1 Peter 5:13
What does 1 Peter 5:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 5:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 5:13 means
“She that is in Babylon, elect together with you,” sends greetings—likely Peter’s way of referring to a sister congregation in a prominent city, standing with them as fellow chosen ones of God. He also sends greetings from “Mark my son,” probably his close co-worker and spiritual son. These greetings are more than pleasantries; they affirm shared identity and mutual support across distances. The mention of election echoes earlier themes: believers, wherever they are, belong to God’s chosen people. In a hostile world, such ties remind suffering Christians that they are not isolated but joined to a wider family sustained by God’s grace.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000She that is in Babylon, elect together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Mark my son.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901She that is in Babylon, elect together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Mark my son.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949She who is in Babylon, who has a part with you in the purpose of God, sends you her love; and so does my son Mark.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Salute you doth the <FI>assembly<Fi> in Babylon jointly elected, and Markus my son.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The church that is in Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you. And so doth my son, Mark.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890She that is elected with [you] in Babylon salutes you, and Marcus my son.
Context
Following the purpose statement (verse 12), Peter conveys greetings from fellow believers and a trusted co-laborer, Mark. This situates the recipients within a broader network of churches and leaders. The next and final verse (14) will give a communal expression of love and a benediction of peace. The flow from purpose to greetings to blessing closes the letter with warmth and solidarity.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 17:5
and upon her forehead a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
- Revelation 18:2
And he cried with a mighty voice, saying, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, and is become a habitation of demons, and a hold of every unclean spirit, and a hold of every unclean and hateful bird.
- 2 John 1:13
The children of thine elect sister salute thee.
- Acts 12:25
And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministration, taking with them John whose surname was Mark.
- Acts 12:12
And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together and were praying.
- Psalms 87:4
I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon as among them that know me: Behold, Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia: This one was born there.
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