The Meaning of 1 Peter 1:4 Explained

1 Peter 1:4

KJV: To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

YLT: to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and unfading, reserved in the heavens for you,

Darby: to an incorruptible and undefiled and unfading inheritance, reserved in the heavens for you,

ASV: unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

KJV Reverse Interlinear

To  an inheritance  incorruptible,  and  undefiled,  and  that fadeth not away,  reserved  in  heaven  for  you, 

What does 1 Peter 1:4 Mean?

Verse Meaning

As the Israelites anticipated their inheritance, the Promised Land, so Christians should anticipate ours, the other side of the grave. However ours is not subject to destruction from any source, defilement from without, or decay from within. Peter played with words when he described three characteristics of our inheritance. Each Greek word begins with the same letter and ends with the same syllable: imperisable (aphtharton), undefiled (amianton), and unfading (amaranton). No one can ravage or pollute our inheritance, and it will not wear out or waste away. What is it exactly? Our inheritance is Jesus Christ Himself and the blessings that He has promised us (cf. 1 John 3:2; Colossians 3:4; Ephesians 1:14; Romans 8:11; Romans 8:18-23). All Christians will not obtain the same amount of inheritance (cf. 2 Timothy 2:12; Matthew 25:14-30; et al.), but every Christian will obtain much inheritance. Heaven will be the portion of all, but rewards will vary ( 1 Corinthians 3:14-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 John 1:8).
The idea of serving Jesus Christ faithfully to receive a reward is distasteful to some Christians because such service may flow from selfish motives. However selfishness is not the only possible motive. For example, two students could study hard to finish seminary with good records. One might do so to obtain a diploma with a "highest honor" stamp so he could hang it on his wall for all to see and admire. The other might do so to prepare to serve his Savior most effectively after graduation with no thought of broadcasting his honor. The Christian who serves Jesus Christ faithfully now so the Lord may entrust him with significant service opportunities in His coming kingdom may not be trying to earn rewards for his own glory. He may serve now so he can better glorify his Lord in the future. The present life is a training period designed to ready us for future service in our Lord"s earthly millennial and heavenly eternal kingdoms (cf. Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 16:1-13; Luke 19:11-27; Romans 8:16-18).

