The Meaning of 1 Peter 1:6 Explained

1 Peter 1:6

KJV: Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

YLT: in which ye are glad, a little now, if it be necessary, being made to sorrow in manifold trials,

Darby: Wherein ye exult, for a little while at present, if needed, put to grief by various trials,

ASV: Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials,

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Wherein  ye greatly rejoice,  though now  for a season,  if  need  be,  ye are in heaviness  through  manifold  temptations: 

What does 1 Peter 1:6 Mean?

Verse Meaning

We can rejoice greatly in this hope. However, the antecedent of "this" may be "the last time" ( 1 Peter 1:5). Peter"s idea would then be that we will rejoice on that future day whereas now we experience various distressing trials. God will preserve both us and our inheritance until we receive our inheritance. "Trials" (Gr. peirasmois, the same kind of trials James wrote about in James 1:2, et al.) are all kinds of tests that challenge our fidelity to God"s will.
"Peirasmos here means not the inner wrestling with evil inclination, but undeserved sufferings from outside the person who is distressed by them." [1]
Peter was not denying that we face temptation from within, but he was addressing temptations from external sources particularly. [2]
In comparison with the eternal bliss ahead, our present distresses are only temporary and brief (cf. Matthew 5:4-5; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Trials are necessary for the Christian. God uses them to perfect us (cf. James 1:3-4). However they tend to rob us of joy if we do not remember what Peter urged his readers to bear in mind here (cf. James 1:2).

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 1:6

Wherein [εν ωι]
This translation refers the relative ωι — hōi to καιρωι — kairōi but it is possible to see a reference to Χριστου — Christou (1 Peter 1:3) or to τεου — theou (1 Peter 1:5) or even to the entire content of 1 Peter 1:3-5. Either makes sense, though possibly καιρωι — kairōi is correct. [source]
Ye greatly rejoice [αγαλλιαστε]
Present middle indicative (rather than imperative) of αγαλλιαομαι — agalliaomai late verb from αγαλλομαι — agallomai to rejoice, only in lxx, N.T., and ecclesiastical literature as in Matthew 5:12.Now for a little while (ολιγον αρτι — oligon arti). Accusative case of time (ολιγον — oligon) probably as in Mark 6:31, though it can be used of space (to a small extent) as in Luke 5:3.If need be Present active neuter singular participle of δει — dei (it is necessary). Some MSS. have εστιν — estin after δεον — deon (periphrastic construction). Condition of first class.Though ye have been put to grief (λυπητεντες — lupēthentes). First aorist passive participle (concessive circumstantial use) of λυπεω — lupeō to make sorrowful (from λυπη — lupē sorrow), old and common verb. See 2 Corinthians 6:10.In manifold temptations Just the phrase in James 1:2, which see note on. “Trials” clearly right here as there. Seven N.T. writers use ποικιλος — poikilos (varied). [source]
Now for a little while [ολιγον αρτι]
Accusative case of time (ολιγον — oligon) probably as in Mark 6:31, though it can be used of space (to a small extent) as in Luke 5:3. [source]
If need be [ει δεον]
Present active neuter singular participle of δει — dei (it is necessary). Some MSS. have εστιν — estin after δεον — deon (periphrastic construction). Condition of first class.Though ye have been put to grief (λυπητεντες — lupēthentes). First aorist passive participle (concessive circumstantial use) of λυπεω — lupeō to make sorrowful (from λυπη — lupē sorrow), old and common verb. See 2 Corinthians 6:10.In manifold temptations Just the phrase in James 1:2, which see note on. “Trials” clearly right here as there. Seven N.T. writers use ποικιλος — poikilos (varied). [source]
Though ye have been put to grief [λυπητεντες]
First aorist passive participle (concessive circumstantial use) of λυπεω — lupeō to make sorrowful (from λυπη — lupē sorrow), old and common verb. See 2 Corinthians 6:10. [source]
In manifold temptations [εν ποικιλοις πειρασμοις]
Just the phrase in James 1:2, which see note on. “Trials” clearly right here as there. Seven N.T. writers use ποικιλος — poikilos (varied). [source]
Ye greatly rejoice [ἀγαλλιᾶσθε]
The word is always employed in the New Testament for great or lively joy. See Matthew 5:12; Luke 1:47; Luke 10:21. [source]
For a season [ὀλίγον]
More literally and correctly, as Rev., for a little while. Compare 1 Peter 5:10. The word is used nowhere else in the New Testament in this sense. [source]
In heaviness [λυπηθέντες]
Lit., having been grieved. Rev.,ye have been put to grief. [source]
Through [ἐν]
But Rev., better, in; the preposition not being instrumental, but indicating the sphere or environment in which the grief operates. [source]
Manifold [ποικίλοις]
Literally the word means variegated. It is used to describe the skin of a leopard, the different-colored veinings of marble, or an embroidered robe; and thence passes into the meaning of changeful, diversified, applied to the changing months or the variations of a strain of music. Peter employs it again, 1 Peter 4:10, of the grace of God, and James of temptations, as here (James 1:2). Compare πολυποίκιλος ,manifold, in Ephesians 3:10, applied to the wisdom of God. The word gives a vivid picture of the diversity of the trials, emphasizing this idea rather than that of their number, which is left to be inferred. [source]
Temptations [πειρασμοῖς]
Better, trials, as in margin of Rev., since the word includes more than direct solicitation to evil. It embraces all that goes to furnish a test of character. Compare James 1:2. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Peter 1:6

