what he has just said about them being born of imperishable seed.

πᾶσα σὰρξ

The word flesh refers to humanity. Alternate translation: “All people” (See: Metonymy)

πᾶσα σὰρξ ὡς χόρτος…ἐξηράνθη ὁ χόρτος

The prophet Isaiah compares humanity to grass that grows and dies quickly. Alternate translation: “All people are temporary like grass … They will die like the grass” (See: Metonymy)

πᾶσα δόξα αὐτῆς ὡς ἄνθος χόρτου…τὸ ἄνθος ἐξέπεσεν

Here the word glory refers to beauty or goodness. Isaiah compares the things that people consider to be good or beautiful about humanity to flowers that die quickly. Alternate translation: “all their goodness is as temporary as a flower … it will fall away like a dying flower” (See: Simile)

1 Peter 1:25

τὸ…ῥῆμα Κυρίου

“the message that comes from the Lord”

τὸ ῥῆμα τὸ εὐαγγελισθὲν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the gospel that we proclaimed” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Peter 2

1 Peter 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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 2:6, 7, 8, and 22.

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.

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, the most important stone. The apostles and prophets are the foundation, 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 found, founder, foundation)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Milk and babies

When Peter tells his readers to “long for pure spiritual milk,” 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)

1 Peter 2:1

Peter continues teaching his readers about holiness and obedience.

οὖν

The word Therefore here refers back to everything that Peter has said about being holy and obedient. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἀποθέμενοι…πᾶσαν κακίαν, καὶ πάντα δόλον, καὶ ὑποκρίσεις, καὶ φθόνους, καὶ πάσας καταλαλιάς

These sinful actions are spoken of as if they were objects that people could throw away. Alternate translation: “get rid of everything that is evil, and hypocrisy, and envy, and all slander” or “stop being evil, or being deceptive, or being hypocritical, or envying, or slandering” (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 2:2

ὡς ἀρτιγέννητα βρέφη τὸ λογικὸν ἄδολον γάλα ἐπιποθήσατε

Peter speaks of his readers as if they were babies. Babies requires very pure food, which they can digest easily. In the same way, believers need pure teaching from God’s word. Alternate translation: “Just as babies long for their mother’s breast milk, so you must yearn for pure spiritual milk” (See: Metaphor)

ἐπιποθήσατε

“desire intensely” or “yearn for”

τὸ λογικὸν ἄδολον γάλα

Peter speaks of the word of God as if it were spiritual milk that nourished children. (See: Metaphor)

εἰς σωτηρίαν

Here the word salvation refers to when God brings the salvation of his people to completion when Jesus returns (see 1 Peter 1:5). Alternate translation: “until God saves you completely” (See: Abstract Nouns)

αὐξηθῆτε

Peter speaks of believers advancing in knowledge of God and faithfulness to him as if they were children growing up. (See: Metaphor)

αὐξηθῆτε εἰς σωτηρίαν

They were to increasingly act in ways that were consistent with this salvation. You can translate this with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “you may grow up spiritually until God saves you completely” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Peter 2:3

εἰ ἐγεύσασθε ὅτι χρηστὸς ὁ Κύριος

Here to taste means to experience something personally. Alternate translation: “if you have experienced the Lord’s kindness toward you” (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 2:4

Peter begins to tell a metaphor about Jesus and the believers being living stones. (See: Metaphor)

πρὸς ὃν προσερχόμενοι λίθον ζῶντα

Peter speaks of Jesus as if he were a stone in a building. Alternate translation: “coming to him who is like a stone in a building, but alive, not a dead stone” (See: Metaphor)

ὃν…λίθον ζῶντα

This could mean: (1) This refers to a stone that is alive. (2) This refers to a stone that gives life.

ὑπὸ ἀνθρώπων μὲν ἀποδεδοκιμασμένον

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that people have rejected” (See: Active or Passive)

παρὰ δὲ Θεῷ ἐκλεκτὸν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “but that God has chosen” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Peter 2:5

αὐτοὶ ὡς λίθοι ζῶντες οἰκοδομεῖσθε, οἶκος πνευματικὸς

Just as people used stones to build the temple in the Old Testament, believers are the materials that God is using to build a house in which he will live. (See: Metaphor)

αὐτοὶ ὡς λίθοι ζῶντες

Peter compares his readers to stones that are alive. (See: Simile)

λίθοι ζῶντες οἰκοδομεῖσθε, οἶκος πνευματικὸς

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “living stones that God is building into a spiritual house” (See: Active or Passive)

ἱεράτευμα ἅγιον ἀνενέγκαι πνευματικὰς θυσίας

Here the position of priesthood stands for the priests who fulfill its duties. (See: Metonymy)

1 Peter 2:6

περιέχει ἐν Γραφῇ

Scripture is spoken of as if it were a container. This passage refers to the words that a person reads in scripture. Alternate translation: “this is what a prophet wrote in the scriptures long ago” (See: Metaphor)

ἰδοὺ

The word behold here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

λίθον, ἀκρογωνιαῖον ἐκλεκτὸν ἔντιμον

God is the one who chose the stone. Alternate translation: “a most important cornerstone, which I have chosen” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

λίθον, ἀκρογωνιαῖον

The prophet speaks of the Messiah as the most important stone in a building. (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 2:7

Peter continues quoting from the scriptures.

