1 Peter 3:22
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Original Language Analysis
ὅς
Who
G3739
ὅς
Who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
δεξιᾷ
the right hand
G1188
δεξιᾷ
the right hand
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
4 of 16
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 16
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πορευθεὶς
is gone
G4198
πορευθεὶς
is gone
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
7 of 16
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
οὐρανόν
heaven
G3772
οὐρανόν
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
9 of 16
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ὑποταγέντων
being made subject
G5293
ὑποταγέντων
being made subject
Strong's:
G5293
Word #:
10 of 16
to subordinate; reflexively, to obey
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 16
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
ἀγγέλων
angels
G32
ἀγγέλων
angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
12 of 16
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξουσιῶν
authorities
G1849
ἐξουσιῶν
authorities
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
14 of 16
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
Cross References
Hebrews 9:24For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Hebrews 10:12But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;Mark 16:19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.Hebrews 6:20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.Hebrews 8:1Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;Colossians 3:1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.Romans 8:38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,Romans 8:34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.Hebrews 1:3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Historical Context
Early church confessed Christ's ascension and session (sitting at God's right hand) as core doctrine (Apostles' Creed). This fulfilled Psalm 110:1 ("Sit at my right hand"). Christ's exaltation vindicated His claims, demonstrated His deity, established His cosmic rule. For persecuted Christians, this truth provided enormous comfort—their Lord ruled supreme over Roman emperors, pagan deities, demonic powers. All authorities (earthly and spiritual) ultimately submit to Christ. Early church saw Christ's session as guaranteeing eventual justice—He will return to judge and establish visible kingdom. Meanwhile, invisible rule ensures providence, protection, and ultimate victory for His people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's cosmic authority over all spiritual powers provide comfort when facing earthly persecution or spiritual warfare?
- What does Christ's position 'at God's right hand' signify about His current activity and future return?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter concludes with Christ's exaltation. "Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God" (hos estin en dexia theou, poreutheis eis ouranon). Christ ascended to heaven's throne, seated at God's right hand—position of authority, honor, power. The cosmic submission: "angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him" (hypotage ntōn autō angelōn kai exousiōn kai dynameōn). All spiritual beings—angels (good), authorities and powers (likely fallen angels/demons)—submit to Christ's supreme authority. Nothing in creation exceeds Christ's power. This cosmic Christology assures believers: their Savior reigns supreme over all, ensuring ultimate victory and present protection.