1 Peter 4:8

Authorized King James Version

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Word-by-Word Analysis

πρὸ

G4253

above

"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to

πάντων

G3956

all things

all, any, every, the whole

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

τὴν

G3588

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

εἰς

G1519

among

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἑαυτοὺς

G1438

yourselves

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

ἀγάπη

G26

charity

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

ἐκτενῆ

G1618

fervent

intent

ἔχοντες

G2192

have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#10

ὅτι

G3754

for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#11

ἡ

G3588

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

#12

ἀγάπη

G26

charity

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

#13

καλύψει

G2572

shall cover

to cover up (literally or figuratively)

#14

πλῆθος

G4128

the multitude

a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace

#15

ἁμαρτιῶν

G266

of sins

a sin (properly abstract)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Proverbs 10:12 Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
— Love covereth all sins
² James 5:20 James 5:20
Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
— Hide a multitude of sins

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Peter. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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Topics

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