King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 1:24 Mean?

1 Peter 1:24 in the King James Version says “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof ... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: For: or, For that

1 Peter 1:24 · KJV


Context

22

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

23

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

24

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: For: or, For that

25

But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter quotes Isaiah 40:6-8 to contrast humanity's frailty with God's word's permanence. "For all flesh is as grass" (dioti pasa sarx hōs chortos)—all humanity resembles grass in its temporary nature. "And all the glory of man as the flower of grass" (kai pasa doxa anthrōpou hōs anthos chortou)—human achievement, beauty, strength, fame—all human glory resembles wildflowers: beautiful but brief. The imagery continues: "The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away" (exēranthē ho chortos kai to anthos exepesen)—grass dries up, flowers drop off. This describes all earthly things' transience—beauty fades, strength weakens, fame forgotten, empires collapse. Peter applies this to persecuted believers: earthly glory (wealth, status, power) is fleeting; only God's word endures.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah wrote during Judah's crisis when Babylonian empire threatened destruction. God assured His people that though mighty Babylon seemed permanent, it would wither like grass while God's promises stood forever. Peter applies this to Roman Empire—persecuting believers might think Rome permanent and powerful, but it too will wither. Only God's word abides. This encouraged believers facing emperor worship demands—Caesar's glory would fade, but God's word endures. History proved Peter right—Roman Empire fell, but Scripture remains. The passage reminds believers not to invest ultimate hope in transient earthly things (wealth, beauty, power, fame) but in eternal word.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific 'glories of man' (achievements, possessions, status) are you tempted to trust in rather than God's enduring word?
  2. How does remembering that all earthly glory 'withers' change your priorities and pursuits?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
διότι1 of 20

For

G1360

on the very account that, or inasmuch as

πᾶσα2 of 20

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

σὰρξ3 of 20

flesh

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

ὡς4 of 20

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

χόρτος5 of 20

The grass

G5528

a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation

καὶ6 of 20

and

G2532

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

πᾶσα7 of 20

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

δόξα8 of 20

the glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

ἀνθρώπου9 of 20

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ὡς10 of 20

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἄνθος11 of 20

the flower

G438

a blossom

χόρτος12 of 20

The grass

G5528

a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation

ἐξηράνθη13 of 20

withereth

G3583

to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature

14 of 20
G3588

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

χόρτος15 of 20

The grass

G5528

a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation

καὶ16 of 20

and

G2532

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

τὸ17 of 20
G3588

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

ἄνθος18 of 20

the flower

G438

a blossom

αὐτοῦ19 of 20

thereof

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐξέπεσεν·20 of 20

falleth away

G1601

to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient


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 1:24 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 1:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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