1 Peter 1:9
What does 1 Peter 1:9 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 1:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 1:9 means
Believers are “receiving the end” or goal of their faith—“the salvation of your souls.” Salvation here is both present and progressive: already possessed in part, yet awaiting full revelation. Faith’s aim is not merely relief from hardship but the complete deliverance of one’s life into God’s keeping. This assures suffering Christians that their trust in Christ is not wasted; they are even now sharing in salvation’s benefits. The verse ties together love, belief, and joy (v. 8) with the secure inheritance (vv. 4–5), confirming that the path of faith truly leads to God’s promised end.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For so you have the true end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862receiving the end of your faith--salvation of souls;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890receiving the end of your faith, [the] salvation of [your] souls.
Context
Having described the experience of loving and believing without seeing (v. 8), Peter now states the result—salvation. This prepares the way for verses 10–12, which situate this salvation within the long story of God’s revelation through the prophets and now through the gospel. The transition deepens assurance by showing that present grace fulfills ancient expectation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- James 1:21
Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
- Hebrews 11:13
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
- Romans 6:22
But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life.
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