Luke 6:23 Leap for joy [σκιρτήσατε]
See Luke 1:41, Luke 1:44. Compare Matthew, be exceeding glad ( ἀγαλλιἄσθε : see on 1 Peter 1:6). [source]
John 8:56 Rejoiced [ἠγαλλιάσατο]
With exultant joy. See on 1 Peter 1:6. [source]
John 5:35 To rejoice [ἀγαλλιασθῆναι]
The word signifies exultant, lively joy. See Matthew 5:12; Luke 1:47; Luke 10:21; 1 Peter 1:6. The interest in the Baptist was a frivolous, superficial, and short-lived excitement. Bengel says, “they were attracted by his brightness, not by his warmth.” [source]
Acts 19:36 Ye ought [κατεσταλμενους]
It is necessary. Periphrastic present indicative instead of καταστελλω — dei like 1 Peter 1:6; 1 Timothy 5:13. Be quiet (προπετες — katestalmenous). Perfect passive participle of προ — katastellō (see Acts 19:35). Rash Old adjective from pro and petō to fall forward, headlong, precipitate. In the N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 3:4, though common in the Koiné. Better look before you leap. [source]
James 1:2 Divers [ποικίλοις]
Rev., manifold. See on 1 Peter 1:6. [source]
James 1:2 Temptations [πειρασμοῖς]
In the general sense of trials. See on Matthew 6:13; and 1 Peter 1:6. [source]
James 1:2 All joy [πασαν χαραν]
“Whole joy,” “unmixed joy,” as in Philemon 2:29. Not just “some joy” along with much grief.When (οταν — hotan). “Whenever,” indefinite temporal conjunction.Ye fall into Second aorist active subjunctive (with the indefinite οταν — hotan) from περιπιπτω — peripiptō literally to fall around (into the midst of), to fall among as in Luke 10:30 ληισταις περιεπεσεν — lēistais periepesen (he fell among robbers). Only other N.T. example of this old compound is in Acts 27:41. Thucydides uses it of falling into affliction. It is the picture of being surrounded Associative instrumental case. The English word temptation is Latin and originally meant trials whether good or bad, but the evil sense has monopolized the word in our modern English, though we still say “attempt.” The word πειρασμος — peirasmos (from πειραζω — peirazō late form for the old πειραω — peiraō as in Acts 26:21, both in good sense as in John 6:6, and in bad sense as in Matthew 16:1) does not occur outside of the lxx and the N.T. except in Dioscorides (a.d. 100?) of experiments on diseases. “Trials” is clearly the meaning here, but the evil sense appears in James 1:12 (clearly in πειραζω — peirazō in James 1:13) and so in Hebrews 3:8. Trials rightly faced are harmless, but wrongly met become temptations to evil. The adjective ποικιλος — poikilos (manifold) is as old as Homer and means variegated, many coloured as in Matthew 4:24; 2 Timothy 3:6; Hebrews 2:4. In 1 Peter 1:6 we have this same phrase. It is a bold demand that James here makes. [source]
James 1:2 Ye fall into [περιπεσητε]
Second aorist active subjunctive (with the indefinite οταν — hotan) from περιπιπτω — peripiptō literally to fall around (into the midst of), to fall among as in Luke 10:30 ληισταις περιεπεσεν — lēistais periepesen (he fell among robbers). Only other N.T. example of this old compound is in Acts 27:41. Thucydides uses it of falling into affliction. It is the picture of being surrounded Associative instrumental case. The English word temptation is Latin and originally meant trials whether good or bad, but the evil sense has monopolized the word in our modern English, though we still say “attempt.” The word πειρασμος — peirasmos (from πειραζω — peirazō late form for the old πειραω — peiraō as in Acts 26:21, both in good sense as in John 6:6, and in bad sense as in Matthew 16:1) does not occur outside of the lxx and the N.T. except in Dioscorides (a.d. 100?) of experiments on diseases. “Trials” is clearly the meaning here, but the evil sense appears in James 1:12 (clearly in πειραζω — peirazō in James 1:13) and so in Hebrews 3:8. Trials rightly faced are harmless, but wrongly met become temptations to evil. The adjective ποικιλος — poikilos (manifold) is as old as Homer and means variegated, many coloured as in Matthew 4:24; 2 Timothy 3:6; Hebrews 2:4. In 1 Peter 1:6 we have this same phrase. It is a bold demand that James here makes. [source]
