1 Peter 4:6

Authorized King James Version

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For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Original Language Analysis

εἰς for G1519
εἰς for
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 1 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοῦτο this cause G5124
τοῦτο this cause
Strong's: G5124
Word #: 2 of 17
that thing
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 3 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ also G2532
καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 4 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νεκροῖς to them that are dead G3498
νεκροῖς to them that are dead
Strong's: G3498
Word #: 5 of 17
dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)
εὐηγγελίσθη was the gospel preached G2097
εὐηγγελίσθη was the gospel preached
Strong's: G2097
Word #: 6 of 17
to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
ἵνα that G2443
ἵνα that
Strong's: G2443
Word #: 7 of 17
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
κριθῶσιν they might be judged G2919
κριθῶσιν they might be judged
Strong's: G2919
Word #: 8 of 17
by implication, to try, condemn, punish
μὲν G3303
μὲν
Strong's: G3303
Word #: 9 of 17
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
κατὰ according to G2596
κατὰ according to
Strong's: G2596
Word #: 10 of 17
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἀνθρώπους men G444
ἀνθρώπους men
Strong's: G444
Word #: 11 of 17
man-faced, i.e., a human being
σαρκὶ in the flesh G4561
σαρκὶ in the flesh
Strong's: G4561
Word #: 12 of 17
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
ζῶσιν live G2198
ζῶσιν live
Strong's: G2198
Word #: 13 of 17
to live (literally or figuratively)
δὲ but G1161
δὲ but
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 14 of 17
but, and, etc
κατὰ according to G2596
κατὰ according to
Strong's: G2596
Word #: 15 of 17
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
θεὸν God G2316
θεὸν God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 16 of 17
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πνεύματι in the spirit G4151
πνεύματι in the spirit
Strong's: G4151
Word #: 17 of 17
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

Analysis & Commentary

Peter explains gospel preaching to the dead. "For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead" (eis touto gar kai nekrois euēngelisthē). "Them that are dead" (nekrois) likely refers to believers now deceased who heard gospel while alive. The purpose: "that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit" (hina krithōsin men kata anthrōpous sarki zōsin de kata theon pneumati). They were "judged according to men in flesh"—suffered persecution/martyrdom judged by humans. But "live according to God in spirit"—despite physical death, they live spiritually with God. Gospel preached to them secured eternal life despite earthly death.

Historical Context

This difficult verse generated multiple interpretations. Most likely: gospel was preached to people now dead (believers who died, especially martyrs). Though judged/killed by humans physically, they live eternally with God spiritually. This encouraged living believers—deceased Christian loved ones aren't lost but alive with God despite physical death. Alternative view links to 3:19, seeing Christ preaching to Old Testament dead. Either way, verse affirms gospel's power extends beyond physical death—those who believe live eternally despite earthly death. Early church comforted bereaved believers with resurrection hope—death doesn't end existence for Christians but transitions to life with God.

Questions for Reflection

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