1 Peter 2:14

Authorized King James Version

Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἴτε

G1535

if too

ἡγεμόσιν

G2232

unto governors

a leader, i.e., chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province

ὡς

G5613

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

δι'

G1223

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

αὐτοῦ

G846

him

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

πεμπομένοις

G3992

unto them that are sent

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

εἰς

G1519

for

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

ἐκδίκησιν

G1557

the punishment

vindication, retribution

μὲν

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

#10

κακοποιῶν

G2555

of evildoers

a bad-doer; (specially), a criminal

#11

ἔπαινον

G1868

for the praise

laudation; concretely, a commendable thing

#12

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#13

ἀγαθοποιῶν·

G17

of them that do well

a well-doer, i.e., virtuous

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 divine revelation 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 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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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Topics

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