1 Peter 1:3

Authorized King James Version

Blessed 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,

Word-by-Word Analysis

Εὐλογητὸς

G2128

Blessed

adorable

τὸ

G3588

which

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

θεὸς

G2316

be the God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

πατὴρ

G3962

Father

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

τὸ

G3588

which

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

κυρίου

G2962

Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν

G2257

of our

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#10

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#11

τὸ

G3588

which

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

#12

κατὰ

G2596

according to

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#13

τὸ

G3588

which

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

#14

πολὺ

G4183

abundant

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#15

αὐτοῦ

G846

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

#16

ἔλεος

G1656

mercy

compassion (human or divine, especially active)

#17

ἀναγεννήσας

G313

again

to beget or (by extension) bear (again)

#18

ἡμᾶς

G2248

#19

εἰς

G1519

unto

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#20

ἐλπίδα

G1680

hope

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

#21

ζῶσαν

G2198

a lively

to live (literally or figuratively)

#22

δι'

G1223

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

#23

ἀναστάσεως

G386

the resurrection

a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor

#24

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#25

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#26

ἐκ

G1537

from

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#27

νεκρῶν

G3498

the dead

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

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 hope 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood hope. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of hope differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Hope