1 Peter 2:12

Authorized King James Version

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
ἀναστροφὴν
conversation
behavior
#3
ὑμῶν
you
of (from or concerning) you
#4
ἐν
among
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#5
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἔθνεσιν
the Gentiles
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
#7
ἔχοντες
Having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#8
καλῶν
honest
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
#9
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#10
ἐν
among
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#11
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#12
καταλαλοῦσιν
they speak against
to be a traducer, i.e., to slander
#13
ὑμῶν
you
of (from or concerning) you
#14
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#15
κακοποιῶν
evildoers
a bad-doer; (specially), a criminal
#16
ἐκ
by
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#17
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
καλῶν
honest
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
#19
ἔργων
works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#20
ἐποπτεύσαντες
which they shall behold
to inspect, i.e., watch
#21
δοξάσωσιν
glorify
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
#22
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
θεὸν
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#24
ἐν
among
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#25
ἡμέρᾳ
the day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#26
ἐπισκοπῆς
of visitation
inspection (for relief); by implication, superintendence; specially, the christian "episcopate"

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Peter, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Peter.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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