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 1:4

Unto an inheritance [εις κληρονομιαν]
Old word (from κληρονομος — klēronomos heir) for the property received by the heir (Matthew 21:38), here a picture of the blessedness in store for us pilgrims (Galatians 3:18). [source]
Incorruptible [απταρτον]
Old compound adjective (alpha privative and πτειρω — phtheirō to corrupt), imperishable. So many inheritances vanish away before they are obtained.Undefiled (αμιαντον — amianton). Old verbal adjective (note alliteration) from alpha privative and μιαινω — miainō to defile, without defect or flaw in the title, in N.T. only here, James 1:27; Hebrews 13:4.That fadeth not away Alliterative and verbal adjective again from alpha privative and μαραινω — marainō (to dry up, to wither, as in James 1:11), late and rare word in several inscriptions on tombs, here only in N.T. These inscriptions will fade away, but not this inheritance in Christ. It will not be like a faded rose.Reserved (τετηρημενην — tetērēmenēn). Perfect passive participle of τηρεω — tēreō old verb, to take care of, to guard. No burglars or bandits can break through where this inheritance is kept (Matthew 6:19.; John 17:11.). Cf. Colossians 1:5, where laid away” (αποκειμενην — apokeimenēn) occurs.For you More graphic than the mere dative. [source]
Undefiled [αμιαντον]
Old verbal adjective (note alliteration) from alpha privative and μιαινω — miainō to defile, without defect or flaw in the title, in N.T. only here, James 1:27; Hebrews 13:4. [source]
That fadeth not away [αμαραντον]
Alliterative and verbal adjective again from alpha privative and μαραινω — marainō (to dry up, to wither, as in James 1:11), late and rare word in several inscriptions on tombs, here only in N.T. These inscriptions will fade away, but not this inheritance in Christ. It will not be like a faded rose.Reserved (τετηρημενην — tetērēmenēn). Perfect passive participle of τηρεω — tēreō old verb, to take care of, to guard. No burglars or bandits can break through where this inheritance is kept (Matthew 6:19.; John 17:11.). Cf. Colossians 1:5, where laid away” (αποκειμενην — apokeimenēn) occurs.For you More graphic than the mere dative. [source]
Reserved [τετηρημενην]
Perfect passive participle of τηρεω — tēreō old verb, to take care of, to guard. No burglars or bandits can break through where this inheritance is kept (Matthew 6:19.; John 17:11.). Cf. Colossians 1:5, where laid away” (αποκειμενην — apokeimenēn) occurs. [source]
For you [εις υμας]
More graphic than the mere dative. [source]
An inheritance [κληρονομίαν]
A Pauline word, from κλῆρος , a lot, and νέμομαι , to distribute among themselves. Hence an inheritance is originally a portion which one receives by lot in a general distribution. In the New Testament the idea of chance attaching to the lot is eliminated. It is the portion or heritage which one receives by virtue of birth or by special gift. So of the vineyard seized by the wicked husbandmen: “Let us seize on his inheritance” (Matthew 21:38); of Abraham in Canaan: “God gave him none inheritance ” (Acts 7:5); “an eternal inheritance ” (Hebrews 9:15). [source]
Incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away []
Note Peter's characteristic multiplication of epithets. Incorruptible ( ἄφθαρτον )From ἀ , not, and φθείρω , to destroy or corrupt. Undefiled ( ἀμίαντον )From ἀ , not, and μιαίνω , to defile, though the verb means especially to defile by staining, as with color; while μολύνω , also translated defile (1 Corinthians 8:7), is to besmirch, as with mire. We might render unstained, though the word is not used with any conscious reference to its etymology. That fadeth not away ( ἀμάραντον ) Used by Peter only, and but once. From ἀ , not, and μαραίνομαι , to wither. The loveliness of the heavenly inheritance is described as exempt from the blight which attaches to earthly bloom. As between ἄφθαρτον , incorruptible, and ἀμάραντον , unwitheringthe former emphasizes the indestructibility of substance, and the latter of grace, and beauty. The latter adjective appears in the familiar botanical name amaranth. It will be observed that all of these three epithets are compounded with the negative particle ἀ , not. Archbishop Trench aptly remarks that “it is a remarkable testimony to the reign of sin, and therefore of imperfection, of decay, of death throughout this whole fallen world, that as often as we desire to set forth the glory, purity, and perfection of that other, higher world toward which we strive, we are almost inevitably compelled to do this by the aid of negatives; by the denying to that higher order of things the leading features and characteristics of this.” Compare Revelation 21:1, Revelation 21:4, Revelation 21:22, Revelation 21:23, Revelation 21:27; Revelation 22:3, Revelation 22:5. [source]
Reserved [τετηρημένην]
Lit., which has been reserved, a perfect participle, indicating the inheritance as one reserved through God's care for his own from the beginning down to the present. Laid up and kept is the idea. The verb signifies keeping as the result of guarding. Thus in John 17:11, Christ says, “keep ( τήρησον ) those whom thou hast given me;” in John 17:12, “I kept them” ( ἐτήρουν )i.e., preserved by guarding them. “Those whom thou gavest me I guarded ( ἐφύλαξα ).” So Rev., which preserves the distinction. Similarly, John 14:15, “keep ( τηρήσατε ) my commandments;” preserve them unbroken by careful watching. So Peter was delivered to the soldiers to guard him ( φυλάσσειν ), but he was kept ( ἐτηρεῖτο ) in prison (Acts 12:4, Acts 12:5). Compare Colossians 1:5, where a different word is used: ἀποκειμένην , lit., laid away. [source]
For you [εἰς]
The use of this preposition, instead of the simpler dative, is graphic: with reference to you; with you as its direct object. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Peter 1:4

