1 Peter 4:5

Authorized King James Version

Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οἳ
Who
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
ἀποδώσουσιν
shall give
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
#3
λόγον
account
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#4
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἑτοίμως
ready
in readiness
#6
ἔχοντι
to him that is
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#7
κρῖναι
to judge
by implication, to try, condemn, punish
#8
ζῶντας
the quick
to live (literally or figuratively)
#9
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
νεκρούς
the dead
dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

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 revelation 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 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

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