1 Peter 1:24

Authorized King James Version

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

Word-by-Word Analysis

διότι

G1360

For

on the very account that, or inasmuch as

πᾶσα

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

σὰρξ

G4561

flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

χόρτος

G5528

The grass

a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πᾶσα

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

δόξα

G1391

the glory

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

ἀνθρώπου

G444

of man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#10

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#11

ἄνθος

G438

the flower

a blossom

#12

χόρτος

G5528

The grass

a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation

#13

ἐξηράνθη

G3583

withereth

to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature

#14

ὁ

G3588

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

#15

χόρτος

G5528

The grass

a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

τὸ

G3588

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

#18

ἄνθος

G438

the flower

a blossom

#19

αὐτοῦ

G846

thereof

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#20

ἐξέπεσεν·

G1601

falleth away

to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Peter, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of glory connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about glory, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to 1 Peter's theological argument.

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 glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of glory differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Peter chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Hope