λίθος ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν…ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας

This is a metaphor that means people, like builders, rejected Jesus, but God has made him the most important stone in a building. (See: Metaphor)

λίθος ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “The stone that the builders rejected” (See: Active or Passive)

κεφαλὴν γωνίας

This refers to the most important stone in a building and means basically the same thing as “cornerstone” in 1 Peter 2:6.

1 Peter 2:8

λίθος προσκόμματος, καὶ πέτρα σκανδάλου

These two phrases share similar meanings. Together they emphasize that people will take offense at this “stone,” which refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “a stone or a rock over which people will stumble” (See: Parallelism)

προσκόπτουσιν τῷ λόγῳ ἀπειθοῦντες

Here, the word refers to the gospel message. To disobey means that they do not believe. Alternate translation: “stumble because they are not believing the message about Jesus”

εἰς ὃ καὶ ἐτέθησαν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for which God also appointed them” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Peter 2:9

In verse 10 Peter quotes a verse from the prophet Hosea. Some modern versions do not format this as a quote, which is also acceptable.

γένος ἐκλεκτόν

You can clarify that God is the one who has chosen them. Alternate translation: “a people whom God has chosen” (See: Active or Passive)

βασίλειον ἱεράτευμα

This could mean: (1) This refers to a group of kings and a group of priests. (2) This refers to a group of priests who serve the king.

λαὸς εἰς περιποίησιν

“a people who belong to God”

ἐκ…ὑμᾶς καλέσαντος

“who called you to come out of”

ἐκ σκότους…εἰς τὸ θαυμαστὸν αὐτοῦ φῶς

Here, darkness refers to their condition as sinful people who did not know God, and light refers to their condition as people who do know God and practice righteousness. Alternate translation: “from a life of sin and ignorance of God to a life of knowing and pleasing him” (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 2:11

Peter begins to talk about how to live Christian lives.

παροίκους καὶ παρεπιδήμους

These two words mean basically the same thing.(See: Doublet)

παροίκους καὶ παρεπιδήμους

Peter speaks of his readers as people who are living in foreign lands away from their home. See how you translated “foreigners” in 1 Peter 1:1. (See: Metaphor)

ἀπέχεσθαι τῶν σαρκικῶν ἐπιθυμιῶν

Here the idea of flesh refers to the sinful nature of humanity in this fallen world. Alternate translation: “to not to give in to sinful desires” (See: Metaphor)

τῆς ψυχῆς

Here the word soul refers to a person’s spiritual life. Alternate translation: “your spiritual life” (See: Metonymy)

στρατεύονται κατὰ τῆς ψυχῆς

Peter speaks of sinful desires as soldiers that are trying to destroy the spiritual life of believers. Alternate translation: “seek to destroy your spiritual life” (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 2:12

τὴν ἀναστροφὴν ὑμῶν ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἔχοντες καλήν

The abstract noun behavior can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “you should behave well among the Gentiles” or “you should behave in a good way in the presence of the Gentiles” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν ᾧ καταλαλοῦσιν ὑμῶν ὡς

“even if they accuse you of being”

ἐκ τῶν καλῶν ἔργων ἐποπτεύοντες

The abstract noun works can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “they may observe the good things that you do” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ἐπισκοπῆς

“on the day when he comes.” This refers to the day when God will judge all people. Alternate translation: “when he comes to judge everyone” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Peter 2:13

διὰ τὸν Κύριον

This could mean: (1) By obeying human authorities, they are obeying the Lord who established those authorities. (2) By obeying human authorities, they will honor Jesus who also obeyed human authorities.

βασιλεῖ ὡς ὑπερέχοντι

“to the king as the highest human authority”

1 Peter 2:14

δι’ αὐτοῦ πεμπομένοις

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whom the king has sent” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Peter 2:15

ἀγαθοποιοῦντας φιμοῦν τὴν τῶν ἀφρόνων ἀνθρώπων ἀγνωσίαν

“by doing good you stop foolish people from speaking about things that they do not know”

1 Peter 2:16

ὡς ἐπικάλυμμα…τῆς κακίας

Peter speaks of their condition as free people as something that they should not use to hide sinful behavior. Alternate translation: “as an excuse to do wicked things” (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 2:17

τὴν ἀδελφότητα

This refers to all Christian believers.