Mark 6:20 Observed him [συνετήρει]
A mistranslation. Rev., kept him safe. Peculiar to Mark. Compare Matthew 9:17, are preserved; Luke 2:19, kept; σύν , closely; τηρεῖν , to preserve or keep, as the result of guarding. See on John 17:12, and reserved, 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
Luke 4:10 To keep [διαφυλάξαι]
Only here in New Testament. Better as Rev., guard. See on 1 Peter 1:4:. The preposition implies close, careful guarding. The phrase, to guard thee, is wanting in Matthew. [source]
Luke 2:19 Kept [συνετήρει]
See on the simple verb τηρέω , on 1 Peter 1:4. The word signifies not merely to guard, but to keep, as the result of guarding. Hence the compound verb is very expressive: kept, σύν ,with or within herself: closely. Note the imperfect tense: was keeping all the while. [source]
Luke 10:25 To inherit []
See on inheritance, 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
John 8:51 Keep [τηρήσῃ]
See on 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
John 2:10 Hast kept [τετήρηκας]
See on 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
John 18:28 Be defiled [μιανθῶσιν]
Originally, to stain, as with color. So Homer: “Tinges ( μιήνῃ ) the white ivory with purple.” Not necessarily, therefore, in a bad sense, like μολύσω , to besmear or besmirch with filth (1 Corinthians 8:7; Revelation 3:4). In classical Greek, μιαίνω , the verb here used, is the standing word for profaning or unhallowing. So Sophocles:“Not even fearing this pollution ( μίασμα ) dire,Will I consent to burial. Well I know That man is powerless to pollute ( μιαίνειν ) the gods.”“Antigone,” 1042-1044. And Plato: “And if a homicide … without purification pollutes the agora, or the games, or the temples,” etc. (“Laws,” 868). See on 1 Peter 1:4. The defilement in the present case was apprehended from entering a house from which all leaven had not been removed. [source]
John 17:12 I kept [ἐτήρουν]
Rev., rightly, I guarded. The A.V. overlooks the distinction between the two words for keeping. The former word means, I preserved them; the latter, I guarded them as a means to their preservation. See on reserved, 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
John 14:15 Keep [τηρήσατε]
The best tests read τηρήσετε , ye will keep. Lay up in your hearts and preserve by careful watching. See on reserved, 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
John 12:25 Shall keep [φυλάξει]
See on 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
Acts 7:5 Inheritance [κληρονομίαν]
See on 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
Acts 4:3 In hold [εἰς τήρησιν]
A somewhat antiquated rendering. Better, as Rev., in ward. See on 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
Acts 13:19 Divided by lot [κατεκληρονόμησεν]
The A. V. gives the literal rendering. The Rev., gave them their land for an inheritance, is correct, so far as the meaning, inheritance is concerned (see on 1 Peter 1:4), but does not give the sense of distribution which is contained in the word. [source]
Acts 12:6 Kept [ἐτήρουν]
See on reserved, 1 Peter 1:4. The imperfect, were keeping. [source]
Romans 4:13 Heir of the world [κληρονόμον κόσμου]
See on divided by lot, Acts 13:19; and see on inheritance, 1 Peter 1:4. “Paul here takes the Jewish conception of the universal dominion of the Messianic theocracy prefigured by the inheritance of Canaan, divests it of its Judaistic element, and raises it to a christological truth.” Compare Matthew 19:28, Matthew 19:29; Luke 22:30. The idea underlies the phrases kingdom of God, kingdom of Heaven. [source]
Galatians 4:1 The heir [ὁ κληρονόμος]
See on inheritance, 1 Peter 1:4. The article is generic as in the mediator, Galatians 3:20. [source]
Ephesians 4:3 To keep [τηρεῖν]