James 1:2 Manifold temptations [πειρασμοις ποικιλοις]
Associative instrumental case. The English word temptation is Latin and originally meant trials whether good or bad, but the evil sense has monopolized the word in our modern English, though we still say “attempt.” The word πειρασμος — peirasmos (from πειραζω — peirazō late form for the old πειραω — peiraō as in Acts 26:21, both in good sense as in John 6:6, and in bad sense as in Matthew 16:1) does not occur outside of the lxx and the N.T. except in Dioscorides (a.d. 100?) of experiments on diseases. “Trials” is clearly the meaning here, but the evil sense appears in James 1:12 (clearly in πειραζω — peirazō in James 1:13) and so in Hebrews 3:8. Trials rightly faced are harmless, but wrongly met become temptations to evil. The adjective ποικιλος — poikilos (manifold) is as old as Homer and means variegated, many coloured as in Matthew 4:24; 2 Timothy 3:6; Hebrews 2:4. In 1 Peter 1:6 we have this same phrase. It is a bold demand that James here makes. [source]
1 Peter 5:10 Awhile [ὀλίγον]
Rev., more literally, a little while. See on 1 Peter 1:6. [source]
1 Peter 4:13 Be glad with exceeding joy [χαρῆτε ἀγαλλιώμενοι]
Lit.,ye may rejoice exulting. See on 1 Peter 1:6. [source]
1 Peter 4:10 Manifold []
See on 1 Peter 1:6. [source]
1 Peter 1:7 Though it be tried [δοκιμαζομένου]
Kindred with δοκίμιον , proof, and better rendered by Rev., proved. The verb is used in classical Greek of assaying or testing metals, and means, generally, to approve or sanction upon test. It is radically akin to δέχεσθαι , to receive, and hence implies a proof with a view to determine whether a thing be worthy to be received. Compare 1 Corinthians 3:13; Galatians 6:4; 1 John 4:1. It thus differs from πειράζειν , to try or tempt (see on πειρασμοῖς , 1 Peter 1:6), in that that verb indicates simply a putting to proof to discover what good or evil is in a person; and from the fact that such scrutiny so often develops the existence and energy of evil, the word acquired a predominant sense of putting to the proof with the design or hope of breaking down the subject under the proof - in other words, of temptation in the ordinary sense. Hence Satan is called ὁ πειράζων , the tempter, Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5. See on Matthew 6:13. Archbishop Trench observes that “ δοκιμάζειν could not be used of Satan, since he never proves that he may approve, nor tests that he may accept.” [source]
1 Peter 1:8 Not having seen [ουκ ιδοντες]
Second aorist active participle of οραω — horaō to see, with ουκ — ouk rather than μη — mē because it negatives an actual experience in contrast with μη ορωντες — mē horōntes (though not seeing, hypothetical case). On whom It is possible that Peter here has in mind the words of Jesus to Thomas as recorded in John 20:29 (“Happy are those not seeing and yet believing”). Peter was present and heard the words of Jesus to Thomas, and so he could use them before John wrote his Gospel.Ye rejoice greatly (αγαλλιατε — agalliāte). Same form as in 1 Peter 1:6, only active here instead of middle.With joy Instrumental case (manner).Unspeakable (ανεκλαλητωι — aneklalētōi). Late and rare double compound verbal (alpha privative and εκλαλεω — eklaleō), here only in N.T., in Dioscorides and Heliodorus, “unutterable,” like Paul‘s “indescribable” (ανεκδιηγητος — anekdiēgētos) gift (2 Corinthians 9:15, here alone in N.T.).Full of glory Perfect passive participle of δοχαζω — doxazō to glorify, “glorified joy,” like the glorified face of Moses (Exodus 34:29.; 2 Corinthians 3:10. [source]
1 Peter 1:8 Ye rejoice greatly [αγαλλιατε]
