King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 4:11 Mean?

1 Peter 4:11 in the King James Version says “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gi... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:11 · KJV


Context

9

Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

10

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another , as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

11

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

12

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter gives gift categories: speaking and serving. Ultimate goal is God's glory, not personal recognition. Glory and power belong to God eternally.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peter divides gifts into speaking and serving. Both aim at God's glory. Early church valued both equally.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you ensure speaking gifts communicate God's truth rather than personal opinions?
  2. What does serving in God's ability rather than your own strength mean?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 38 words
εἴ1 of 38
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις2 of 38
G5100

some or any person or object

λαλεῖ3 of 38

speak

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ὡς4 of 38

let him do it as

G5613

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

λόγια5 of 38

the oracles

G3051

an utterance (of god)

θεὸς6 of 38

God

G2316

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

εἴ7 of 38
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις8 of 38
G5100

some or any person or object

διακονεῖ9 of 38

minister

G1247

to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon

ὡς10 of 38

let him do it as

G5613

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

ἐξ11 of 38

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἰσχύος12 of 38

the ability

G2479

compare ?????, a form of g2192); forcefulness (literally or figuratively)

13 of 38

to whom

G3739

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

χορηγεῖ14 of 38

giveth

G5524

to be a dance-leader, i.e., (generally) to furnish

15 of 38
G3588

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

θεὸς16 of 38

God

G2316

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

ἵνα17 of 38

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐν18 of 38

in

G1722

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

πᾶσιν19 of 38

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

δοξάζηται20 of 38

may be glorified

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

21 of 38
G3588

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

θεὸς22 of 38

God

G2316

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

διὰ23 of 38

through

G1223

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

Ἰησοῦ24 of 38

Jesus

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ25 of 38

Christ

G5547

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

26 of 38

to whom

G3739

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

ἐστιν27 of 38

be

G2076

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

28 of 38
G3588

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

δόξα29 of 38

praise

G1391

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

καὶ30 of 38

and

G2532

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

τὸ31 of 38
G3588

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

κράτος32 of 38

dominion

G2904

vigor ("great") (literally or figuratively)

εἰς33 of 38

for

G1519

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

τοὺς34 of 38
G3588

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

αἰώνων35 of 38

and ever

G165

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

τῶν36 of 38
G3588

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

αἰώνων37 of 38

and ever

G165

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

ἀμήν38 of 38

Amen

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)


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 4:11 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 4:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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