See on reserved, 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
Colossians 1:5 Laid up [αποκειμεινην]
Literally, “laid away or by.” Old word used in Luke 19:20 of the pound laid away in a napkin. See also αποτησαυριζω — apothēsaurizō to store away for future use (1 Timothy 6:19). The same idea occurs in Matthew 6:20 (treasure in heaven) and 1 Peter 1:4 and it is involved in Philemon 3:20. Ye heard before (προηκουσατε — proēkousate). First aorist indicative active of this old compound προακουω — proakouō though only here in the N.T. Before what? Before Paul wrote? Before the realization? Before the error of the Gnostics crept in? Each view is possible and has advocates. Lightfoot argues for the last and it is probably correct as is indicated by the next clause. In the word of the truth of the gospel “In the preaching of the truth of the gospel” (Galatians 2:5, Galatians 2:14) which is come They heard the pure gospel from Epaphras before the Gnostics came. [source]
1 Thessalonians 5:23 Be preserved entire [ὁλόκληρον - τηρηθείη]
This is the rendering of Rev. and is correct. A.V. joins ὁλόκληρον with πνεῦμα , and renders your whole spirit. Ὁλόκληρον is predicative, not attributive. It does not mean whole, but is derived from ὅλος wholeand κλῆρος allotmentand signifies having the entire allotment; complete in all parts. It occurs only here and James 1:4, where it is associated with τέλειοι perfectIt appears in lxx, as Leviticus 23:15; Deuteronomy 16:9; Deuteronomy 27:6. Joseph. Ant. 3:12,2, uses it of an unblemished victim for sacrifice. As distinguished from ὁλοτελεῖς wholly 1 Thessalonians 5:23, it is qualitative, while ὁλοτελεῖς is quantitative. The kindred ὁλοκληρία perfectsoundness, only in Acts 3:16. For preserved see on 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
1 Timothy 5:22 Keep thyself pure [σεαυτὸν ἁγνὸν τήρει]
Comp. 1 Timothy 6:14. Enjoining positively what was enjoined negatively in the preceding clause. For pure see on 1 John 3:3. For keep see on reserved, 1 Peter 1:4. The phrase ἑαυτὸν τηρεῖν to keep one's self, in James 1:27; 2 Corinthians 11:9. [source]
Hebrews 9:15 Of eternal inheritance [τῆς αἰωνίου κληρονομίας]
Rend. “the eternal inheritance”: something recognized as a fact. For κληρονομία inheritancesee on 1 Peter 1:4, and comp. Ephesians 1:14. The whole statement implies that the provisions of the Levitical system were inadequate to procure and insure full salvation. [source]
Hebrews 7:26 Harmless [ἄκακος]
Rend. guileless. Free from malice and craft. Only here and Romans 16:18. Undefiled ( ἀμίαντος ), see on 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
Hebrews 1:4 He hath by inheritance obtained [κεκληρονόμηκεν]
More neatly, as Rev., hath inherited, as a son. See Hebrews 1:2, and comp. Romans 8:17. For the verb, see on Acts 13:19, and see on 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
Hebrews 1:2 Whom he hath appointed heir of all things [ὃν ἔθηκεν κληρονόμον πάντων]
For ἔθηκεν appointedsee on John 15:16. For κληρονόμος heirsee on inheritance, 1 Peter 1:4; and comp. on Christ as heir, Mark 12:1-12. God eternally predestined the Son to be the possessor and sovereign of all things. Comp. Psalm 89:28. Heirship goes with sonship. See Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:7. Christ attained the messianic lordship through incarnation. Something was acquired as the result of his incarnation which he did not possess before it, and could not have possessed without it. Equality with God was his birthright, but out of his human life, death, and resurrection came a type of sovereignty which could pertain to him only through his triumph over human sin in the flesh (see Hebrews 1:3), through his identification with men as their brother. Messianic lordship could not pertain to his preincarnate state: it is a matter of function, not of inherent power and majesty. He was essentially Son of God; he must become Son of man. [source]
