Like the other apostles, Peter believed the return of Jesus Christ was imminent (i.e, it could occur at any moment; cf. James 5:8; Romans 13:11; Hebrews 9:28; 1 John 2:18). This fact should have made a practical difference in the way his readers lived. Eschatology has ethical implications. They were to remain clear-headed ("of sound judgment"), self-controlled ("of sober spirit") primarily so they could pray properly. This statement illustrates the importance of prayer. Prayer is the most noble and necessary ministry that God entrusts to His children, but it is also the most neglected ministry (cf. 1 Timothy 2:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Hebrews 4:15-16). [1] Jesus" praying in the Garden of Gethsemane may have impressed this truth on Peter (cf. Matthew 26:40-41). Jesus prayed when the end of His life was near. The Greek word Peter used for prayer (lit. prayers, proseuchas) is the general word for prayer and indicates that Peter had all kinds of praying in mind. [source][source][source]
". . . proper prayer is not an "opiate" or escape, but rather a function of clear vision and a seeking of even clearer vision from God. It is only through clear communication with headquarters that a soldier can effectively stand guard." [2][source]
"To charge Paul or Peter with false prophecy for saying1900 years ago that the end is near, is to treat them unfairly. They, as we, had to live in constant expectation of Christ"s sudden return." [3][source]
"With the Messiah"s first advent the reality of the eschatological kingdom broke on human history; but with the King"s rejection, His eschatological kingdom was not established. It awaits the day of His return. But that eschatological encounter introduced a new element into the nature of history. Human history now moves under the shadow of the divinely announced eschatological kingdom." [4][source]
Context Summary
1 Peter 4:1-11 - The New Life In Christ
The Apostle urges the disciples to make a clean break with sin. As our Lord's grave lay between Him and His earlier life, so there should be a clean break between our life as believers and the earth-bound life, which was dominated by lawless passions. Sometimes God employs the acid of persecution or suffering to eat away the bonds that bind us to our past. Let us accept these with a willing mind. The one condition of reigning with the enthroned Christ is to submit to His cross. Of course, we must die to animal instinct, to the blandishments of the world, and to the temptations of the evil one; but it is quite as important to die to our self-life, whether it be clothed in white or black!
We are summoned to a life of prayer. But in order to promote fervency in prayer we must be sober-minded and self-controlled, 1 Peter 4:7; loving, 1 Peter 4:8; and faithful to our stewardship of all God's entrusted gifts, 1 Peter 4:10. Let us cultivate the invariable habit of looking up from our service, of whatever kind, to claim the ability to do it for the glory of God, 1 Peter 4:11. [source]
Chapter Summary: 1 Peter 4
1He exhorts them to cease from sin and live fore God, 12and comforts them against persecution
Greek Commentary for 1 Peter 4:7
But the end of all things is at hand [παντων δε το τελος ηγγικεν] Perfect active indicative of εγγιζω eggizō to draw near, common late verb (from εγγυς eggus), same form used by the Baptist of the Messiah‘s arrival (Matthew 3:2) and by James in James 5:8 (of the second coming). How near Peter does not say, but he urges readiness (1 Peter 1:5.; 1 Peter 4:6) as Jesus did (Mark 14:38) and Paul (1 Thessalonians 5:6), though it is drawing nearer all the time (Romans 12:11), but not at once (2 Thessalonians 2:2). [source]
Be ye therefore of sound mind [σωπρονησατε ουν] In view of the coming of Christ. First aorist (ingressive) active imperative of σωπρονεω sōphroneō First aorist (ingressive of νηπω nēphō (see 1 Peter 1:13) and plural προσευχας proseuchas (prayers). Cf. Ephesians 6:18. [source]
Be sober unto prayer [νηπσατε εις προσευχας] First aorist (ingressive of νηπω nēphō (see 1 Peter 1:13) and plural προσευχας proseuchas (prayers). Cf. Ephesians 6:18. [source]
Be ye sober [σωφρονήσατε] The word is froth σῶς , sound, and φρήν , the mind. Therefore, as Rev., be ye of sound mind. Compare Mark 5:15. [source]
Watch [νήψατε] See on 1 Peter 1:13. The A. V. has followed the Vulgate, vigilate (watch )Rev. is better: be sober. [source]
Unto prayer [εἰς προσευχάς] Lit., prayers. The plural is used designedly: prayers of all kinds, private or public. Tynd. renders, Be ye discreet and sober, that ye may be apt to prayers. Compare Ephesians 6:18, “withevery kind of prayer, and watching thereunto. ” [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Peter 4:7
