1 Peter 2:8

Authorized King James Version

And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

λίθος

G3037

a stone

a stone (literally or figuratively)

προσκόμματος

G4348

of stumbling

a stub, i.e., (figuratively) occasion of apostasy

καὶ

G2532

And

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

πέτρα

G4073

a rock

a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively)

σκανδάλου·

G4625

of offence

a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e., snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin)

ὃ

G3739

even to them which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

προσκόπτουσιν

G4350

stumble

to strike at, i.e., surge against (as water); specially, to stub on, i.e., trip up (literally or figuratively)

τῷ

G3588

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

#10

λόγῳ

G3056

at the word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#11

ἀπειθοῦντες

G544

being disobedient

to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely)

#12

εἰς

G1519

whereunto

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

#13

ὃ

G3739

even to them which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#14

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#15

ἐτέθησαν

G5087

they were appointed

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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Topics

Hope