Hebrews 9:16 A testament [διατηκη]
The same word occurs for covenant (Hebrews 9:15) and will (Hebrews 9:16). This double sense of the word is played upon also by Paul in Galatians 3:15. We say today “The New Testament” (Novum Testamentum) rather than “ The New Covenant.” Both terms are pertinent. That made it Genitive of the articular second aorist middle participle of διατιτημι — diatithēmi from which διατηκη — diathēkē comes. The notion of will here falls in with κληρονομια — klēronomia (inheritance, 1 Peter 1:4) as well as with τανατος — thanatos (death). Of force Stable, firm as in Hebrews 3:6, Hebrews 3:14. Where there hath been death “In the case of dead people.” A will is only operative then. For doth it ever avail while he that made it liveth? This is a possible punctuation with μη ποτε — mē pote in a question (John 7:26). Without the question mark, it is a positive statement of fact. Aleph and D read τοτε — tote (then) instead of ποτε — pote The use of μη — mē in a causal sentence is allowable (John 3:18, οτι μη — hoti mē). [source]
James 1:27 To keep [τηρεῖν]
See on 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
James 1:27 Undefiled [ἀμίαντος]
See on 1 Peter 1:4. The two adjectivespure and undefiled, present the positive and negative sides of purity. [source]
James 1:11 Fade away [μαρανθήσεται]
See on 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
1 Peter 5:3 Heritage [κλήρων]
Plural. Κλἤρος means a lot. See on inheritance, 1 Peter 1:4. Froth the kindred adjective κληρικός comes the English cleric, contracted into clerk, which in ecclesiastical writings originally signified a minister; either as being chosen by lot like Matthias, or as being the lot or inheritance of God. Hence Wycliffe translates the passage, “neither as having lordship in the clergie. ” As in the Middle Ages the clergy were almost the only persons who could write, the word clerk came to have one of its common modern meanings. The word here, though its interpretation is somewhat disputed, seems to refer to the several congregations - thelots or charges assigned to the elders. Compare προσεκληρώθησαν , were added as disciplesA. V.,consorted with (Acts 17:4). Rev. renders charge. Why not charges? [source]
1 Peter 1:25  []
In 1 Peter 1:25 note eis humās (unto you) like eis humās in 1 Peter 1:4 (= humin dative). [source]
1 Peter 3:4 In the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit [εν τωι απταρτωι του ησυχιου και πραεως πνευματος]
No word in the Greek for “apparel” For απταρτος — aphthartos see note on 1 Peter 1:4 and note on 1 Peter 1:23. For πραυς — praus see Matthew 5:5; Matthew 11:29. Πνευμα — Pneuma (spirit) is here disposition or temper (Bigg), unlike any other use in the N.T. In 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 3:19; 1 Peter 4:6 it means the whole inner man as opposed to σαρχ — sarx or σωμα — sōma very much as πσυχη — psuchē is used as opposed to σωμα — sōma Spirit just mentioned.Of great price (πολυτελες — poluteles). Old word (from πολυ — polu and τελος — telos cost), in N.T. only here, Mark 14:3; 1 Timothy 2:9. [source]
1 Peter 5:3 The charge allotted to you [κληρικος]
“The charges,” “the lots” or “the allotments.” See it in Acts 1:17, Acts 1:25 in this sense. The old word meant a die (Matthew 27:25), a portion (Colossians 1:12; 1 Peter 1:4), here the charges assigned (cf. Acts 17:4). From the adjective τυποι γινομενοι — klērikos come our cleric, clerical, clerk. Wycliff translated it here “neither as having lordship in the clergie.”Making yourselves ensamples (γινομαι — tupoi ginomenoi). Present active participle of τυποι — ginomai and predicate nominative υπογραμμος — tupoi (types, models) for which phrase see 1 Thessalonians 1:7. Continually becoming. See 1 Peter 2:21 for του ποιμνιου — hupogrammos (writing-copy).To the flock Objective genitive. [source]