1 Peter 2:18

Peter begins to speak specifically to people who are servants in people’s houses.

τοῖς ἀγαθοῖς καὶ ἐπιεικέσιν

Here the words good and gentle share similar meanings and emphasize that such masters treat their servants kindly. Alternate translation: “the very kind masters” (See: Doublet)

τοῖς σκολιοῖς

“to the cruel ones” or “to the mean ones”

1 Peter 2:19

τοῦτο…χάρις

“this is deserving of praise” or “it is pleasing to God”

διὰ συνείδησιν Θεοῦ, ὑποφέρει…λύπας

This could mean: (1) This person accepts suffering because he knows he is obeying God. (2) This person is able to endure unjust punishment because he knows that God knows how he is suffering.

1 Peter 2:20

ποῖον γὰρ κλέος, εἰ ἁμαρτάνοντες καὶ κολαφιζόμενοι ὑπομενεῖτε?

Peter asks this question to emphasize that there is nothing praiseworthy about suffering for doing something wrong. Alternate translation: “For God will not reward you if you are punished because you sinned.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἁμαρτάνοντες καὶ κολαφιζόμενοι

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “while someone punishes you because you sinned” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀγαθοποιοῦντες καὶ πάσχοντες ὑπομενεῖτε

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “you endure when someone punishes you for doing good” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Peter 2:21

Peter continues speaking to people who are servants in people’s houses.

εἰς τοῦτο…ἐκλήθητε

Here the word this refers to believers enduring while suffering for doing good, as Peter has just described. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has called you to this” (See: Active or Passive)

ὑμῖν…ἵνα ἐπακολουθήσητε τοῖς ἴχνεσιν αὐτοῦ

Peter speaks of following Jesus’ example in the way that they suffer as if one were walking on the same path that Jesus had taken. Alternate translation: “so that you would imitate his behavior” (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 2:22

οὐδὲ εὑρέθη δόλος ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτοῦ

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “neither did anyone find deceit in his mouth” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐδὲ εὑρέθη δόλος ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτοῦ

Here, deceit refers to words that a person speaks that are intended to deceive other people. Alternate translation: “neither did he speak any lies” (See: Metonymy)

1 Peter 2:23

ὃς λοιδορούμενος, οὐκ ἀντελοιδόρει

To revile someone is to speak abusively to another person. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “When people insulted him, he did not insult them back” (See: Active or Passive)

παρεδίδου…τῷ κρίνοντι δικαίως

“he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.” This means that he trusted God to take away his shame, which had been put on him by those who treated him harshly.

1 Peter 2:24

Peter continues talking about Jesus Christ. He is still speaking to people who are servants.

ὃς…αὐτὸς

This refers to Jesus, with emphasis. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν…ἀνήνεγκεν ἐν τῷ σώματι αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τὸ ξύλον

Here, carried our sins means he suffered the punishment for our sins. Alternate translation: “suffered the punishment for our sins in his body on the tree” (See: Metonymy)

τὸ ξύλον

This is a reference to the cross on which Jesus died, which was made of wood. (See: Metonymy)

οὗ τῷ μώλωπι ἰάθητε

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has healed you because people bruised him” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Peter 2:25

ἦτε…ὡς πρόβατα πλανώμενοι

Peter speaks about his readers before they believed in Christ as if they had been similar to lost sheep wandering around aimlessly. (See: Simile)

τὸν ποιμένα καὶ ἐπίσκοπον τῶν ψυχῶν ὑμῶν

Peter speaks of Jesus as if he were a shepherd. Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus protects those who trust in him. (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 3

1 Peter 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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.

Special concepts in this chapter

“Outward ornaments”

Most people want to look good so other people will like them and think they are good people. Women are especially careful to look good by wearing nice clothes and jewels. Peter is saying that what a woman thinks and says and does are more important to God than how she looks.

Unity

Peter wanted his readers to agree with each other. More importantly, he wanted them to love each other and be patient with each other.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Peter quotes a psalm that describes God as if he were a person with eyes, ears, and a face. However, God is a spirit, so he does not have physical eyes or ears or a physical face. But he does know what people do, and he does act against wicked people. (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 3:1

Peter begins to speak specifically to women who are wives.

ὁμοίως, γυναῖκες, ὑποτασσόμεναι τοῖς ἰδίοις ἀνδράσιν

Just as believers are to “obey every human authority” (1 Peter 2:13) and servants are to “be subject” to their masters (1 Peter 2:18), wives are to submit to their husbands. The words “obey,” “be subject,” and “submit” translate the same word.

