1 Peter 1:22
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
Original Language Analysis
Τὰς
G3588
Τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχὰς
souls
G5590
ψυχὰς
souls
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
2 of 20
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
ἡγνικότες
Seeing ye have purified
G48
ἡγνικότες
Seeing ye have purified
Strong's:
G48
Word #:
4 of 20
to make clean, i.e., (figuratively) sanctify (ceremonially or morally)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπακοῇ
obeying
G5218
ὑπακοῇ
obeying
Strong's:
G5218
Word #:
7 of 20
attentive hearkening, i.e., (by implication) compliance or submission
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Πνεύματος
the Spirit
G4151
Πνεύματος
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
11 of 20
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
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἐκ
with
G1537
ἐκ
with
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
15 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
καρδίας
heart
G2588
καρδίας
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
17 of 20
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
Cross References
1 Timothy 1:5Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:Hebrews 13:1Let brotherly love continue.1 Peter 3:8Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:1 John 4:12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.1 John 4:7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.James 4:8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.1 John 3:23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.1 Thessalonians 3:12And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:2 Thessalonians 1:3We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;Acts 15:9And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Historical Context
In first-century context, Christian communities were radically diverse—Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free, rich and poor, men and women—united in Christ. Worldly divisions threatened church unity. Peter commands fervent mutual love transcending social barriers. This visible love distinguished Christianity from pagan religions ("See how these Christians love one another!" —Tertullian). Early church practiced radical hospitality, economic sharing, mutual care—demonstrating love's genuineness. Peter links purification (sanctification) to love—holiness produces love, not cold moralism.
Questions for Reflection
- What obstacles (pride, prejudice, unforgiveness) hinder your 'unfeigned love' for fellow believers, and how can you address them?
- How does understanding that God purified you 'unto' love for others connect personal holiness with communal love?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter transitions to brotherly love as sanctification's fruit. "Seeing ye have purified your souls" (tas psychas hymōn hēgnikotes) uses perfect participle indicating past completed action with ongoing results—believers were purified at conversion and remain pure. This purification occurred "in obeying the truth" (en tē hypakoē tēs alētheias)—through responding to gospel with faith/obedience. "Through the Spirit" (dia pneumatos)—Holy Spirit effects purification, not human effort alone. The result: "unto unfeigned love of the brethren" (eis philadelphian anypokriton)—genuine, unhypocritical love for fellow believers. The command follows: "see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently" (ek katharas kardias allēlous agapēsate ektenōs)—intense, strenuous love from purified heart. "Fervently" (ektenōs) means earnestly, intensely—stretched-out love requiring effort.