Peter quotes Isaiah 40:6-8 to contrast humanity's frailty with God's word's permanence. "For all flesh is as grass" (dioti pasa sarx hōs chortos)—all humanity resembles grass in its temporary nature. "And all the glory of man as the flower of grass" (kai pasa doxa anthrōpou hōs anthos chortou)—human achievement, beauty, strength, fame—all human glory resembles wildflowers: beautiful but brief. The imagery continues: "The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away" (exēranthē ho chortos kai to anthos exepesen)—grass dries up, flowers drop off. This describes all earthly things' transience—beauty fades, strength weakens, fame forgotten, empires collapse. Peter applies this to persecuted believers: earthly glory (wealth, status, power) is fleeting; only God's word endures.
Historical Context
Isaiah wrote during Judah's crisis when Babylonian empire threatened destruction. God assured His people that though mighty Babylon seemed permanent, it would wither like grass while God's promises stood forever. Peter applies this to Roman Empire—persecuting believers might think Rome permanent and powerful, but it too will wither. Only God's word abides. This encouraged believers facing emperor worship demands—Caesar's glory would fade, but God's word endures. History proved Peter right—Roman Empire fell, but Scripture remains. The passage reminds believers not to invest ultimate hope in transient earthly things (wealth, beauty, power, fame) but in eternal word.
Questions for Reflection
What specific 'glories of man' (achievements, possessions, status) are you tempted to trust in rather than God's enduring word?
How does remembering that all earthly glory 'withers' change your priorities and pursuits?
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter quotes Isaiah 40:6-8 to contrast humanity's frailty with God's word's permanence. "For all flesh is as grass" (dioti pasa sarx hōs chortos)—all humanity resembles grass in its temporary nature. "And all the glory of man as the flower of grass" (kai pasa doxa anthrōpou hōs anthos chortou)—human achievement, beauty, strength, fame—all human glory resembles wildflowers: beautiful but brief. The imagery continues: "The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away" (exēranthē ho chortos kai to anthos exepesen)—grass dries up, flowers drop off. This describes all earthly things' transience—beauty fades, strength weakens, fame forgotten, empires collapse. Peter applies this to persecuted believers: earthly glory (wealth, status, power) is fleeting; only God's word endures.