τινες ἀπειθοῦσιν τῷ λόγῳ

Here, the word refers to the gospel message. To disobey means that they do not believe. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Peter 2:8. Alternate translation: “some men do not believe the message about Jesus” (See: Metonymy)

κερδηθήσονται

This means that the unbelieving husbands will become believers. Alternate translation: “they will be persuaded to believe in Christ” (See: Idiom)

κερδηθήσονται

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “they will become believers” (See: Active or Passive)

ἄνευ λόγου

“without the wife saying a word.” Here, a word refers to anything the wife might speak about Jesus. (See: Ellipsis)

1 Peter 3:2

ἐποπτεύσαντες τὴν ἐν φόβῳ ἁγνὴν ἀναστροφὴν ὑμῶν

The abstract noun behavior can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “having seen that you behave sincerely and respectfully” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὴν ἐν φόβῳ ἁγνὴν ἀναστροφὴν ὑμῶν

This could mean: (1) This refers to their sincere behavior toward them and the way that they honor them. (2) This refers to their pure behavior toward them and the way that they honor God.

1 Peter 3:3

Peter continues speaking to women who are wives.

1 Peter 3:4

ὁ κρυπτὸς τῆς καρδίας ἄνθρωπος

Here the words inner man and heart refer to the person. (See: Metonymy)

ὁ κρυπτὸς τῆς καρδίας ἄνθρωπος

Here the words inner man and heart both refer to the inward character and personality of a person. Alternate translation: “what you really are on the inside” (See: Doublet)

τοῦ πραέως καὶ ἡσυχίου πνεύματος

“of a gentle and peaceful attitude.” Here the word quiet means “peaceful” or “calm.” The word spirit refers to a person’s attitude or temperament.

ὅ ἐστιν ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ πολυτελές

Peter speaks of God’s opinion of a person as if that person were standing directly in front of him. Alternate translation: “which God considers to be precious” (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 3:6

κύριον, αὐτὸν καλοῦσα

saying that he was her lord, that is, her master

ἧς ἐγενήθητε τέκνα

Peter says that believing women who act as Sarah acted can be thought of as if they were her actual children. (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 3:7

Peter begins to speak specifically to men who are husbands.

ὁμοίως

This refers back to how Sarah and other godly women obeyed their husbands in 1 Peter 3:5 and 1 Peter 3:6.

συνοικοῦντες κατὰ γνῶσιν, ὡς ἀσθενεστέρῳ σκεύει τῷ γυναικείῳ

The abstract noun understanding can also be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “live with your wife, understanding that she is the weaker partner” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ὡς ἀσθενεστέρῳ σκεύει

Peter speaks of women as if they were containers, as men are sometimes also spoken of. Alternate translation: “knowing that she is not as strong as you are” (See: Metaphor)

ἀπονέμοντες τιμήν ὡς καὶ συνκληρονόμοις χάριτος ζωῆς

You can translate this using verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “honor her because she will also receive by grace the eternal life that God gives” (See: Abstract Nouns)

συνκληρονόμοις χάριτος ζωῆς

Eternal life is often spoken of as if it were something that people inherit. (See: Metaphor)

εἰς τὸ

Here this phrase introduces the result that will happen if husbands treat their wives well. Alternate translation: “Live with your wives in this way” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

εἰς τὸ μὴ ἐνκόπτεσθαι τὰς προσευχὰς ὑμῶν

To “hinder” is to prevent something from happening. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that nothing will hinder your prayers” or “so that nothing will keep you from praying as you should” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Peter 3:8

Peter begins to speak again to all of the believers.

ὁμόφρονες

“have the same opinion and be” or “have the same attitude and be”

εὔσπλαγχνοι

being gentle and compassionate towards others

1 Peter 3:9

μὴ ἀποδιδόντες κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ, ἢ λοιδορίαν ἀντὶ λοιδορίας

Peter speaks of responding to the actions of another person as remitting payment for those actions. Alternate translation: “Do not do evil to someone who does evil to you or insult someone who insults you” (See: Metaphor)

εὐλογοῦντες

You can clarify the object of blessing. Alternate translation: “continue to bless those who do evil to you or insult you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰς τοῦτο ἐκλήθητε

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God called you for this” (See: Active or Passive)

ἵνα εὐλογίαν κληρονομήσητε

Peter speaks of receiving God’s blessing as receiving an inheritance. Alternate translation: “that you might receive God’s blessing as your permanent possession” (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 3:10

In these verses Peter quotes from the Psalms. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ζωὴν ἀγαπᾶν, καὶ ἰδεῖν ἡμέρας ἀγαθὰς

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the desire to have a good life. (See: Parallelism)

ἰδεῖν ἡμέρας ἀγαθὰς

Here experiencing good things is spoken of as seeing good things. Alternate translation: “experience good things during life” (See: Metaphor)

ἡμέρας ἀγαθὰς

The word days refers to one’s lifetime. (See: Metonymy)

παυσάτω τὴν γλῶσσαν ἀπὸ κακοῦ, καὶ χείλη τοῦ μὴ λαλῆσαι δόλον

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the command not to lie. Alternate translation: “stop saying evil and deceitful things” (See: Parallelism)

