1 Peter 1:20
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
Original Language Analysis
μὲν
Who verily
G3303
μὲν
Who verily
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
πρὸ
before
G4253
πρὸ
before
Strong's:
G4253
Word #:
3 of 13
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
καταβολῆς
the foundation
G2602
καταβολῆς
the foundation
Strong's:
G2602
Word #:
4 of 13
a deposition, i.e., founding; figuratively, conception
κόσμου
of the world
G2889
κόσμου
of the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
5 of 13
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
φανερωθέντος
was manifest
G5319
φανερωθέντος
was manifest
Strong's:
G5319
Word #:
6 of 13
to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
ἐπ'
in
G1909
ἐπ'
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χρόνων
times
G5550
χρόνων
times
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
11 of 13
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
Cross References
Ephesians 1:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:Hebrews 9:26For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.Revelation 13:8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.Hebrews 1:2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;Colossians 1:26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:Ephesians 3:9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:Ephesians 3:11According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:Galatians 4:4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,Micah 5:2But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.Proverbs 8:23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
Historical Context
This verse counters notions that Christ's mission emerged unexpectedly due to human sin. Reformed theology emphasizes God's eternal decree (decretum)—before creation, God planned redemption through Christ. This demonstrates God's sovereignty, wisdom, and grace. The phrase echoes Paul (Ephesians 1:4, "chosen before foundation of world") and Revelation 13:8 ("Lamb slain from foundation"). Early church fathers used this verse defending Christ's deity against Arian heresy—Christ's pre-existence as part of eternal Godhead, not created being.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing Christ was foreordained as Redeemer before creation deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty and grace?
- What does it mean that Christ appeared 'for you' specifically, and how should this personalization affect your gratitude?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter reveals Christ's eternal role in redemption. "Who verily was foreordained" (proegenōsmenou men) uses perfect passive participle indicating completed action with lasting results—Christ was foreknown/foreordained by God and remains so. "Before the foundation of the world" (pro katabolēs kosmou) places divine decree before creation—redemption wasn't divine afterthought but eternal plan. God predetermined Christ's sacrificial role in eternity past. Yet "was manifest in these last times for you" (phanderōthentos de ep' eschatou tōn chronōn di' hymas)—though eternally planned, manifestation occurred in history at appointed time. "Last times" refers to messianic age inaugurated by Christ's first advent. "For you" emphasizes believers' privilege—Christ's appearance benefits them specifically.