1 Peter 5:4 The crown of glory that fadeth not away [στεπανος]
For “crown” In all these passages it is the crown of victory as it is here. See 1 Peter 1:4 for Αμαραντινος — amarantos unfading. αμαραντ — Amarantinos is made from that word as the name of a flower amaranth (so called because it never withers and revives if moistened with water and so used as a symbol of immortality), “composed of amaranth” or “amarantine,” “the amarantine (unfading) crown of glory.” [source]
1 Peter 5:4 Ye shall receive [κομιζω]
Future of τον αμαραντινον της δοχης στεπανον — komizō (1 Peter 1:9, which see).The crown of glory that fadeth not away (στεπανος — ton amarantinon tēs doxēs stephanon). For “crown” (αμαραντος — stephanos) see James 1:12; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:10; Revelation 4:4. In the Gospels it is used only of the crown of thorns, but Jesus is crowned with glory and honor (Hebrews 2:9). In all these passages it is the crown of victory as it is here. See 1 Peter 1:4 for Αμαραντινος — amarantos unfading. αμαραντ — Amarantinos is made from that word as the name of a flower amaranth (so called because it never withers and revives if moistened with water and so used as a symbol of immortality), “composed of amaranth” or “amarantine,” “the amarantine (unfading) crown of glory.” [source]
2 Peter 2:5 Saved [ἐφύλαξεν]
Rev., preserved. See on 1 Peter 1:4, and compare “the Lord shut him in ” (Genesis 7:16). [source]
2 Peter 2:4 To be reserved [τηρουμένους]
Lit., being reserved. See on 1 Peter 1:4, “reserved in heaven.” [source]
2 Peter 1:11 Into the eternal kingdom [εις την αιωνιον βασιλειαν]
The believer‘s inheritance of 1 Peter 1:4 is here termed kingdom, but “eternal” Curiously again in the Stratonicea inscription we find της αιωνιου αρχης — tēs aiōniou archēs (of the eternal rule) applied to “the lords of Rome.” But this is the spiritual reign of God in men‘s hearts here on earth (1 Peter 2:9) and in heaven.Of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (του κυριου ημων και σωτηρος Ιησου Χριστου — tou kuriou hēmōn kai sōtēros Iēsou Christou). For which idiom see note on 2 Peter 1:1. [source]
2 Peter 2:4 To be reserved unto judgment [τηρεω]
Present (linear action) passive participle of κολαζομενους τηρειν — tēreō “Kept for judgment.” Cf. 1 Peter 1:4. Aleph A have κρισις — kolazomenous tērein as in 2 Peter 2:9. Note krisis (act of judgment). [source]
2 Peter 3:7 By the same word [τωι αυτωι λογωι]
Instrumental case again referring to λογωι — logōi in 2 Peter 3:6.Have been stored up (τετησαυρισμενοι εισιν — tethēsaurismenoi eisin). Perfect passive indicative of τησαυριζω — thēsaurizō for which verb see Matthew 6:19; Luke 12:21.For fire Dative case of πυρ — pur not with fire (instrumental case). The destruction of the world by fire is here pictured as in Joel 2:30.; Psalm 50:3.Being reserved (τηρουμενοι — tēroumenoi). Present passive participle of τηρεω — tēreō for which see 2 Peter 2:4.Against Unto. As in 2 Peter 2:4, 2 Peter 2:9 and see 1 Peter 1:4 for the inheritance reserved for the saints of God. [source]
2 Peter 1:11 Shall be supplied [επιχορηγητησεται]
