1 Peter 1:12

Authorized King James Version

Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἃ

G3739

Unto whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἀπεκαλύφθη

G601

it was revealed

to take off the cover, i.e., disclose

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐχ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἑαυτοῖς

G1438

unto themselves

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἡμῖν

G2254

unto us

to (or for, with, by) us

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

διηκόνουν

G1247

they did minister

to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon

αὐτά

G846

the things

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#10

ἃ

G3739

Unto whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#11

νῦν

G3568

now

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

#12

ἀνηγγέλη

G312

are

to announce (in detail)

#13

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

#14

διὰ

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#15

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

εὐαγγελισαμένων

G2097

them that have preached the gospel

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

#17

ὑμᾶς

G5209

unto you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#18

ἐν

G1722

with

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#19

πνεύματι

G4151

Ghost

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

#20

ἁγίῳ

G40

the Holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#21

ἀποσταλέντι

G649

sent down

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

#22

ἀπ'

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#23

οὐρανοῦ

G3772

heaven

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

#24

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#25

ἃ

G3739

Unto whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#26

ἐπιθυμοῦσιν

G1937

desire

to set the heart upon, i.e., long for (rightfully or otherwise)

#27

ἄγγελοι

G32

the angels

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

#28

παρακύψαι

G3879

to look

to bend beside, i.e., lean over (so as to peer within)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Peter, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to 1 Peter's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Peter Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Peter chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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