1 Peter 4:11

Authorized King James Version

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἴ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις

G5100

some or any person or object

λαλεῖ

G2980

speak

to talk, i.e., utter words

ὡς

G5613

let him do it as

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

λόγια

G3051

the oracles

an utterance (of god)

θεὸς

G2316

God

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

εἴ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις

G5100

some or any person or object

διακονεῖ

G1247

minister

to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon

#10

ὡς

G5613

let him do it as

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#11

ἐξ

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#12

ἰσχύος

G2479

the ability

compare ?????, a form of g2192); forcefulness (literally or figuratively)

#13

ᾧ

G3739

to whom

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

#14

χορηγεῖ

G5524

giveth

to be a dance-leader, i.e., (generally) to furnish

#15

ὁ

G3588

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

#16

θεὸς

G2316

God

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

#17

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#18

ἐν

G1722

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

#19

πᾶσιν

G3956

all things

all, any, every, the whole

#20

δοξάζηται

G1392

may be glorified

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

#21

ὁ

G3588

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

#22

θεὸς

G2316

God

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

#23

διὰ

G1223

through

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

#24

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

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

#25

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

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

#26

ᾧ

G3739

to whom

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

#27

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#28

ἡ

G3588

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

#29

δόξα

G1391

praise

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

#30

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#31

τὸ

G3588

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

#32

κράτος

G2904

dominion

vigor ("great") (literally or figuratively)

#33

εἰς

G1519

for

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

#34

τοὺς

G3588

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

#35

αἰώνων

G165

and ever

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

#36

τῶν

G3588

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

#37

αἰώνων

G165

and ever

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

#38

ἀμήν

G281

Amen

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Peter, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 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 kingdom of God 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the kingdom of God 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 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?

Related Resources

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

Topics

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