1 Peter 1:12
What does 1 Peter 1:12 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 1:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 1:12 means
It was revealed to the prophets that they served not themselves but “you”—those now hearing the gospel. What they announced in part is now fully proclaimed “by the Holy Spirit sent forth from heaven.” Even angels “desire to look into” these realities, underscoring their wonder and worth. Believers stand in a privileged time: the long-anticipated salvation is openly declared. The same Spirit who inspired prophecy empowers gospel preaching, ensuring that the message carries divine authority. This perspective dignifies the church’s hearing of the gospel and encourages perseverance by showing that heaven itself marvels at what God has done.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000To whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto you, did they minister these things, which now have been announced unto you through them that preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Spirit sent forth from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901To whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto you, did they minister these things, which now have been announced unto you through them that preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Spirit sent forth from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And it was made clear to those prophets that they were God's servants not for themselves but for you, to give you word of the things which have now come to your ears from the preachers of the good news through the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; things which even angels have a desire to see.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862to whom it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to us they were ministering these, which now were told to you (through those who did proclaim good news to you,) in the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, to which things messengers do desire to bend looking.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752To whom it was revealed that, not to themselves but to you, they ministered those things which are now declared to you by them that have preached the gospel to you: the Holy Ghost being sent down from heaven, on whom the angels desire to look.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890To whom it was revealed, that not to themselves but to you they ministered those things, which have now been announced to you by those who have declared to you the glad tidings by [the] Holy Spirit, sent from heaven, which angels desire to look into.
Context
With verses 10–11 spotlighting prophetic anticipation, verse 12 highlights present fulfillment and heavenly interest. This brings the doctrinal section (vv. 3–12) to a climax before the practical exhortations begin. The “Wherefore” of verse 13 will base commands for hope and holiness on the gracious salvation just celebrated.
v.11searching what time or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did point unto, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them.
v.12This passage
v.13Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 2:26
And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
- John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall bear witness of me:
- Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.
- Luke 15:10
Even so, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
- Romans 10:15
and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!
- Hebrews 11:39
And these all, having had witness borne to them through their faith, received not the promise,
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