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 · King James Version


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.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


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)

ᾧ13 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

ὁ15 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)

ὁ21 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

ᾧ26 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

ἡ28 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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