1 Peter 2:11

Authorized King James Version

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἀγαπητοί

G27

Dearly beloved

beloved

παρακαλῶ

G3870

I beseech

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

ὡς

G5613

you as

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

παροίκους

G3941

strangers

having a home near, i.e., (as noun) a by-dweller (alien resident)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

παρεπιδήμους

G3927

pilgrims

an alien alongside, i.e., a resident foreigner

ἀπέχεσθαι

G567

abstain from

to hold oneself off, i.e., refrain

τῶν

G3588

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

σαρκικῶν

G4559

fleshly

pertaining to flesh, i.e., (by extension) bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal, unregenerate

#10

ἐπιθυμιῶν

G1939

lusts

a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

#11

αἵτινες

G3748

which

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

#12

στρατεύονται

G4754

war

to serve in a military campaign; figuratively, to execute the apostolate (with its arduous duties and functions), to contend with carnal inclinations

#13

κατὰ

G2596

against

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

#14

τῆς

G3588

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

#15

ψυχῆς·

G5590

the soul

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding love in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about 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 does this verse's literary context within 1 Peter chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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