Romans 12:3Not to think, etc. [] The play upon φρονεῖν tothink and its compounds is very noticeable. “Not to be high-minded (hyperphronein ) above what he ought to be minded (phronein ), but to be minded (phronein ) unto the being sober-minded (sophronein ). See on 1 Peter 4:7. [source]
1 Corinthians 15:24Then cometh the end [ειτα το τελος] No verb γινεται ginetai in the Greek. Supply “at his coming,” the end or consummation of the age or world (Matthew 13:39,Matthew 13:49; 1 Peter 4:7), When he shall deliver up Present active subjunctive (not optative) of παραδιδωμι paradidōmi with οταν hotan whenever, and so quite indefinite and uncertain as to time. Present subjunctive rather than aorist παραδωι paradōi because it pictures a future proceeding. [source]
James 5:8Stablish [στηριχατε] First aorist active imperative of στηριζω stērizō old verb, (from στηριγχ stērigx a support) to make stable, as in Luke 22:32; 1 Thessalonians 3:13.Is at hand (ηγγικεν ēggiken). Present perfect active indicative of εγγιζω eggizō common verb, to draw near (from εγγυς eggus), in James 4:8, for drawing near. Same form used by John in his preaching (Matthew 3:2). In 1 Peter 4:7 the same word appears to have an eschatological sense as apparently here. How “near” or “nigh” did James mean? Clearly, it could only be a hope, for Jesus had distinctly said that no one knew when he would return. [source]
James 5:8Is at hand [ηγγικεν] Present perfect active indicative of εγγιζω eggizō common verb, to draw near (from εγγυς eggus), in James 4:8, for drawing near. Same form used by John in his preaching (Matthew 3:2). In 1 Peter 4:7 the same word appears to have an eschatological sense as apparently here. How “near” or “nigh” did James mean? Clearly, it could only be a hope, for Jesus had distinctly said that no one knew when he would return. [source]
1 Peter 4:5That is ready [ἑτοίμως ἔχοντι] Lit., having himself in readiness; there at God's right hand in heaven, whither he has gone (1 Peter 3:22). Implying, also, a near judgment. Compare 1 Peter 4:7. [source]
1 Peter 1:13Girding up [αναζωσαμενοι] First aorist middle participle of αναζωννυμι anazōnnumi late and rare verb (Judges 18:16; Proverbs 31:17), here only in N.T., vivid metaphor for habit of the Orientals, who quickly gathered up their loose robes with a girdle when in a hurry or starting on a journey.The loins (τας οσπυας tas osphuas). Old word for the part of the body where the girdle (ζωνη zōnē) was worn. Metaphor here as in Luke 12:35; Ephesians 6:14.Mind Old word for the faculty of understanding, of seeing through a thing “Being sober” (present active participle of τελειως nēphō old verb, but in N.T. always as metaphor (1 Thessalonians 5:6,1 Thessalonians 5:8, etc., and so in 1 Peter 4:7).Perfectly Adverb, old word (here alone in N.T.), from adjective ελπισατε teleios (perfect), connected with ελπιζω elpisate (set your hope, first aorist active imperative of νηποντες elpizō) in the Revised Version, but Bigg, Hort, and most modern commentators take it according to Peter‘s usual custom with the preceding verb, την περομενην nēphontes (“being perfectly sober,” not “hope perfectly”).That is to be brought (περω tēn pheromenēn). Present passive articular participle of αποκαλυπσει pherō picturing the process, “that is being brought.” For “revelation” (apokalupsei) see end of 1 Peter 1:7. [source]
1 Peter 1:13Mind [διανοιας] Old word for the faculty of understanding, of seeing through a thing “Being sober” (present active participle of τελειως nēphō old verb, but in N.T. always as metaphor (1 Thessalonians 5:6,1 Thessalonians 5:8, etc., and so in 1 Peter 4:7).Perfectly Adverb, old word (here alone in N.T.), from adjective ελπισατε teleios (perfect), connected with ελπιζω elpisate (set your hope, first aorist active imperative of νηποντες elpizō) in the Revised Version, but Bigg, Hort, and most modern commentators take it according to Peter‘s usual custom with the preceding verb, την περομενην nēphontes (“being perfectly sober,” not “hope perfectly”).That is to be brought (περω tēn pheromenēn). Present passive articular participle of αποκαλυπσει pherō picturing the process, “that is being brought.” For “revelation” (apokalupsei) see end of 1 Peter 1:7. [source]
1 Peter 5:8Be watchful [γρηγορησατε] First aorist active imperative of γρηγορεω grēgoreō late present imperative from perfect εγρηγορα egrēgora (to be awake) from εγειρω egeirō (to arouse), as in Matthew 24:42. For νηπσατε nēpsate see 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 4:7. [source]
What do the individual words in 1 Peter 4:7 mean?
