King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 1:17 Mean?

1 Peter 1:17 in the King James Version says “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of you...” — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:”

1 Peter 1:17 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

15

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

16

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

17

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

18

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter addresses believers' conduct during earthly sojourn, grounding it in God's character as impartial judge. The conditional "And if ye call on the Father" (kai ei patera epikaleisthe) assumes believers do call on God as Father—this is definitional of Christianity. The participial phrase "who without respect of persons judgeth" (ton aprosōpolēmptōs krinonta) uses aprosōpolēmptōs meaning impartially, without favoritism. God judges "according to every man's work" (kata to hekastou ergon)—evaluating deeds objectively, without bias based on ethnicity, social status, wealth, or religious heritage. This isn't justification by works (contradicting Paul's clear teaching) but God's assessment of faith's genuineness by examining its fruit. James similarly teaches that genuine faith inevitably produces works (James 2:14-26). Peter's exhortation follows: "pass the time of your sojourning here in fear" (en phobō ton tēs paroikias hymōn chronon anastraphēte). "Sojourning" (paroikias) recalls verse 1's identification of believers as temporary residents, pilgrims en route to permanent homeland. "In fear" (en phobō) means reverential awe, not servile terror—filial respect for Father whose holiness demands reverence. This fear motivates holy living during earth's brief pilgrimage.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter addresses believers experiencing persecution under potentially unjust human judges. He reminds them that ultimate judgment belongs to God who judges impartially, evaluating all fairly regardless of social position. This provided comfort (unjust earthly verdicts don't constitute final judgment) and warning (believers aren't exempt from divine evaluation). The phrase "without respect of persons" echoes Old Testament emphasis on God's impartiality (Deuteronomy 10:17, 2 Chronicles 19:7) and Jesus's teaching (Matthew 22:16). Roman society was rigidly hierarchical—patricians, plebeians, freedmen, slaves occupied distinct legal and social categories. Peter declares God recognizes no such distinctions—He judges works, not status. For wealthy believers tempted to presume on God or poor believers tempted to despair, this truth levels all before divine tribunal. The call to "fear" during sojourn recalls Israel's wilderness wandering—probationary period requiring faithfulness. Early church understood earthly life as brief pilgrimage to heavenly city (Hebrews 11:13-16).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing God judges impartially (without favoritism based on status, wealth, or heritage) affect both your confidence and your conduct?
  2. What does it mean practically to 'pass your time in fear' as a pilgrim during earthly sojourn, and how does this differ from worldly anxiety?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Καὶ1 of 19

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰ2 of 19

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

πατέρα3 of 19

“the Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἐπικαλεῖσθε4 of 19

“ye call on”

G1941

to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)

τῆς5 of 19

“who”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀπροσωπολήπτως6 of 19

“without respect of persons”

G678

in a way not accepting the person, i.e., impartially

κρίνοντα7 of 19

“judgeth”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

κατὰ8 of 19

“according to”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τῆς9 of 19

“who”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑκάστου10 of 19

“every man's”

G1538

each or every

ἔργον11 of 19

“work”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἐν12 of 19

“here in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

φόβῳ13 of 19

“fear”

G5401

alarm or fright

τῆς14 of 19

“who”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τῆς15 of 19

“who”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παροικίας16 of 19

“sojourning”

G3940

foreign residence

ὑμῶν17 of 19

“of your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

χρόνον18 of 19

“the time”

G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

ἀναστράφητε19 of 19

“pass”

G390

to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e., remain, live

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Peter. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Peter 1:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Peter 1:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 10:34-352 Chronicles 19:7Matthew 6:92 Corinthians 7:1Philippians 2:12Matthew 7:7-11

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