1 Peter 1:20

Authorized King James Version

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Word-by-Word Analysis

προεγνωσμένου

G4267

was foreordained

to know beforehand, i.e., foresee

μὲν

G3303

Who verily

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

πρὸ

G4253

before

"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to

καταβολῆς

G2602

the foundation

a deposition, i.e., founding; figuratively, conception

κόσμου

G2889

of the world

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

φανερωθέντος

G5319

was manifest

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

ἐπ'

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ἐσχάτων

G2078

these last

farthest, final (of place or time)

#10

τῶν

G3588

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

#11

χρόνων

G5550

times

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

#12

δι'

G1223

for

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

#13

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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Topics

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