1 Peter 1:13
What does 1 Peter 1:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 1:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 1:13 means
“Wherefore” signals response. Believers are to “gird up the loins” of their minds—drawing in loose thoughts for readiness—and “be sober,” clear-headed and watchful. They must set their hope completely on the grace that will be brought “at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Future grace fuels present discipline. Christian holiness begins with a reoriented mind and a fixed hope, not bare willpower. The coming unveiling of Christ will bring the fullness of what God has promised; therefore, live now with that day in view. Hope is not passive waiting but active preparation, governed by truth and aimed at glory.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore 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;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore 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;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So make your minds ready, and keep on the watch, hoping with all your power for the grace which is to come to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Wherefore having girded up the loins of your mind, being sober, hope perfectly upon the grace that is being brought to you in the revelation of Jesus Christ,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Wherefore, having the loins of your mind girt up, being sober, trust perfectly in the grace which is offered you in the revelation of Jesus Christ.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Wherefore, having girded up the loins of your mind, [be] sober [and] hope with perfect stedfastness in the grace [which will be] brought to you at [the] revelation of Jesus Christ;
Context
After celebrating salvation’s certainty and privilege (vv. 3–12), Peter turns to imperatives. Verse 13 launches the ethical section with mental readiness and fixed hope. Verses 14–16 will call believers to holiness patterned after God’s character, and verse 17 will add the motive of reverent fear. The linkage between future grace and present conduct anchors ethics in eschatological hope.
v.12To 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.
v.13This passage
v.14as children of obedience, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in the time of your ignorance:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 10:35
Cast not away therefore your boldness, which hath great recompense of reward.
- 1 Peter 3:15
but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear:
- Ephesians 6:14
Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
- Romans 13:13
Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy.
- Exodus 12:11
And thus shall ye eat it: with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is Jehovah’s passover.
- Isaiah 11:5
And righteousness shall be the girdle of his waist, and faithfulness the girdle of his loins.
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