1 Peter 1:4
What does 1 Peter 1:4 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 1:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 1:4 means
The new birth ushers believers into an inheritance that cannot decay, be stained, or fade. Unlike earthly inheritances, which are vulnerable to theft, defilement, or time’s erosion, this one is “reserved in heaven for you.” Its qualities declare permanence and purity. God guards what he promises and keeps it in a realm beyond the reach of loss. Believers may be dispossessed on earth, but they are rich in Christ. This promise steadies hearts: what is coming is better than what is passing away. Hope fastens not to circumstances but to God’s pledged future, held securely where no enemy can touch it.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
KJV
King James Version · 1611To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And a heritage fair, holy and for ever new, waiting in heaven for you,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and unfading, reserved in the heavens for you,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Unto an inheritance, incorruptible, and undefiled and that cannot fade, reserved in heaven for you,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890to an incorruptible and undefiled and unfading inheritance, reserved in [the] heavens for you,
Context
Continuing the doxology of verses 3–5, Peter moves from the fact of new birth and living hope (v. 3) to the nature of the promised inheritance. Verse 5 will further reassure readers that not only the inheritance is secure, but they themselves are being guarded to receive it. Together, these verses undergird joy amid trials, which Peter unfolds in verses 6–9.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 5:4
And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.
- Hebrews 9:15
And for this cause he is the mediator of a new covenant, that a death having taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, they that have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
- Ephesians 1:11
in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will;
- Matthew 25:34
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
- Psalms 31:19
Oh how great is thy goodness, Which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee, Which thou hast wrought for them that take refuge in thee, Before the sons of men!
- Ezekiel 47:12
And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow every tree for food, whose leaf shall not wither, neither shall the fruit thereof fail: it shall bring forth new fruit every month, because the waters thereof issue out of the sanctuary; and the fruit thereof shall be for food, and the leaf thereof for healing.
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