1 Peter 2:4

Authorized King James Version

To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πρὸς
To
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#2
ὃν
whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#3
προσερχόμενοι
coming
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
#4
λίθον
stone
a stone (literally or figuratively)
#5
ζῶντα
as unto a living
to live (literally or figuratively)
#6
ὑπὸ
of
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#7
ἀνθρώπων
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#8
μὲν
indeed
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
#9
ἀποδεδοκιμασμένον
disallowed
to disapprove, i.e., (by implication) to repudiate
#10
παρὰ
of
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
#11
δὲ
but
but, and, etc
#12
θεῷ
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#13
ἐκλεκτὸν
chosen
select; by implication, favorite
#14
ἔντιμον
and precious
valued (figuratively)

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 sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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