1 Peter 3:10

Authorized King James Version

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὁ

G3588

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

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

θέλων

G2309

he that will

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ζωὴν

G2222

life

life (literally or figuratively)

ἀγαπᾶν

G25

love

to love (in a social or moral sense)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

ἰδεῖν

G1492

see

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἡμέρας

G2250

days

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

ἀγαθὰς

G18

good

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

#10

παυσάτω

G3973

let him refrain

to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e., restrain, quit, desist, come to an end

#11

τὴν

G3588

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

#12

γλῶσσαν

G1100

tongue

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

#13

αὐτοῦ

G846

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

#14

ἀπὸ

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#15

κακοῦ

G2556

evil

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#17

χείλη

G5491

lips

a lip (as a pouring place); figuratively, a margin (of water)

#18

αὐτοῦ

G846

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

#19

τοῦ

G3588

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

#20

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#21

λαλῆσαι

G2980

that they speak

to talk, i.e., utter words

#22

δόλον

G1388

guile

a trick (bait), i.e., (figuratively) wile

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character 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 love 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?
How might the original audience's understanding of love differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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Topics

Hope