1 Peter 3:21

Authorized King James Version

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὃ

G3739

whereunto

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

καὶ

G2532

also

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

ἡμᾶς

G2248

ἀντίτυπον

G499

The like figure

corresponding ("antitype"), i.e., a representative, counterpart

νῦν

G3568

now

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

σῴζει

G4982

doth

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

βάπτισμα

G908

even baptism

baptism (technically or figuratively)

οὐ

G3756

(not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

σαρκὸς

G4561

of the flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

#10

ἀπόθεσις

G595

the putting away

a laying aside (literally or figuratively)

#11

ῥύπου

G4509

of the filth

dirt, i.e., (morally) depravity

#12

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#13

συνειδήσεως

G4893

conscience

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

#14

ἀγαθῆς

G18

of a good

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

#15

ἐπερώτημα

G1906

the answer

an inquiry

#16

εἰς

G1519

toward

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

#17

θεόν

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#18

δι'

G1223

) by

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#19

ἀναστάσεως

G386

the resurrection

a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor

#20

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

of Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#21

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Peter chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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Topics

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