1 Peter 3:19
By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
Original Language Analysis
ᾧ
which
G3739
ᾧ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 9
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φυλακῇ
prison
G5438
φυλακῇ
prison
Strong's:
G5438
Word #:
6 of 9
a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
πνεύμασιν
unto the spirits
G4151
πνεύμασιν
unto the spirits
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
7 of 9
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
Cross References
1 Peter 4:6For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;Isaiah 42:7To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.Isaiah 49:9That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.Nehemiah 9:30Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.
Historical Context
This enigmatic verse generated centuries of interpretation. Some saw it supporting prayers for the dead or second chances after death (neither Reformed doctrine). Reformed interpretation emphasizes Christ's triumph over spiritual powers (Colossians 2:15). Between death and resurrection, Christ proclaimed victory to imprisoned evil spirits, demonstrating His conquest over death and Satan. This assured believers that Christ's work accomplished complete redemption, extending even to supernatural realms. Early church celebrated Christ's 'harrowing of hell'—descending to proclaim victory. Whatever exact meaning, verse affirms Christ's comprehensive redemptive work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's proclamation to 'spirits in prison' demonstrate His complete victory over death and evil?
- Why is it important that Christ's redemptive work extended beyond earthly visible ministry?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter describes Christ's post-death activity. "By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison" (en hō kai tois en phylakē pneumasin poreutheis ekēryxen). This difficult verse spawned many interpretations. "Spirits in prison" likely refers to fallen angels or disobedient humans. "Preached" (ekēryxen) could mean proclamation of judgment or salvation. Most Reformed interpreters see Christ proclaiming victory over Satan and fallen angels after death, before resurrection. Alternative view: Christ through Noah preached to people now imprisoned in hell for rejecting Noah's message. Either way, Christ's work extended beyond earthly ministry.