The Meaning of 1 Peter 1:11 Explained

1 Peter 1:11

KJV: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

YLT: searching in regard to what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ that was in them was manifesting, testifying beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory after these,

Darby: searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ which was in them pointed out, testifying before of the sufferings which belonged to Christ, and the glories after these.

ASV: searching what time or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did point unto, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Searching  what,  or  what manner  of time  the Spirit  of Christ  which  was in  them  did signify,  when it testified beforehand  the sufferings  of  Christ,  and  the glory  that should follow. 

What does 1 Peter 1:11 Mean?

Context Summary

1 Peter 1:1-12 - Our Imperishable Inheritance
Scattered strangers! The designation is true of us all. Note the reference to the Trinity involved in the opening sentence. Our inheritance is prepared and kept for us, as we for it. We who believe may count on the guarding power of God. Not till our spirit is joined to a perfected body in the presence of Christ will our salvation be complete.
Trial is manifold. There is more or less of it in every true life. The best diamonds take longer in cutting and polishing. But, after all, compared to the eternity before us, it is but short-lived, and there is a needs-be for all. Hope in 1 Peter 1:3, faith in 1 Peter 1:7, love in 1 Peter 1:8, blend in the joy that is unspeakable and full of the glory which is as yet hidden.
Notice that the prophets, angels and apostles are represented as deeply interested in that glorious salvation which God has declared unto mankind in the gospel, and by which we have been redeemed. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Peter 1

1  Peter praises God for his manifold spiritual graces;
10  showing that the salvation in Christ the fulfillment of prophesy;
13  and exhorts them accordingly to be holy

Greek Commentary for 1 Peter 1:11

Searching [εραυνωντες]
Present active participle of εραυναω — eraunaō late form for older ερευναω — ereunaō (both in the papyri), uncompounded verb (John 7:52), the compound occurring in 1 Peter 1:10 above. [source]
What time or what manner of time [εις τινα η ποιον καιρον]
Proper sense of ποιος — poios (qualitative interrogative) kept here as in 1 Corinthians 15:35, Romans 3:27, though it is losing its distinctive sense from τις — tis (Acts 23:34). The prophets knew what they prophesied, but not at what time the Messianic prophecies would be fulfilled.The Spirit of Christ which was in them (το εν αυτοις πνευμα Χριστου — to en autois pneuma Christou). Peter definitely asserts here that the Spirit of Jesus Christ (the Messiah) was in the Old Testament prophets, the Holy Spirit called the Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of God (Romans 8:9), who spoke to the prophets as he would speak to the apostles (John 16:14).Did point unto Imperfect active of δηλοω — dēloō to make plain, “did keep on pointing to,” though they did not clearly perceive the time.When it testified beforehand (προμαρτυρομενον — promarturomenon). Present middle participle of προμαρτυρομαι — promarturomai a late compound unknown elsewhere save in a writer of the fourteenth century (Theodorus Mech.) and now in a papyrus of the eighth. It is neuter here because πνευμα — pneuma is neuter, but this grammatical gender should not be retained as “it” in English, but should be rendered “he” (and so as to Acts 8:15). Here we have predictive prophecy concerning the Messiah, though some modern critics fail to find predictions of the Messiah in the Old Testament.The sufferings of Christ “The sufferings for (destined for) Christ” like the use of εις — eis in 1 Peter 1:10 “The after these things (sufferings) glories.” The plural of δοχα — doxa is rare, but occurs in Exodus 15:11; Hosea 9:11. The glories of Christ followed the sufferings as in 1 Peter 4:13; 1 Peter 5:1, 1 Peter 5:6. [source]
The Spirit of Christ which was in them [το εν αυτοις πνευμα Χριστου]
Peter definitely asserts here that the Spirit of Jesus Christ (the Messiah) was in the Old Testament prophets, the Holy Spirit called the Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of God (Romans 8:9), who spoke to the prophets as he would speak to the apostles (John 16:14). [source]
Did point unto [εδηλου]
Imperfect active of δηλοω — dēloō to make plain, “did keep on pointing to,” though they did not clearly perceive the time.When it testified beforehand (προμαρτυρομενον — promarturomenon). Present middle participle of προμαρτυρομαι — promarturomai a late compound unknown elsewhere save in a writer of the fourteenth century (Theodorus Mech.) and now in a papyrus of the eighth. It is neuter here because πνευμα — pneuma is neuter, but this grammatical gender should not be retained as “it” in English, but should be rendered “he” (and so as to Acts 8:15). Here we have predictive prophecy concerning the Messiah, though some modern critics fail to find predictions of the Messiah in the Old Testament.The sufferings of Christ “The sufferings for (destined for) Christ” like the use of εις — eis in 1 Peter 1:10 “The after these things (sufferings) glories.” The plural of δοχα — doxa is rare, but occurs in Exodus 15:11; Hosea 9:11. The glories of Christ followed the sufferings as in 1 Peter 4:13; 1 Peter 5:1, 1 Peter 5:6. [source]
When it testified beforehand [προμαρτυρομενον]
Present middle participle of προμαρτυρομαι — promarturomai a late compound unknown elsewhere save in a writer of the fourteenth century (Theodorus Mech.) and now in a papyrus of the eighth. It is neuter here because πνευμα — pneuma is neuter, but this grammatical gender should not be retained as “it” in English, but should be rendered “he” (and so as to Acts 8:15). Here we have predictive prophecy concerning the Messiah, though some modern critics fail to find predictions of the Messiah in the Old Testament. [source]
The sufferings of Christ [τα εις Χριστον πατηματα]
“The sufferings for (destined for) Christ” like the use of εις — eis in 1 Peter 1:10 “The after these things (sufferings) glories.” The plural of δοχα — doxa is rare, but occurs in Exodus 15:11; Hosea 9:11. The glories of Christ followed the sufferings as in 1 Peter 4:13; 1 Peter 5:1, 1 Peter 5:6. [source]
The glories that should follow them [τας μετα ταυτα δοχας]
“The after these things (sufferings) glories.” The plural of δοχα — doxa is rare, but occurs in Exodus 15:11; Hosea 9:11. The glories of Christ followed the sufferings as in 1 Peter 4:13; 1 Peter 5:1, 1 Peter 5:6. [source]
Did signify [ἐδήλου]
Imperfect tense: better, was declaring, all along through the prophetic age, in successive prophets. See the same verb in 1 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Peter 1:14:. [source]
When it testified beforehand [προμαρτυρόμενον]
Only here in New Testament. [source]
Of Christ [εἰς Χριστὸν]
Lit., unto Christ. So Rev., in margin. The sufferings destined for Christ, as in 1 Peter 1:10he speaks of the grace, εἰς ὑμᾶς , unto you; i.e., destined to come unto you. Peter was especially concerned to show that the sufferings of Christ were in fulfilment of prophecy, because it was a subject of dispute with the Jews whether the Christ was to suffer (Acts 3:18; Acts 26:22, Acts 26:23). [source]
The glory [τὰς δόξας]
Rev., correctly, the glories. The plural is used to indicate the successive steps of his glorification; the glory of his resurrection and ascension, of the last judgment, and of the kingdom of heaven. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Peter 1:11

