1 Peter 4:2

Authorized King James Version

That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰς
That
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#2
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
μηκέτι
no longer
no further
#4
ἀνθρώπων
of men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#5
ἐπιθυμίαις
to the lusts
a longing (especially for what is forbidden)
#6
ἀλλὰ
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#7
θελήματι
to the will
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
#8
θεοῦ
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#9
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἐπίλοιπον
the rest
left over, i.e., remaining
#11
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#12
σαρκὶ
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
#13
βιῶσαι
he
to spend existence
#14
χρόνον
of his time
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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