1 Peter 1:23
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Original Language Analysis
ἀναγεγεννημένοι
Being born again
G313
ἀναγεγεννημένοι
Being born again
Strong's:
G313
Word #:
1 of 16
to beget or (by extension) bear (again)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
8 of 16
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
λόγου
the word
G3056
λόγου
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
9 of 16
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 16
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μένοντος
abideth
G3306
μένοντος
abideth
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
13 of 16
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
1 Peter 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.John 3:3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.John 1:13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.John 6:63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.1 John 5:18We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.1 John 3:9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.John 3:5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.James 1:18Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.Matthew 24:35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Historical Context
Peter echoes Jesus (John 3:3-8) and James (1:18) on regeneration through God's word. Unlike pagan mystery religions teaching reincarnation or philosophical enlightenment, Christianity proclaims supernatural new birth by God's Spirit through His word. The "imperishable seed" metaphor emphasizes salvation's permanence—those born of God's word possess eternal life that can't be lost. This assured persecuted believers that persecution couldn't destroy what God birthed. Early church emphasized Scripture's central role in conversion—gospel preaching was God's ordained means of regeneration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding new birth's source (God's imperishable word, not human effort) affect your assurance of salvation?
- In what ways is God's living and abiding word currently producing spiritual fruit in your life?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter grounds imperishable love in imperishable new birth. "Being born again" (anagegennēmenoi) repeats verse 3's regeneration theme—new birth is Christianity's foundation. The contrast: "not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible" (ouk ek sporas phthartēs alla aphthartou)—natural birth uses perishable seed producing mortal life; spiritual birth uses imperishable seed producing eternal life. The seed is identified: "by the word of God" (dia logou theou)—God's word is the imperishable seed. The description: "which liveth and abideth for ever" (zōntos kai menontos)—God's word is living (active, powerful) and abiding (permanent, eternal). Natural seed dies; God's word endures eternally.