Future passive of επιχορηγεω — epichorēgeō for which see 2 Peter 1:5. You supply the virtues above and God will supply the entrance See Colossians 3:16 for this adverb.Into the eternal kingdom The believer‘s inheritance of 1 Peter 1:4 is here termed kingdom, but “eternal” Curiously again in the Stratonicea inscription we find της αιωνιου αρχης — tēs aiōniou archēs (of the eternal rule) applied to “the lords of Rome.” But this is the spiritual reign of God in men‘s hearts here on earth (1 Peter 2:9) and in heaven.Of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (του κυριου ημων και σωτηρος Ιησου Χριστου — tou kuriou hēmōn kai sōtēros Iēsou Christou). For which idiom see note on 2 Peter 1:1. [source]
2 Peter 2:4 Angels when they sinned [αγγελων αμαρτησαντων]
Genitive case after επεισατο — epheisato (first aorist middle indicative of πειδομαι — pheidomai) and anarthrous (so more emphatic, even angels), first aorist active participle of αμαρτανω — hamartanō “having sinned.”Cast them down to hell (ταρταρωσας — tartarōsas). First aorist active participle of ταρταροω — tartaroō late word (from ταρταρος — tartaros old word in Homer, Pindar, lxx Job 40:15; 41:23, Philo, inscriptions, the dark and doleful abode of the wicked dead like the Gehenna of the Jews), found here alone save in a scholion on Homer. Ταρταρος — Tartaros occurs in Enoch 20:2 as the place of punishment of the fallen angels, while Gehenna is for apostate Jews.Committed First aorist active indicative of παραδιδωμι — paradidōmi the very form solemnly used by Paul in Romans 1:21, Romans 1:26, Romans 1:28.To pits of darkness (σειροις ζοπου — seirois zophou). οπος — Zophos (kin to γνοποσ νεπος — gnophosσειραις — nephos) is an old word, blackness, gloom of the nether world in Homer, in N.T. only here, 2 Peter 2:17; Judges 1:13; Hebrews 12:18. The MSS. vary between σειρα — seirais (σειροις — seira chain or rope) and σειρος — seirois (Σειροις — seiros old word for pit, underground granary). εις κρισιν τηρουμενους — Seirois is right (Aleph A B C), dative case of destination.To be reserved unto judgment Present (linear action) passive participle of κολαζομενους τηρειν — tēreō “Kept for judgment.” Cf. 1 Peter 1:4. Aleph A have κρισις — kolazomenous tērein as in 2 Peter 2:9. Note krisis (act of judgment). [source]
2 Peter 2:4 Committed [παρεδωκεν]
First aorist active indicative of παραδιδωμι — paradidōmi the very form solemnly used by Paul in Romans 1:21, Romans 1:26, Romans 1:28.To pits of darkness (σειροις ζοπου — seirois zophou). οπος — Zophos (kin to γνοποσ νεπος — gnophosσειραις — nephos) is an old word, blackness, gloom of the nether world in Homer, in N.T. only here, 2 Peter 2:17; Judges 1:13; Hebrews 12:18. The MSS. vary between σειρα — seirais (σειροις — seira chain or rope) and σειρος — seirois (Σειροις — seiros old word for pit, underground granary). εις κρισιν τηρουμενους — Seirois is right (Aleph A B C), dative case of destination.To be reserved unto judgment Present (linear action) passive participle of κολαζομενους τηρειν — tēreō “Kept for judgment.” Cf. 1 Peter 1:4. Aleph A have κρισις — kolazomenous tērein as in 2 Peter 2:9. Note krisis (act of judgment). [source]
2 Peter 3:7 For fire [πυρι]
Dative case of πυρ — pur not with fire (instrumental case). The destruction of the world by fire is here pictured as in Joel 2:30.; Psalm 50:3.Being reserved (τηρουμενοι — tēroumenoi). Present passive participle of τηρεω — tēreō for which see 2 Peter 2:4.Against Unto. As in 2 Peter 2:4, 2 Peter 2:9 and see 1 Peter 1:4 for the inheritance reserved for the saints of God. [source]
2 Peter 3:7 Against [εις]
Unto. As in 2 Peter 2:4, 2 Peter 2:9 and see 1 Peter 1:4 for the inheritance reserved for the saints of God. [source]
1 John 5:21 Keep yourselves [φυλάξατε ἑαυτὰ]
The exact phrase is not found elsewhere in the New Testament. See 2 Peter 3:17. Rev., rightly, guard. See on 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
Jude 1:1 Kept []
See on 1 Peter 1:4. Compare John 17:6, John 17:12. [source]
