1Pe 1:3-5 | RWP | e4.org | Blessed be ( ευλογητος ). No copula in the Greek ( εστω , let be, or εστιν , is, or ειη , may be). The verbal adjective (from ευλογεω ) occurs in the N.T. only of God, as in the LXX ( ). See also ; . The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ( ο θεος κα πατηρ του κυριου ημων Ιησου Χριστου ). This precise language in ; ; and part of it in ; . See for similar language by Jesus. Great ( πολυ ). Much. Begat us again ( αναγεννησας ημας ). First aorist active articular ( ο , who) participle of αναγενναω , late, and rare word to beget again, in Aleph for Sirach ( Prol . 20), in Philo, in Hermetic writings, in N.T. only here and verse . "It was probably borrowed by the New Paganism from Christianity" (Bigg). The Stoics used αναγεννησις for παλινγενεσια ( ). If ανωθεν in be taken to mean "again," the same idea of regeneration is there, and if "from above" it is the new birth, anyhow. Unto a living hope ( εις ελπιδα ζωσαν ). Peter is fond of the word "living" (present active participle of ζαω ) as in ; , , ; , . The Pharisees cherished the hope of the resurrection ( ), but the resurrection of Jesus gave it proof and permanence ( , ). It is no longer a dead hope like dead faith ( , ). This revival of hope was wrought "by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" ( δια αναστασεως ). Hope rose up with Christ from the dead, though the disciples (Peter included) were slow at first to believe it.

‏ 1 Peter 1:3-5

Blessed be ( ευλογητος ). No copula in the Greek ( εστω, let be, or εστιν, is, or ειη, may be). The verbal adjective (from ευλογεω ) occurs in the N.T. only of God, as in the LXX (Lu 1:68). See also 2Co 1:3; Eph 1:3.

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ( ο θεος κα πατηρ του κυριου ημων Ιησου Χριστου ). This precise language in 2Co 1:3; Eph I:3; and part of it in 2Co 11:31; Ro 15:6. See Joh 20:17 for similar language by Jesus.

Great ( πολυ ). Much.

Begat us again ( αναγεννησας ημας ). First aorist active articular ( ο, who) participle of αναγενναω, late, and rare word to beget again, in Aleph for Sirach (Prol. 20), in Philo, in Hermetic writings, in N.T. only here and verse 23. "It was probably borrowed by the New Paganism from Christianity" (Bigg). The Stoics used αναγεννησις for παλινγενεσια (Tit 3:5). If ανωθεν in Joh 3:3 be taken to mean "again," the same idea of regeneration is there, and if "from above" it is the new birth, anyhow.

Unto a living hope ( εις ελπιδα ζωσαν ). Peter is fond of the word "living" (present active participle of ζαω ) as in 1:23; 2:4, 5, 24; 4:5, 6. The Pharisees cherished the hope of the resurrection (Ac 23:6), but the resurrection of Jesus gave it proof and permanence (1Co 15:14, 17). It is no longer a dead hope like dead faith (Jas 2:17, 26). This revival of hope was wrought "by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" ( δια αναστασεως ). Hope rose up with Christ from the dead, though the disciples (Peter included) were slow at first to believe it.

Unto an inheritance ( εις κληρονομιαν ). Old word (from κληρονομος, heir) for the property received by the heir (Mt 21:38), here a picture of the blessedness in store for us pilgrims (Ga 3:18).

Incorruptible ( αφθαρτον ). Old compound adjective (alpha privative and φθειρω, to corrupt), imperishable. So many inheritances vanish away before they are obtained.

Undefiled ( αμιαντον ). Old verbal adjective (note alliteration) from alpha privative and μιαινω, to defile, without defect or flaw in the title, in N.T. only here, Jas 1:27; Heb 13:4.

That fadeth not away ( αμαραντον ). Alliterative and verbal adjective again from alpha privative and μαραινω (to dry up, to wither, as in Jas 1:11), late and rare word in several inscriptions on tombs, here only in N.T. These inscriptions will fade away, but not this inheritance in Christ. It will not be like a faded rose.

Reserved ( τετηρημενην ). Perfect passive participle of τηρεω, old verb, to take care of, to guard. No burglars or bandits can break through where this inheritance is kept (Mt 6:19f.; Joh 17:11f.). Cf. Col 1:5, where laid away" ( αποκειμενην ) occurs.

For you ( εις υμας ). More graphic than the mere dative.

By the power of God ( εν δυναμε θεου ). No other δυναμις (power) like this (Col 1:3).

Are guarded ( φρουρουμενους ). Present (continuous process) passive articular ( τους ) participle of φρουρεω, to garrison, old verb (from φρουρος sentinel), a military term (Ac 9:24; 2Co 11:32), used of God's love (Php 4:7) as here. "The inheritance is kept; the heirs are guarded" (Bengel).

Through faith ( δια πιστεως ). Intermediate agency ( δια ), the immediate being ( εν, in, by) God's power.

Unto a salvation ( εις σωτηριαν ). Deliverance is the goal ( εις ) of the process and final salvation here, consummation as in 1Th 5:8, from σωτηρ (Saviour, from σωζω, to save).

Ready ( ετοιμην ). Prepared awaiting God's will (Ga 3:23; Ro 8:18).

To be revealed ( αποκαλυφθηνα ). First aorist passive infinitive of αποκαλυπτω, to unveil. Cf. Col 3:4 for φανεροω (to manifest) in this sense.

In the last time ( εν καιρω εσχατω ). This precise phrase nowhere else, but similar ones in Joh 6:39; Ac 2:17; Jas 5:3; 2Ti 3:1; 2Pe 3:3; He 1:2; Jude 1:18; 1Jo 2:18. Hort translates it here "in a season of extremity," but it is usually taken to refer to the Day of Judgment. That day no one knows, Jesus said.