Devine Scripture

1 Peter 4:7

What does 1 Peter 4:7 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Peter 4:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Peter 4:7 means

Peter declares that “the end of all things is at hand,” not to promote speculation but to cultivate sobriety and prayer. The nearness of the end means God’s plan is nearing its goal in Christ’s return and the completion of redemption. Such imminence calls believers to clear-minded self-control, so they can pray effectively and not be swept away by panic or indulgence. Watchfulness before God steadies the heart amid trials. Prayer aligns the church with God’s purposes as history moves toward its appointed climax. Far from passivity, this outlook energizes disciplined living and dependence on God in every circumstance.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But the end of all things is near: so be serious in your behaviour and keep on the watch with prayer;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And of all things the end hath come nigh; be sober-minded, then, and watch unto the prayers,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But the end of all is at hand. Be prudent therefore and watch in prayers.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the end of all things is drawn nigh: be sober therefore, and be watchful unto prayers;

Context

With judgment and hope beyond death in view (vv. 5–6), verse 7 turns to the practical posture for the last days: sober-minded prayer. This begins a cluster of community exhortations (vv. 7–11) that show how to live under the shadow of the end—loving earnestly, welcoming gladly, and serving faithfully. The call to be of sound mind forms the roof under which the specific practices of love, hospitality, and stewardship sit. After these corporate instructions, Peter will return in verse 12 to a direct focus on suffering’s fiery testing.

v.6For unto this end was the gospel preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

v.7This passage

v.8above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love covereth a multitude of sins:

Cross references

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

  • Luke 21:34

    But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare:

  • Matthew 25:13

    Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour.

  • James 5:8

    Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:6

    so then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:2

    It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.

  • Colossians 4:2

    Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;

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