John 5:39 Search [ἐρευνᾶτε]
Rev., rightly, ye search. Jesus is appealing to a familiar practice of which for in them ye think is explanatory. See 1 Peter 1:11; Romans 8:27; 1 Corinthians 2:10; Revelation 2:23. [source]
Acts 8:35 Preached unto him Jesus [ευηγγελισατο αυτωι τον Ιησουν]
Philip had no doubt about the Messianic meaning and he knew that Jesus was the Messiah. There are scholars who do not find Jesus in the Old Testament at all, but Jesus himself did (Luke 24:27) as Philip does here. Scientific study of the Old Testament (historical research) misses its mark if it fails to find Christ the Center of all history. The knowledge of the individual prophet is not always clear, but after events throw a backward light that illumines it all (1 Peter 1:11.; 2 Peter 1:19-21). [source]
Romans 8:9 But in the spirit [αλλα εν πνευματι]
Probably, “in the Holy Spirit.” It is not Pantheism or Buddhism that Paul here teaches, but the mystical union of the believer with Christ in the Holy Spirit. If so be that (ειπερ — eiper). “If as is the fact” (cf. Romans 3:30). The Spirit of Christ The same as “the Spirit of God” just before. See also Philemon 1:19; 1 Peter 1:11. Incidental argument for the Deity of Christ and probably the meaning of 2 Corinthians 3:18 “the Spirit of the Lord.” Condition of first class, assumed as true. [source]
Romans 8:9 The Spirit of Christ [πνευμα Χριστου]
The same as “the Spirit of God” just before. See also Philemon 1:19; 1 Peter 1:11. Incidental argument for the Deity of Christ and probably the meaning of 2 Corinthians 3:18 “the Spirit of the Lord.” Condition of first class, assumed as true. [source]
Philippians 1:19 Of the Spirit of Jesus Christ []
Either the supply furnished by the Spirit, or the supply which is the Spirit. It is better to take it as including both. The exact phrase, Spirit of Jesus Christ, is found only here. Spirit of Christ occurs Romans 8:9; 1 Peter 1:11. The Holy Spirit is meant; called the Spirit of Jesus Christ, because through the Spirit Christ communicates Himself to His people. “The Spirit is the living principle and the organ of the proper presence of Christ and of His life in them” (Meyer). [source]
Hebrews 12:27 Signifieth [δηλοῖ]
From δῆλος manifestevident. To make manifest to the mind. Used of indications which lead the mind to conclusions about the origin or character of things. See Thucyd. i. 3; Aesch. Pers. 518. Comp. 1 Corinthians 3:13; Hebrews 9:8; 1 Peter 1:11. Appropriate to prophetic revelations. [source]
1 Peter 1:12 It was revealed [απεκαλυπτη]
First aorist passive indicative of αποκαλυπτω — apokaluptō old verb, to reveal, to unveil. Here is revelation about the revelation already received, revelation after research.Did they minister (διηκονουν — diēkonoun). Imperfect active of διακονεω — diakoneō old verb, to minister, “were they ministering.”Have been announced Second aorist passive indicative of δια των — anaggellō̄ ̄to report, to bring back tidings (John 4:25).Through them (δια — dia tōn). Intermediate agent (των ευαγγελισαμενων — dia), “the gospelizers” (ευαγγελιζω — tōn euaggelisamenōn articular first aorist middle participle of πνευματι αγιωι — euaggelizō to preach the gospel).By the Holy Ghost Instrumental case of the personal agent, “by the Holy Spirit” (without article).Sent forth from heaven (αποστελλω — apostalenti). Second aorist passive participle of πνευματι αγιωι — apostellō in instrumental case agreeing with επιτυμουσιν — pneumati hagiōi (the Spirit of Christ of 1 Peter 1:11).Desire Eagerly desire (present active indicative of παρακυπσαι — epithumeō to long for).To look into (παρακυπτω — parakupsai). First aorist active infinitive of parakuptō old compound to peer into as in Luke 24:12; John 20:5, John 20:11; James 1:25, which see. For the interest of angels in the Incarnation see Luke 2:13. [source]
1 Peter 1:12 Have been announced [ανηγγελη]
