1 Peter 4:11
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
let him do it as
G5613
ὡς
let him do it as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
4 of 38
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 38
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
διακονεῖ
minister
G1247
διακονεῖ
minister
Strong's:
G1247
Word #:
9 of 38
to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon
ὡς
let him do it as
G5613
ὡς
let him do it as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
10 of 38
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
11 of 38
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἰσχύος
the ability
G2479
ἰσχύος
the ability
Strong's:
G2479
Word #:
12 of 38
compare ?????, a form of g2192); forcefulness (literally or figuratively)
ᾧ
to whom
G3739
ᾧ
to whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 38
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
16 of 38
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
δοξάζηται
may be glorified
G1392
δοξάζηται
may be glorified
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
20 of 38
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
22 of 38
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
23 of 38
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
24 of 38
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ᾧ
to whom
G3739
ᾧ
to whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
26 of 38
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξα
praise
G1391
δόξα
praise
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
29 of 38
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
30 of 38
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
31 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
33 of 38
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
34 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰώνων
and ever
G165
αἰώνων
and ever
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
35 of 38
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
36 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:31Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.Ephesians 6:10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.1 Peter 4:10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.Acts 7:38This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:Ephesians 4:29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.Romans 3:2Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.Colossians 4:6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.1 Corinthians 12:4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.James 1:19Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:1 Peter 2:5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Historical Context
Peter divides gifts into speaking and serving. Both aim at God's glory. Early church valued both equally.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you ensure speaking gifts communicate God's truth rather than personal opinions?
- What does serving in God's ability rather than your own strength mean?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Peter gives gift categories: speaking and serving. Ultimate goal is God's glory, not personal recognition. Glory and power belong to God eternally.