Revelation 3:4 Omit καὶ even Defiled [ἐμόλυναν]
See on 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
Revelation 3:4 Even in Sardis []
Omit καὶ evenDefiled ( ἐμόλυναν )See on 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
Revelation 22:7 Keepeth [τηρῶν]
A favorite word with John, occurring in his writings more frequently than in all the rest of the New Testament together. See on reserved 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
Revelation 14:4 Were not defiled [οὐκ ἐμολύνθησαν]
The verb means properly to besmear or besmirch, and is never used in a good sense, as μιαίνειν (John 18:28; Judges 1:8), which in classical Greek is sometimes applied to staining with color. See on 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
Revelation 1:3 And keep [καὶ τηροῦντες]
The absence of the article from τηροῦντες keeping(compare οἱ ἀκούντες theythat hear ), shows that the hearers and the keepers form one class. Τηρεῖν tokeep, is a peculiarly Johannine word, and is characteristic of Revelation as of the other writings in its own peculiar sense of “keeping” in the exercise of active and strenuous care, rather than of watching over to preserve. See on reserved, 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
Revelation 21:7 Shall inherit [κληρονομησει]
Future active of κληρονομεω — klēronomeō word with great history (Mark 10:17; 1 Peter 1:4; Galatians 4:7; Romans 8:17), here interpreted for the benefit of these who share in Christ‘s victory.I will be his God (Εσομαι αυτωι τεος — Esomai autōi theos). Repeated Old Testament promise (first to Abraham, Genesis 17:7.). Cf. Revelation 21:3.He shall be my son Made first of Solomon (2 Samuel 7:14) and applied to David later in Psalm 89:26. [source]
Revelation 3:4 Did not defile [ουκ εμολυναν]
First aorist active indicative of μολυνω — molunō (1 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Peter 1:4), pollution.They shall walk (περιπατησουσιν — peripatēsousin). Future active of περιπατεω — peripateō promise of fellowship with Christ (μετ εμου — met' emou with me) “in white” (εν λευκοις — en leukois), as symbols of purity (Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13) like the angel (Matthew 28:3), with possibly a reference to Enoch (Genesis 5:22). For they are worthy (οτι αχιοι εισιν — hoti axioi eisin). To walk with Christ, not worthy in the same sense as God and Christ (Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:9), but in a relative sense. See Revelation 16:6 for bad sense of αχιος — axios f0). [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Peter 1:4 mean?

to an inheritance imperishable and undefiled unfading being reserved in [the] heavens for you
εἰς κληρονομίαν ἄφθαρτον καὶ ἀμίαντον ἀμάραντον τετηρημένην ἐν οὐρανοῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς

κληρονομίαν  an  inheritance 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: κληρονομία  
Sense: an inheritance, property received (or to be received) by inheritance.
ἄφθαρτον  imperishable 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἄφθαρτος  
Sense: uncorrupted, not liable to corruption or decay, imperishable.
ἀμίαντον  undefiled 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀμίαντος  
Sense: not defiled, unsoiled.
ἀμάραντον  unfading 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀμάραντος  
Sense: not fading away, unfading, perennial (See 262).
τετηρημένην  being  reserved 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Middle or Passive, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: τηρέω  
Sense: to attend to carefully, take care of.
οὐρανοῖς  [the]  heavens 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: οὐρανός  
Sense: the vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it.