Second aorist passive indicative of δια των — anaggellō̄ ̄to report, to bring back tidings (John 4:25).Through them (δια — dia tōn). Intermediate agent (των ευαγγελισαμενων — dia), “the gospelizers” (ευαγγελιζω — tōn euaggelisamenōn articular first aorist middle participle of πνευματι αγιωι — euaggelizō to preach the gospel).By the Holy Ghost Instrumental case of the personal agent, “by the Holy Spirit” (without article).Sent forth from heaven (αποστελλω — apostalenti). Second aorist passive participle of πνευματι αγιωι — apostellō in instrumental case agreeing with επιτυμουσιν — pneumati hagiōi (the Spirit of Christ of 1 Peter 1:11).Desire Eagerly desire (present active indicative of παρακυπσαι — epithumeō to long for).To look into (παρακυπτω — parakupsai). First aorist active infinitive of parakuptō old compound to peer into as in Luke 24:12; John 20:5, John 20:11; James 1:25, which see. For the interest of angels in the Incarnation see Luke 2:13. [source]
1 Peter 1:12 By the Holy Ghost [αποσταλεντι]
Instrumental case of the personal agent, “by the Holy Spirit” (without article).Sent forth from heaven (αποστελλω — apostalenti). Second aorist passive participle of πνευματι αγιωι — apostellō in instrumental case agreeing with επιτυμουσιν — pneumati hagiōi (the Spirit of Christ of 1 Peter 1:11).Desire Eagerly desire (present active indicative of παρακυπσαι — epithumeō to long for).To look into (παρακυπτω — parakupsai). First aorist active infinitive of parakuptō old compound to peer into as in Luke 24:12; John 20:5, John 20:11; James 1:25, which see. For the interest of angels in the Incarnation see Luke 2:13. [source]
1 Peter 1:12 Sent forth from heaven [αποστελλω]
Second aorist passive participle of πνευματι αγιωι — apostellō in instrumental case agreeing with επιτυμουσιν — pneumati hagiōi (the Spirit of Christ of 1 Peter 1:11). [source]
2 Peter 1:14 Hath shewed [ἐδήλωσεν]
But the tense is the aorist, pointing back to a definite act at a past time (John 21:18). Hence, shewed me, or, as Rev., signified. Compare 1 Peter 1:11did signify. [source]
2 Peter 1:14 Cometh swiftly [ταχινη εστιν]
Late adjective (Theocritus, lxx, inscription), in N.T. only here and 2 Peter 2:1. It is not clear whether ταχινος — tachinos means soon or speedy as in Isaiah 59:7 and like ταχυς — tachus in James 1:19, or sudden, like ταχυς — tachus in Plato (Republ. 553 D). Either sense agrees with the urgent tone of Peter here, whether he felt his death to be near or violent or both.Signified unto me (εδηλωσεν μοι — edēlōsen moi). First aorist active indicative of δηλοω — dēloō old verb (from δελος — delos), as in 1 Peter 1:11. Peter refers to the incident told in John 21:18., which he knew by personal experience before John wrote it down. [source]
2 Peter 1:14 Signified unto me [εδηλωσεν μοι]
First aorist active indicative of δηλοω — dēloō old verb (from δελος — delos), as in 1 Peter 1:11. Peter refers to the incident told in John 21:18., which he knew by personal experience before John wrote it down. [source]
1 John 1:5 We have heard of Him [ἀκηκόαμεν ἀπ ' αὐτοῦ]
A form of expression not found elsewhere in John, who commonly uses παρ ' αὐτοῦ . See on John 6:46. The phrase here points to the ultimate and not necessarily the immediate source of the message. Not only John, but others in earlier times had heard this message. Compare 1 Peter 1:10, 1 Peter 1:11. Ἁπό points to the source παρά to the giver. Thus, John 5:41, “ I receive not honor from ( παρά ) men.” They are not the bestowers of honor upon me.” John 5:44, “How can ye believe which receive honor from ( παρά ) one another;” the honor which men have to give, “and seek not the honor that cometh from ( παρά ) God;” the honor which God alone bestows. On the other hand, 1 John 3:22, “Whatsoever we ask we receive from ( ἀπό ) Him,” the ultimate source of our gifts. So Matthew 17:25: “Of ( ἀπό ) whom do the kings of the earth take custom - of ( ἀπό ) their own children or of ( ἀπό ) strangers?” What is the legitimate and ultimate source of revenue in states? [source]
Revelation 2:23 Searcheth [ἐρευνῶν]
See John 5:39; John 7:52; Romans 8:27. Compare Jeremiah 11:20; Jeremiah 17:10; Jeremiah 20:12; 1 Peter 1:11. Denoting a careful search, a following up or tracking. See Genesis 31:35; 1 Kings 20:6; Proverbs 20:27; 1 Corinthians 2:10. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Peter 1:11 mean?

