King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 4:3 Mean?

1 Peter 4:3 in the King James Version says “For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness,... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

1 Peter 4:3 · KJV


Context

1

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

2

That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

3

For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

4

Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

5

Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter reminds of pre-conversion lifestyle to be abandoned. "For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles" (arketos gar ho parelelythōs chronos to boulēma tōn ethnōn kateirgasthai). "Time past" (ho parelelythōs chronos) refers to pre-Christian life. "May suffice" (arketos) means enough, sufficient—you've spent enough time in paganism! "Will of the Gentiles" (boulēma tōn ethnōn) describes pagan lifestyle. The catalogue: "when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries" (peporeumenous en aselgeiais, epithymiais, oinophylgiais, kōmois, potois, kai athemitois eidōlolatriais). Six vices characterizing pagan life: sensuality, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, idolatry. Peter's point: that life is over; don't return to it.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gentile converts came from pagan culture celebrating behaviors Christianity condemned. Temple prostitution, drunken festivals honoring deities, sexual license—all common in Roman Empire. Peter lists typical pagan vices, reminding readers: you've left that behind through conversion. The phrase "time past may suffice" uses gentle irony—you've wasted enough life in paganism; don't return. Early church's moral purity starkly contrasted pagan debauchery, attracting those disillusioned with empty pleasures while scandalizing those who resented Christian condemnation of their lifestyle. Persecution often stemmed from Christian refusal to participate in pagan religious/social activities.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which specific sins from your pre-Christian 'time past' are you most tempted to return to, and how do you resist?
  2. How does remembering that pre-conversion time was 'sufficient' help motivate ongoing holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἀρκετὸς1 of 23

may suffice

G713

satisfactory

γὰρ2 of 23

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἡμῖν3 of 23

us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

4 of 23
G3588

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

παρεληλυθὼς5 of 23

past

G3928

to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert

χρόνος6 of 23

the time

G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

τοῦ7 of 23
G3588

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

βίου8 of 23

of our life

G979

life, i.e., (literally) the present state of existence; by implication, the means of livelihood

τὸ9 of 23
G3588

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

θέλημα10 of 23

the will

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

τῶν11 of 23
G3588

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

ἐθνῶν12 of 23

of the Gentiles

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

κατεργάσασθαι,13 of 23

to have wrought

G2716

to work fully, i.e., accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion

πεπορευμένους14 of 23

when we walked

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

ἐν15 of 23

in

G1722

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

ἀσελγείαις16 of 23

lasciviousness

G766

licentiousness (sometimes including other vices)

ἐπιθυμίαις17 of 23

lusts

G1939

a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

οἰνοφλυγίαις18 of 23

excess of wine

G3632

an overflow (or surplus) of wine, i.e., vinolency (drunkenness)

κώμοις19 of 23

revellings

G2970

a carousal (as if letting loose)

πότοις20 of 23

banquetings

G4224

a drinking-bout or carousal

καὶ21 of 23

and

G2532

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

ἀθεμίτοις22 of 23

abominable

G111

illegal; by implication, flagitious

εἰδωλολατρείαις·23 of 23

idolatries

G1495

image-worship (literally or figuratively)


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 4:3 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 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study