1 Peter 1:20
What does 1 Peter 1:20 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 1:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 1:20 means
Christ “was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world,” showing that the cross was not an accident but part of God’s eternal design. He “was manifested at the end of the times for your sake,” revealing in history what was purposed in eternity. The timing underscores fulfillment: with Christ’s coming, the long-awaited era has dawned. God’s plan moved from hidden counsel to public display in Jesus. This anchors believers’ salvation in God’s sovereign wisdom and tender intention toward them, strengthening confidence that their present trials fit within a story God wrote from the beginning.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of the times for your sake,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of the times for your sake,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who was marked out by God before the making of the world, but was caused to be seen in these last times for you,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862foreknown, indeed, before the foundation of the world, and manifested in the last times because of you,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but manifested in the last times for you:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890foreknown indeed before [the] foundation of [the] world, but who has been manifested at the end of times for your sakes,
Context
After stating the cost of redemption (v. 19), verse 20 explains its place in God’s pre-creation plan and its historical unveiling. Verse 21 will then show the effect: through Christ, believers trust the God who raised and glorified him. The movement is from eternal purpose to historical manifestation to personal faith.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 John 1:2
(and the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare unto you the life, the eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us);
- Hebrews 9:26
else must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once at the end of the ages hath he been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
- Ephesians 1:10
unto a dispensation of the fulness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth; in him, I say,
- 1 John 3:8
he that doeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
- Galatians 4:4
but when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
- Romans 16:25
Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal,
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