inquiring into what or what manner of time was signifying the in them Spirit of Christ testifying beforehand - unto Christ's sufferings and the after these glories
ἐραυνῶντες εἰς τίνα ποῖον καιρὸν ἐδήλου τὸ ἐν αὐτοῖς Πνεῦμα Χριστοῦ προμαρτυρόμενον τὰ εἰς Χριστὸν παθήματα καὶ τὰς μετὰ ταῦτα δόξας

ἐραυνῶντες  inquiring 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ἐραυνάω  
Sense: to search, examine into.
εἰς  into 
Parse: Preposition
Root: εἰς  
Sense: into, unto, to, towards, for, among.
ποῖον  what  manner  of 
Parse: Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ποία 
Sense: of what sort or nature.
καιρὸν  time 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: καιρός  
Sense: due measure.
ἐδήλου  was  signifying 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: δηλόω  
Sense: to make manifest.
Πνεῦμα  Spirit 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: πνεῦμα  
Sense: a movement of air (a gentle blast.
Χριστοῦ  of  Christ 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Χριστός  
Sense: Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God.
προμαρτυρόμενον  testifying  beforehand 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: προμαρτύρομαι  
Sense: antetestor.
τὰ  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
εἰς  unto 
Parse: Preposition
Root: εἰς  
Sense: into, unto, to, towards, for, among.
Χριστὸν  Christ's 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: Χριστός  
Sense: Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God.
παθήματα  sufferings 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: πάθημα  
Sense: that which one suffers or has suffered.
μετὰ  after 
Parse: Preposition
Root: μετά  
Sense: with, after, behind.
ταῦτα  these 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: οὗτος  
Sense: this.
δόξας  glories 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: δόξα  
Sense: opinion, judgment, view.