King James Version
What Does 1 Peter 4:5 Mean?
“Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.”
Context
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.
6
For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
7
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **Who shall give account.**—Perhaps said with a reference to 1Peter 3:15, where these very persons call the Christians to give “account” (the Greek word is the same). The side-purpose of the clause (as in the similar threat, 1Peter 2:8) is to warn the readers against sharing their fate by sharing their sins.
**To him that is ready to judge.**—This carries on the history of Jesus Christ a step further still. The last thing was His sitting on the right hand of God. This is the order of the Apostles’ Creed. Bengel wisely remarks: “The Apostles, when they are not expressly treating of the date of Christ’s advent, set forth that advent to their longing and devotion as close at hand. Hence Peter includes the slanderers of his day among the *living, *as just about to be judged.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 4:5 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 4:5
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge