1 Peter 2:18

Authorized King James Version

Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
οἰκέται
Servants
a fellow resident, i.e., menial domestic
#3
ὑποτασσόμενοι
be subject
to subordinate; reflexively, to obey
#4
ἐν
with
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#5
παντὶ
all
all, any, every, the whole
#6
φόβῳ
fear
alarm or fright
#7
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
δεσπόταις
to your masters
an absolute ruler ("despot")
#9
οὐ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#10
μόνον
only
merely
#11
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἀγαθοῖς
G18
to the good
"good" (in any sense, often as noun)
#13
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
ἐπιεικέσιν
gentle
appropriate, i.e., (by implication) mild
#15
ἀλλὰ
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#16
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
σκολιοῖς
to the froward
warped, i.e., winding; figuratively, perverse

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

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