King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 1:25 Mean?

1 Peter 1:25 in the King James Version says “But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Peter 1:25 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter concludes the contrast with triumphant affirmation: "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever" (to de rēma kyriou menei eis ton aiōna)—while grass withers and flowers fall, God's word remains eternally. "Endureth" (menei) means remains, abides, stays permanent—unchanging and reliable. Then Peter identifies this eternal word: "And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you" (touto de estin to rēma to euangelisthen eis hymas)—the Isaiah prophecy's fulfillment is the gospel now proclaimed to Peter's readers. The gospel isn't temporary human philosophy but eternal divine word carrying God's permanence. What gospel preachers proclaimed was Isaiah's promised eternal word bearing fruit in believers' hearts.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter equates Old Testament prophecy with New Testament gospel—same eternal word, progressive revelation. The gospel message (Christ's death, resurrection, salvation by grace through faith) isn't novel invention but fulfillment of ancient prophecy. This assured Jewish Christians that gospel aligned with Hebrew Scriptures, and Gentile Christians that they received ancient eternal truth, not recent fabrication. Early church faced accusations of novelty—critics claimed Christianity was new, therefore false. Peter counters: the gospel is manifestation of God's eternal word spoken through prophets. The word's permanence guarantees gospel's truthfulness and believers' security. Empires rise and fall, philosophies come and go, but gospel stands forever.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing the gospel is God's eternal word (not human invention) strengthen your confidence in its truth?
  2. What does it mean practically that the 'word preached to you' is the same eternal word Isaiah proclaimed?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
τὸ1 of 17

“which”

G3588

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

δέ2 of 17

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ῥῆμα3 of 17

“the word”

G4487

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

κυρίου4 of 17

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

μένει5 of 17

“endureth”

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

εἰς6 of 17

“for”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ7 of 17

“which”

G3588

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

αἰῶνα8 of 17

“ever”

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τοῦτο9 of 17

“this”

G5124

that thing

δέ10 of 17

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐστιν11 of 17

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τὸ12 of 17

“which”

G3588

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

ῥῆμα13 of 17

“the word”

G4487

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

τὸ14 of 17

“which”

G3588

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

εὐαγγελισθὲν15 of 17

“by the gospel is preached”

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

εἰς16 of 17

“for”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὑμᾶς17 of 17

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

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 1:25 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 1:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 40:8Psalms 119:891 Corinthians 15:1-4Matthew 5:181 John 1:12 Peter 1:19

Test Your Knowledge

1 Peter 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Peter Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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