τὴν γλῶσσαν…χείλη

The words tongue and lips refer to the person who is speaking. (See: Synecdoche)

1 Peter 3:11

ἐκκλινάτω…ἀπὸ κακοῦ

Here, turn away is a metaphor that means to stop doing something. Alternate translation: “let him stop doing what is bad” (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 3:12

ὀφθαλμοὶ Κυρίου ἐπὶ δικαίους

The word eyes refers to the Lord’s ability to know things. Alternate translation: “The Lord knows the righteous” (See: Synecdoche)

ὀφθαλμοὶ Κυρίου ἐπὶ δικαίους

The Lord’s approval of the righteous is spoken of as his seeing them. Alternate translation: “The Lord approves of the righteous” (See: Metaphor)

ὦτα αὐτοῦ εἰς δέησιν αὐτῶν

The word “ears” refers to the Lord’s awareness of what people say. Alternate translation: “he hears their requests” (See: Synecdoche)

ὦτα αὐτοῦ εἰς δέησιν αὐτῶν

That the Lord hears their requests implies that he also responds to them. Alternate translation: “he grants their requests” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πρόσωπον δὲ Κυρίου ἐπὶ

Opposing someone is spoken of as setting one’s face against that person. Alternate translation: “the Lord opposes” (See: Metaphor)

πρόσωπον δὲ Κυρίου ἐπὶ

The word face refers to the Lord’s will to oppose his enemies. (See: Synecdoche)

1 Peter 3:13

Peter continues teaching the believers how to live Christian lives.

τίς ὁ κακώσων ὑμᾶς, ἐὰν τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ ζηλωταὶ γένησθε?

Peter asks this question to emphasize that it is unlikely that someone would harm them if they do good things. Alternate translation: “no one will harm you if you do good things.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Peter 3:14

πάσχοιτε διὰ δικαιοσύνην

You can translate this with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “you suffer because you do what is right” (See: Abstract Nouns)

μακάριοι

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will bless you” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸν δὲ φόβον αὐτῶν, μὴ φοβηθῆτε μηδὲ ταραχθῆτε

These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that believers should not be afraid of those who persecute them. Alternate translation: “But do not be afraid of what people might do to you” (See: Parallelism)

τὸν…φόβον αὐτῶν

Here the word their refers to anyone who might try to harm those to whom Peter is writing.

1 Peter 3:15

δὲ…ἁγιάσατε

“Instead of being troubled, set apart”

Κύριον…τὸν Χριστὸν ἁγιάσατε ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν

The phrase “sanctify the Lord Christ” is a metaphor for acknowledging Christ’s holiness. Alternate translation: “acknowledge in your hearts that the Lord Christ is holy” or “honor the Lord Christ as holy within yourselves” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν

Here, hearts is a metonym for the “inner person.” Alternate translation: “within yourselves” (See: Metonymy)

1 Peter 3:18

Peter explains how Christ suffered and what Christ accomplished by suffering.

ἵνα ὑμᾶς προσαγάγῃ τῷ Θεῷ

Peter probably means here that Christ died in order to create a close relationship between us and God. (See: Metaphor)

θανατωθεὶς…σαρκὶ

Here, flesh refers to Christ’s body; Christ was physically put to death. Alternate translation: “having been killed physically” (See: Metaphor)

θανατωθεὶς…σαρκὶ

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “since people put Christ to death physically” (See: Active or Passive)

ζῳοποιηθεὶς…πνεύματι

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God made him alive spiritually” (See: Active or Passive)

πνεύματι

This could mean: (1) This refers to a spiritual existence. (2) This refers to the Holy Spirit’s power.

1 Peter 3:19

ἐν ᾧ

This could mean: (1) This refers to his spiritual existence. (2) This refers to the Holy Spirit’s power.

τοῖς ἐν φυλακῇ πνεύμασιν

Here, spirits could mean: (1) This refers to evil spirits. (2) This refers to spirits of the dead people.

1 Peter 3:20

ἀπεξεδέχετο ἡ τοῦ Θεοῦ

The word patience is a metonym for God himself. Alternate translation: “God himself” (See: Metonymy)

ὅτε ἀπεξεδέχετο ἡ τοῦ Θεοῦ μακροθυμία

Peter writes of God’s patience as if it is a person. Alternate translation: “when God was waiting patiently” (See: Personification)

ἐν ἡμέραις Νῶε, κατασκευαζομένης κιβωτοῦ

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “during the time of Noah, when he was building an ark” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Peter 3:21

δι’ ἀναστάσεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

“because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” This phrase completes the thought, “This is a symbol of the baptism that saves you now.”

