King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 4:17 Mean?

1 Peter 4:17 in the King James Version says “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

1 Peter 4:17 · KJV


Context

15

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

16

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

17

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

18

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

19

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter announces judgment's commencement at God's house. Current persecution is God's purifying judgment. If believers experience discipline, final judgment on unbelievers will be severe.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peter reframes persecution as divine discipline. God disciplines whom He loves. This motivates endurance and evangelism.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding persecution as discipline change your response?
  2. What does this imply about final judgment on gospel rejecters?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ὅτι1 of 26

For

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

2 of 26
G3588

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

καιρὸς3 of 26

the time

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

τοῦ4 of 26
G3588

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

ἄρξασθαι5 of 26

must begin

G756

to commence (in order of time)

τὸ6 of 26
G3588

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

κρίμα7 of 26

is come that judgment

G2917

a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))

ἀφ'8 of 26

at

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ9 of 26
G3588

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

οἴκου10 of 26

the house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

τοῦ11 of 26
G3588

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

θεοῦ12 of 26

of God

G2316

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

εἰ13 of 26

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ14 of 26

and

G1161

but, and, etc

πρῶτον15 of 26

it first

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

ἀφ'16 of 26

at

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἡμῶν17 of 26

us

G2257

of (or from) us

τί18 of 26

what

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

τὸ19 of 26
G3588

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

τέλος20 of 26

shall the end

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

τῶν21 of 26
G3588

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

ἀπειθούντων22 of 26

be of them that obey not

G544

to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely)

τῷ23 of 26
G3588

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

τοῦ24 of 26
G3588

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

θεοῦ25 of 26

of God

G2316

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

εὐαγγελίῳ26 of 26

the gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel


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 4:17 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 4:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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