1 Peter 4:1

Authorized King James Version

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

Word-by-Word Analysis

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

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

οὖν

G3767

Forasmuch then as

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

παθὼν

G3958

hath suffered

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

ὑπὲρ

G5228

for

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

σαρκὶ

G4561

in 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

καὶ

G2532

likewise

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

ὑμεῖς

G5210

yourselves

you (as subjective of verb)

τὴν

G3588

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

#10

αὐτὴν

G846

with the same

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

#11

ἔννοιαν

G1771

mind

thoughtfulness, i.e., moral understanding

#12

ὁπλίσασθε

G3695

arm

to equip (with weapons (middle voice and figuratively))

#13

ὅτι

G3754

for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#14

ὁ

G3588

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

#15

παθὼν

G3958

hath suffered

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

#16

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#17

σαρκὶ

G4561

in 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

#18

πέπαυται

G3973

hath ceased

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

#19

ἁμαρτίας

G266

from sin

a sin (properly abstract)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Peter, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 1 Peter.

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of 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

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Hope