King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 5:12 Mean?

1 Peter 5:12 in the King James Version says “By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly , exhorting, and testifying that this is ... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly , exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

1 Peter 5:12 · KJV


Context

10

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

11

To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

12

By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly , exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

13

The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

14

Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter identifies Silvanus as scribe. This is the true grace of God - stand fast in it. Letter's purpose: encourage and testify to God's grace.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Silvanus (Silas) likely served as scribe. Peter summarizes letter's purpose as testifying to true grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does standing fast in God's true grace mean amid trials?
  2. How does recognizing grace as central theme reshape your reading of Peter?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
δι'1 of 23

By

G1223

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

Σιλουανοῦ2 of 23

Silvanus

G4610

"silvan"; silvanus, a christian

ὑμῖν3 of 23

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

τοῦ4 of 23
G3588

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

πιστοῦ5 of 23

a faithful

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ἀδελφοῦ6 of 23

brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ὡς7 of 23

as

G5613

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

λογίζομαι8 of 23

I suppose

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

δι'9 of 23

By

G1223

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

ὀλίγων10 of 23
G3641

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

ἔγραψα11 of 23

I have written

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

παρακαλῶν12 of 23

exhorting

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

καὶ13 of 23

and

G2532

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

ἐπιμαρτυρῶν14 of 23

testifying

G1957

to attest further, i.e., corroborate

ταύτην15 of 23
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

εἶναι16 of 23

is

G1511

to exist

ἀληθῆ17 of 23

the true

G227

true (as not concealing)

χάριν18 of 23

grace

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

τοῦ19 of 23
G3588

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

θεοῦ20 of 23

of God

G2316

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

εἰς21 of 23

wherein

G1519

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

ἣν22 of 23
G3739

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

ἑστήκατε23 of 23

ye stand

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (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 5:12 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 5:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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