1 Peter 3:22

ὅς ἐστιν ἐν δεξιᾷ Θεοῦ

To be at the right hand of God is a symbol that God has given Jesus greatest honor and authority over all others. Alternate translation: “who is beside God in the place of honor and authority” (See: Metonymy)

ὑποταγέντων αὐτῷ

“when … had submitted to Jesus Christ”

1 Peter 4

1 Peter 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

This passage uses the term “Gentiles” to refer to all ungodly people who are not Jews. It does not include Gentiles who have become Christians. “Sensuality, passion, drunkenness, carousings, wild parties, and disgusting acts of idolatry” were actions that characterized or typified the ungodly Gentiles. (See: godly, godliness, ungodly, godless, ungodliness, godlessness)

Martyrdom

It is apparent that Peter is speaking to many Christians who are experiencing great persecution and are facing death for their beliefs.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Let it” and “Let none” and “Let him” and “Let those”

Peter uses these phrases to tell his readers what he wants them to do. They are like commands because he wants his readers to obey. But it is as if he is telling one person what he wants other people to do.

1 Peter 4:1

Peter continues to teach the believers about Christian living. He begins by giving a conclusion to his thoughts from the previous chapter about Christ’s sufferings.

σαρκὶ

“in his body”

ὑμεῖς τὴν αὐτὴν ἔννοιαν ὁπλίσασθε

The phrase arm yourselves makes readers think of soldiers who get their weapons ready for battle. It also pictures the same intention as a weapon or perhaps as a piece of armor. Here this metaphor means that believers should be determined in their mind to suffer as Jesus did. Alternate translation: “prepare yourselves with the same thoughts that Christ had” (See: Metaphor)

σαρκὶ

Here “flesh” means “body.” Alternate translation: “in his body” or “while here on earth”

πέπαυται ἁμαρτίας

“has stopped sinning”

1 Peter 4:2

ἀνθρώπων ἐπιθυμίαις

for the things that sinful people normally desire

1 Peter 4:3

κώμοις, πότοις

These terms refer to activities in which people gather to drink alcohol excessively and behave in a shameful manner.

1 Peter 4:4

τῆς ἀσωτίας ἀνάχυσιν

These examples of wild, boundless sin are spoken of as if they were great floods of water that were being poured out.

τῆς ἀσωτίας

doing everything they can to satisfy the desires of their bodies

1 Peter 4:5

τῷ ἑτοίμως ἔχοντι κρῖναι

This could mean: (1) This refers to God, who is ready to judge. (2) This refers to Christ, who is ready to judge.

ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς

This means all people, whether they are still alive or have died. Alternate translation: “every person” (See: Merism)

1 Peter 4:6

καὶ νεκροῖς εὐηγγελίσθη

This could mean: (1) The gospel was preached also to people who had already died. (2) The gospel was preached also to those who were alive but are now dead.

εὐηγγελίσθη

You can state this in active form. This could mean: (1) Christ preached. Alternate translation: “Christ preached the gospel” (2) Men preached. Alternate translation: “men preached the gospel” (See: Active or Passive)

κριθῶσι…κατὰ ἀνθρώπους σαρκὶ

You can state this in active form. This could mean: (1) God judged them in this life on earth. Alternate translation: “God judged them in their bodies as humans” (2) Men judged them according to human standards. Alternate translation: “men judged them in their bodies as humans” (See: Active or Passive)

κριθῶσι…κατὰ ἀνθρώπους σαρκὶ

This is a reference to death as the ultimate form of judgment. (See: Euphemism)

ζῶσι…κατὰ Θεὸν πνεύματι

This could mean: (1) They should live spiritually as God lives because the Holy Spirit will enable them to do so. (2) They should live according to God’s standards by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 4:7

πάντων…τὸ τέλος

This refers to the end of the world at Christ’s second coming.

ἤγγικεν

The end that will happen soon is spoken of as if it has physically come closer in distance. Alternate translation: “will soon happen” (See: Metaphor)

σωφρονήσατε…καὶ νήψατε

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Peter uses them to emphasize the need to think clearly about life since the end of the world is near. (See: Parallelism)

νήψατε

Here the word sober refers to mental clarity and alertness. See how you translated this in 1 Peter 1:13. Alternate translation: “control your thoughts” or “be careful about what you think” (See: Idiom)

1 Peter 4:8

πρὸ πάντων

“most importantly of all”

ὅτι ἀγάπη καλύψει πλῆθος ἁμαρτιῶν

Peter describes love as if it were a person. (See: Personification)

ἀγάπη καλύψει πλῆθος ἁμαρτιῶν

Peter speaks of love as a person who places a cover over the sins of others. This could mean: (1) A person who loves will not try to find out if another person has sinned. (2) A person who loves will forgive the sins of other people, even if those sins are many. (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 4:9

φιλόξενοι

showing kindness to and welcoming guests and travelers

1 Peter 4:10

ἕκαστος καθὼς ἔλαβεν χάρισμα

This refers to special spiritual abilities that God gives to believers. Alternate translation: “Because each one of you has received a special spiritual ability as a gift from God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Peter 4:11

ἵνα ἐν πᾶσιν δοξάζηται ὁ Θεὸς

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that in all ways you will glorify God” (See: Active or Passive)

δοξάζηται

may be praised and honored

1 Peter 4:12

τῇ ἐν ὑμῖν πυρώσει πρὸς πειρασμὸν ὑμῖν γινομένῃ

In the same way that fire refines gold, trials test and refine a person’s faith. (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 4:13

χαρῆτε ἀγαλλιώμενοι

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of joy. Alternate translation: “rejoice even more” or “be very glad” (See: Doublet)

ἐν τῇ ἀποκαλύψει τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ

“when God reveals Christ’s glory”

1 Peter 4:14

εἰ ὀνειδίζεσθε ἐν ὀνόματι Χριστοῦ

Here the word name refers to Christ himself. (See: Metonymy)

εἰ ὀνειδίζεσθε ἐν ὀνόματι Χριστοῦ

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “If people insult you because you believe in Christ” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ τῆς δόξης καὶ τὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ Πνεῦμα

Both of these refer to the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “the Spirit of glory, who is the Spirit of God” or “the glorious Spirit of God” (See: Parallelism)

ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἀναπαύεται

is staying with you

1 Peter 4:15

ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος

This refers to a person who gets involved with the affairs of others without having a right to do so.

1 Peter 4:16

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ

“because he bears the name Christian” or “because people have recognized him as a Christian.” The words this name refer to the word “Christian.”

1 Peter 4:17

τοῦ οἴκου τοῦ Θεοῦ

This phrase refers to believers, whom Peter speaks of as God’s family. (See: Metaphor)

εἰ δὲ πρῶτον ἀφ’ ἡμῶν, τί τὸ τέλος τῶν ἀπειθούντων τῷ τοῦ Θεοῦ εὐαγγελίῳ?

Peter use this question to emphasize that God’s judgment will be more severe for people who reject the gospel than for believers. Alternate translation: “If it begins with us, the outcome for those who do not obey God’s gospel will be much worse.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τί τὸ τέλος τῶν ἀπειθούντων

“what will happen to those who disobey”

τῶν ἀπειθούντων τῷ τοῦ Θεοῦ εὐαγγελίῳ

“of those who do not believe God’s gospel.” Here the word disobeying means they do not believe.

1 Peter 4:18

εἰ ὁ δίκαιος μόλις σῴζεται

Here the word saved refers to final salvation when Christ returns. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “If the righteous person experiences many difficulties before God saves him” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ δίκαιος…ὁ ἀσεβὴς καὶ ἁμαρτωλὸς ποῦ φανεῖται?

Peter use this question to emphasize that sinners will suffer much more than believers do. Alternate translation: “the righteous man … the outcome will be much worse for the ungodly and the sinner.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὁ ἀσεβὴς καὶ ἁμαρτωλὸς ποῦ φανεῖται

“what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner”

ὁ ἀσεβὴς καὶ ἁμαρτωλὸς

The words ungodly and sinner mean basically the same thing and emphasize the wickedness of these people. Alternate translation: “ungodly sinners” (See: Doublet)

1 Peter 4:19

παρατιθέσθωσαν τὰς ψυχὰς αὐτῶν

Here the word souls refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “let … entrust themselves” or “let … entrust their lives” (See: Synecdoche)

ἐν ἀγαθοποιΐᾳ

The abstract noun well-doing can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “while they do good” or “while they live rightly” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Peter 5

1 Peter 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Most people in the ancient Near East would end a letter the way Peter ends this one.

Special concepts in this chapter

Crowns

The crown that the Chief Shepherd will give is a reward, something that people who do something especially good receive. (See: reward, prize, deserve)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Lion

All animals are 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 in Old Testament times had destroyed Jerusalem, taken the Jews away from their homes, and ruled over them. Peter uses Babylon as a metaphor for the nation that was persecuting the Christians he was writing to. He could have been referring to Jerusalem because the Jews were persecuting the Christians. Or he could have been referring to Rome because the Romans were persecuting the Christians. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant and Metaphor)

1 Peter 5:1

Peter speaks specifically to men who are elders.

