1 Peter 4:19

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὥστε

G5620

Wherefore

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

καὶ

G2532

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

οἱ

G3588

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

πάσχοντες

G3958

them that suffer

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

κατὰ

G2596

according to

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὸ

G3588

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

θέλημα

G2307

the will

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

τοῦ

G3588

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

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

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

#10

ὡς

G5613

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

#11

πιστῷ

G4103

unto a faithful

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

#12

κτίστῃ

G2939

Creator

a founder, i.e., god (as author of all things)

#13

παρατιθέσθωσαν

G3908

commit the keeping

to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)

#14

τὰς

G3588

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

#15

ψυχὰς

G5590

souls

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

#16

ἑαυτῶν

G1438

of their

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#17

ἐν

G1722

to him in

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

#18

ἀγαθοποιΐᾳ

G16

well doing

well-doing, i.e., virtue

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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 covenant 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 the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does understanding faith in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?

Related Resources

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Topics

Hope