1 Peter 5:8

Authorized King James Version

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Νήψατε
Be sober
to abstain from wine (keep sober), i.e., (figuratively) be discreet
#2
γρηγορήσατε
be vigilant
to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)
#3
ὅτι
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#4
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀντίδικος
adversary
an opponent (in a lawsuit); specially, satan (as the arch-enemy)
#6
ὑμῶν
your
of (from or concerning) you
#7
διάβολος
the devil
a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)
#8
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#9
λέων
lion
a "lion"
#10
ὠρυόμενος
a roaring
to "roar"
#11
περιπατεῖ
walketh about
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
#12
ζητῶν
seeking
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
#13
τινα
whom
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#14
καταπίῃ·
he may devour
to drink down, i.e., gulp entire (literally or figuratively)

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

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