τῆς μελλούσης ἀποκαλύπτεσθαι δόξης

This is a reference to Christ’s second coming. (See: Metonymy)

τῆς μελλούσης ἀποκαλύπτεσθαι δόξης

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “of the glory of Christ that God will soon reveal” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Peter 5:2

ποιμάνατε τὸ…ποίμνιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Peter speaks of the believers as a flock of sheep and the elders as the shepherds who care for them. (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 5:3

μηδ’ ὡς κατακυριεύοντες τῶν κλήρων, ἀλλὰ τύποι γινόμενοι

Elders are to lead by example and not act toward the people as a harsh master would toward his servants. (See: Metaphor)

τῶν κλήρων

You can translate this using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “those whom God has placed in your care” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Peter 5:4

φανερωθέντος τοῦ ἀρχιποίμενος

Peter speaks of Jesus as if he were a shepherd who had authority over all other shepherds. (See: Metaphor)

φανερωθέντος τοῦ ἀρχιποίμενος

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “when Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, appears” or “when God reveals Jesus, the Chief Shepherd” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸν ἀμαράντινον τῆς δόξης στέφανον

Here the word crown represents the reward that someone receives as a symbol of victory. The word unfading means that it is eternal. Alternate translation: “a glorious prize that will last forever” (See: Metaphor)

τῆς δόξης στέφανον

glorious crown

1 Peter 5:5

Peter gives an instruction specifically to younger men and then continues to instruct all of the believers.

ὁμοίως

This refers back to the way the elders were to submit to the Chief Shepherd as Peter described in 1 Peter 5:1 through 1 Peter 5:4.

πάντες

This refers to all believers, not just the younger men.

τὴν ταπεινοφροσύνην ἐγκομβώσασθε

Peter speaks of having the moral quality of humility as putting on a piece of clothing. Alternate translation: “act humbly toward each other” or “act with humility” (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 5:6

ὑπὸ τὴν κραταιὰν χεῖρα τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here the word hand refers to God’s power to save the humble and punish the proud. Alternate translation: “under God’s great power” or “before God, realizing that he has great power,” (See: Metonymy)

1 Peter 5:7

πᾶσαν τὴν μέριμναν ὑμῶν ἐπιρίψαντες ἐπ’ αὐτόν

Peter speaks of anxiety as if it were a heavy burden that a person places on God, rather than carrying it himself. Alternate translation: “trusting him with everything that worries you” or “letting him take care of all the things that trouble you” (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 5:8

νήψατε

Here the word sober refers to mental clarity and alertness. See how you translated this in 1 Peter 1:13. Alternate translation: “Control your thoughts” or “Be careful about what you think” (See: Idiom)

διάβολος, ὡς λέων ὠρυόμενος περιπατεῖ, ζητῶν τινα καταπιεῖν

Peter compares the devil to a roaring lion. Just as a hungry lion completely devours its prey, the devil is seeking to completely destroy the faith of believers. (See: Simile)

περιπατεῖ

“walking about” or “walking about and hunting”

1 Peter 5:9

ὑμῶν ἀδελφότητι

“your fellow believers”

ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ

“in various places throughout the world”

1 Peter 5:10

This is the end of Peter’s letter. Here he gives his final remarks about his letter and his closing greetings.

ὀλίγον

“for a short time”

ὁ…Θεὸς πάσης χάριτος

Here the word grace may refer either to the things that God gives or to God’s character. This could mean: (1) This refers to the God who always gives us what we need. (2) This refers to the God who is always gracious.

ὁ καλέσας ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν αἰώνιον αὐτοῦ δόξαν ἐν Χριστῷ

“who has chose you to share his eternal glory in heaven because you are joined to Christ”

καταρτίσει

“make perfect” or “restore” or “make well again”

σθενώσει, θεμελιώσει

These two expressions have similar meanings, that is, that God will enable the believers to trust in him and to obey him regardless of any suffering they may experience. (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 5:12

διὰ Σιλουανοῦ, ὑμῖν…δι’ ὀλίγων ἔγραψα

Silvanus wrote the words that Peter told him to write in the letter.

ταύτην εἶναι ἀληθῆ χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ

This refers back to what Paul has written. Here the word grace refers to the gospel message, which tells of the kind things that God has done for believers. Alternate translation: “I have written about the true grace of God” or “the gospel message I have written is God's grace to you” (See: Metonymy)

εἰς ἣν στῆτε

The word it refers to “the true grace of God.” Being strongly committed to this grace is spoken of as standing firmly in one place, refusing to move. Alternate translation: “Remain strongly committed to it” (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 5:13

ἡ ἐν Βαβυλῶνι

Here, she probably refers to the group of believers who live in Babylon. Here, Babylon could mean: (1) This is a symbol for the city of Rome. (2) This is a symbol for anywhere that Christians are suffering. (3) This is a literal reference to the city of Babylon. It most likely refers to the city of Rome. (See: Symbolic Language)

συνεκλεκτὴ

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whom God has chosen as he has chosen you” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ υἱός μου

Peter speaks of Mark as if he is his spiritual son. Alternate translation: “my spiritual son” or “who is like a son to me” (See: Metaphor)

1 Peter 5:14

φιλήματι ἀγάπης

“a loving kiss” or “a kiss to show your love for each other”