1 Peter 4:18
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δίκαιος
the righteous
G1342
δίκαιος
the righteous
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
4 of 12
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
σῴζεται
be saved
G4982
σῴζεται
be saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
6 of 12
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀσεβὴς
the ungodly
G765
ἀσεβὴς
the ungodly
Strong's:
G765
Word #:
8 of 12
irreverent, i.e., (by extension) impious or wicked
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Proverbs 11:31Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.Ezekiel 18:24But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.Luke 23:31For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?Jude 1:15To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.1 Corinthians 10:12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.2 Peter 3:7But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.Romans 1:18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;Zechariah 13:9And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.Jeremiah 25:29For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts.
Historical Context
The path involves suffering for believers. Easy-believism contradicts this. Salvation is free gift yet costly following.
Questions for Reflection
- What does righteous scarcely saved mean for assurance?
- How should final judgment reality motivate evangelism?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter quotes Proverbs: if righteous scarcely saved, what about the wicked? Biblical salvation involves suffering, self-denial, endurance. Wicked have no hope.