King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 3:21 Mean?

1 Peter 3:21 in the King James Version says “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the an... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

1 Peter 3:21 · KJV


Context

19

By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

20

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

21

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

22

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter applies Noah's flood to Christian baptism. "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us" (ho kai hymas antitypon nyn sōzei baptisma). Baptism corresponds to flood as antitype to type. The crucial clarification: "not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God" (ou sarkos apothesis rhypou alla syneidēseōs agathēs eperōtēma eis theon). Baptism doesn't save through water washing physical dirt but through appeal/pledge of good conscience to God. It's outward sign of inward reality—faith, repentance, commitment to Christ. The means: "by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (di' anastaseōs Iēsou Christou). Christ's resurrection saves; baptism testifies to identification with Christ's death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse sparked controversy regarding baptismal regeneration. Peter explicitly denies water itself saves ("not putting away filth"). Baptism saves as sign/seal of faith's reality, not magical ritual. As flood waters saved Noah's family (carrying ark to safety), baptism signifies believer's salvation through identification with Christ's death/resurrection. Reformed theology sees baptism as covenant sign (like circumcision in Old Testament) pointing to spiritual reality, not causing it. Early church practiced baptism as initiation rite signifying conversion, repentance, faith. The 'good conscience pledge' indicates baptism is conscious commitment to Christ, implying believer's baptism or at least conscious covenant renewal.

Reflection Questions

  1. How is baptism a 'pledge of good conscience toward God' rather than magical ritual that automatically saves?
  2. What does baptism signify about your identification with Christ's death and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
1 of 21

whereunto

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ2 of 21

also

G2532

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

ἡμᾶς3 of 21

us

G2248

us

ἀντίτυπον4 of 21

The like figure

G499

corresponding ("antitype"), i.e., a representative, counterpart

νῦν5 of 21

now

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

σῴζει6 of 21

doth

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

βάπτισμα7 of 21

even baptism

G908

baptism (technically or figuratively)

οὐ8 of 21

(not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

σαρκὸς9 of 21

of the 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

ἀπόθεσις10 of 21

the putting away

G595

a laying aside (literally or figuratively)

ῥύπου11 of 21

of the filth

G4509

dirt, i.e., (morally) depravity

ἀλλὰ12 of 21

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

συνειδήσεως13 of 21

conscience

G4893

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

ἀγαθῆς14 of 21

of a good

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

ἐπερώτημα15 of 21

the answer

G1906

an inquiry

εἰς16 of 21

toward

G1519

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

θεόν17 of 21

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

δι'18 of 21

) by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἀναστάσεως19 of 21

the resurrection

G386

a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor

Ἰησοῦ20 of 21

of Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ21 of 21

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus


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 3:21 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 3:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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