1 Peter 1:5
What does 1 Peter 1:5 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 1:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 1:5 means
Not only is the inheritance secure, but believers themselves “are guarded” by God’s power. This protection operates “through faith,” calling for ongoing trust in God as the means by which his power keeps us. The goal is “a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time,” pointing to the final unveiling of all God has promised when Jesus returns. Present trials do not cancel future salvation; rather, God’s keeping power spans the entire journey. Assurance here is not complacency but confidence in God’s reliability. Our perseverance is real, yet undergirded by divine strength that preserves us for the day when salvation is fully displayed.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who, by the power of God are kept, through faith, for that salvation, which will be seen at the last day.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862who, in the power of God are being guarded, through faith, unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who, by the power of God, are kept by faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890who are kept guarded by [the] power ofGod through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in [the] last time.
Context
With verses 3–4 celebrating new birth and inheritance, verse 5 adds personal security for believers. This threefold assurance—God’s mercy, an incorruptible inheritance, and divine guarding through faith—prepares for verses 6–7, where Peter addresses how trials test and purify faith. The forward glance to the “last time” also links with the repeated theme of Christ’s revelation in verses 7, 8, and 13.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 12:48
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day.
- 2 Timothy 3:15
and that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
- John 17:15
I pray not that thou shouldest take them from the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil one.
- Ephesians 3:17
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
- Ephesians 2:8
for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
- Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.
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