Devine Scripture

1 Peter 1:6

What does 1 Peter 1:6 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Peter 1:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Peter 1:6 means

Because of this secure salvation, believers “greatly rejoice,” even though “for a little while” they experience many kinds of trials. The phrase “if need be” acknowledges God’s wise allowance of hardships; they are not random. The grief is real, but the joy is greater and grounded in the promised future. Suffering is temporary; inheritance is eternal. Christians are not stoics—they feel sorrow—but they view it within a larger horizon of hope. This verse invites a paradoxical life: rejoicing with tears, confident that the God who saved us will use even present pain to serve his good purposes.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

You have cause for great joy in this, though it may have been necessary for you to be troubled for a little time, being tested in all sorts of ways,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

in which ye are glad, a little now, if it be necessary, being made to sorrow in manifold trials,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Wherein you shalt greatly rejoice, if now you must be for a little time made sorrowful in divers temptations:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Wherein ye exult, for a little while at present, if needed, put to grief by various trials,

Context

On the heels of promises about inheritance and guarding power (vv. 4–5), Peter addresses the current, painful reality of trials. This sets up verse 7’s explanation of why such trials come—to refine faith—and verses 8–9’s celebration of unseen yet vibrant love for Christ. The tension between present grief and abiding joy is central to the chapter’s pastoral encouragement.

v.5who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

v.6This passage

v.7that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:17

    For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;

  • Lamentations 3:32

    For though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:6

    And ye became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit;

  • 1 Corinthians 4:9

    For, I think, God hath set forth us the apostles last of all, as men doomed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, both to angels and men.

  • 1 Peter 4:7

    But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer:

  • Isaiah 12:2

    Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid: for Jehovah, even Jehovah, is my strength and song; and he is become my salvation.

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