Same form as in 1 Peter 1:6, only active here instead of middle. [source]
1 Peter 4:10 Ministering [διακονουντες]
Present active participle plural of διακονεω — diakoneō common verb (Matthew 20:28), though εκαστος — hekastos (each) is singular.As good stewards (ως καλοι οικονομοι — hōs kaloi oikonomoi). For “steward” (οικονομος — oikonomos house-manager) see Luke 16:1; 1 Corinthians 4:1 (used by Paul of himself) and of any bishop (Titus 1:7), but here of any Christian. See καλος — kalos used with διακονος — diakonos in 1 Timothy 4:6.Of the manifold grace of God For ποικιλος — poikilos (many-colored) see note on 1 Peter 1:6 and note on James 1:2. [source]
1 Peter 4:10 Of the manifold grace of God [ποικιλης χαριτος τεου]
For ποικιλος — poikilos (many-colored) see note on 1 Peter 1:6 and note on James 1:2. [source]
1 Peter 4:13 Ye are partakers of [κοινωνειτε]
Present active indicative of κοινωνεω — koinōneō old verb (from κοινωνος — koinōnos partner), to share in either with genitive (Hebrews 2:14) or dative as here Purpose clause with ινα — hina and second aorist passive subjunctive of χαιρω — chairō with the present middle participle of αγαλλιαω — agalliaō to exult (1 Peter 1:8), “that ye may rejoice exulting.” See 1 Peter 1:6-8 for this same idea associated with the second coming of Christ as here. [source]
1 Peter 4:13 That ye may rejoice with exceeding joy [ινα χαρητε αγαλλιωμενοι]
Purpose clause with ινα — hina and second aorist passive subjunctive of χαιρω — chairō with the present middle participle of αγαλλιαω — agalliaō to exult (1 Peter 1:8), “that ye may rejoice exulting.” See 1 Peter 1:6-8 for this same idea associated with the second coming of Christ as here. [source]
1 Peter 5:10 In Christ [εν Χριστωι]
A Pauline phrase (2 Corinthians 5:17-19), but Petrine also. For God‘s “calling” us Second aorist active participle of πασχω — paschō antecedent to the principal verbs which are future active (καταρτισει — katartisei to mend, Mark 1:19; Galatians 6:1, στηριχει — stērixei for which see Luke 9:51; Luke 22:32, στενωσει — sthenōsei from στενος — sthenos and so far a απαχ λεγομενον — hapax legomenon like ενισχυω — enischuō according to Hesychius). For ολιγον — oligon see 1 Peter 1:6. [source]
1 Peter 5:10 After that ye have suffered a little while [ολιγον πατοντας]
Second aorist active participle of πασχω — paschō antecedent to the principal verbs which are future active For ολιγον — oligon see 1 Peter 1:6. [source]
Jude 1:24 Exceeding joy [ἀγαλλιάσει]
See on 1 Peter 1:6. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Peter 1:6 mean?

in which you greatly rejoice for a little while at present if being necessary it is having been put to grief by various trials
ἐν ἀγαλλιᾶσθε ὀλίγον ἄρτι εἰ δέον [ἐστὶν] λυπηθέντες ἐν ποικίλοις πειρασμοῖς

ἀγαλλιᾶσθε  you  greatly  rejoice 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 2nd Person Plural
Root: ἀγαλλιάω  
Sense: to exult, rejoice exceedingly, be exceeding glad.
ὀλίγον  for  a  little  while 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: ὀλίγος  
Sense: little, small, few.
ἄρτι  at  present 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἄρτι  
Sense: just now, this moment.
δέον  being  necessary 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: δεῖ  
Sense: it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves, is right and proper.
[ἐστὶν]  it  is 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
λυπηθέντες  having  been  put  to  grief 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Passive, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: λυπέω  
Sense: to make sorrowful.
ποικίλοις  various 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: ποικίλος  
Sense: a various colours, variegated.
πειρασμοῖς  trials 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: πειρασμός  
Sense: an experiment, attempt, trial, proving.