Of allnowtheendhas drawn nearBe clear-mindedthereforeandsoberfor the purpose ofprayers
Greek Commentary for 1 Peter 4:7
Perfect active indicative of εγγιζω eggizō to draw near, common late verb (from εγγυς eggus), same form used by the Baptist of the Messiah‘s arrival (Matthew 3:2) and by James in James 5:8 (of the second coming). How near Peter does not say, but he urges readiness (1 Peter 1:5.; 1 Peter 4:6) as Jesus did (Mark 14:38) and Paul (1 Thessalonians 5:6), though it is drawing nearer all the time (Romans 12:11), but not at once (2 Thessalonians 2:2). [source]
In view of the coming of Christ. First aorist (ingressive) active imperative of σωπρονεω sōphroneō First aorist (ingressive of νηπω nēphō (see 1 Peter 1:13) and plural προσευχας proseuchas (prayers). Cf. Ephesians 6:18. [source]
First aorist (ingressive of νηπω nēphō (see 1 Peter 1:13) and plural προσευχας proseuchas (prayers). Cf. Ephesians 6:18. [source]
Lit., has come near. The word constantly used of the coming of Christ and his kingdom. See Matthew 3:2; Mark 1:15; Luke 10:9; Hebrews 10:25. [source]
The word is froth σῶς , sound, and φρήν , the mind. Therefore, as Rev., be ye of sound mind. Compare Mark 5:15. [source]
See on 1 Peter 1:13. The A. V. has followed the Vulgate, vigilate (watch )Rev. is better: be sober. [source]
Lit., prayers. The plural is used designedly: prayers of all kinds, private or public. Tynd. renders, Be ye discreet and sober, that ye may be apt to prayers. Compare Ephesians 6:18, “withevery kind of prayer, and watching thereunto. ” [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Peter 4:7
The play upon φρονεῖν tothink and its compounds is very noticeable. “Not to be high-minded (hyperphronein ) above what he ought to be minded (phronein ), but to be minded (phronein ) unto the being sober-minded (sophronein ). See on 1 Peter 4:7. [source]
No verb γινεται ginetai in the Greek. Supply “at his coming,” the end or consummation of the age or world (Matthew 13:39, Matthew 13:49; 1 Peter 4:7), When he shall deliver up Present active subjunctive (not optative) of παραδιδωμι paradidōmi with οταν hotan whenever, and so quite indefinite and uncertain as to time. Present subjunctive rather than aorist παραδωι paradōi because it pictures a future proceeding. [source]
First aorist active imperative of στηριζω stērizō old verb, (from στηριγχ stērigx a support) to make stable, as in Luke 22:32; 1 Thessalonians 3:13.Is at hand (ηγγικεν ēggiken). Present perfect active indicative of εγγιζω eggizō common verb, to draw near (from εγγυς eggus), in James 4:8, for drawing near. Same form used by John in his preaching (Matthew 3:2). In 1 Peter 4:7 the same word appears to have an eschatological sense as apparently here. How “near” or “nigh” did James mean? Clearly, it could only be a hope, for Jesus had distinctly said that no one knew when he would return. [source]
Present perfect active indicative of εγγιζω eggizō common verb, to draw near (from εγγυς eggus), in James 4:8, for drawing near. Same form used by John in his preaching (Matthew 3:2). In 1 Peter 4:7 the same word appears to have an eschatological sense as apparently here. How “near” or “nigh” did James mean? Clearly, it could only be a hope, for Jesus had distinctly said that no one knew when he would return. [source]
See on 1 Peter 4:7. [source]
Lit., having himself in readiness; there at God's right hand in heaven, whither he has gone (1 Peter 3:22). Implying, also, a near judgment. Compare 1 Peter 4:7. [source]
First aorist middle participle of αναζωννυμι anazōnnumi late and rare verb (Judges 18:16; Proverbs 31:17), here only in N.T., vivid metaphor for habit of the Orientals, who quickly gathered up their loose robes with a girdle when in a hurry or starting on a journey.The loins (τας οσπυας tas osphuas). Old word for the part of the body where the girdle (ζωνη zōnē) was worn. Metaphor here as in Luke 12:35; Ephesians 6:14.Mind Old word for the faculty of understanding, of seeing through a thing “Being sober” (present active participle of τελειως nēphō old verb, but in N.T. always as metaphor (1 Thessalonians 5:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:8, etc., and so in 1 Peter 4:7).Perfectly Adverb, old word (here alone in N.T.), from adjective ελπισατε teleios (perfect), connected with ελπιζω elpisate (set your hope, first aorist active imperative of νηποντες elpizō) in the Revised Version, but Bigg, Hort, and most modern commentators take it according to Peter‘s usual custom with the preceding verb, την περομενην nēphontes (“being perfectly sober,” not “hope perfectly”).That is to be brought (περω tēn pheromenēn). Present passive articular participle of αποκαλυπσει pherō picturing the process, “that is being brought.” For “revelation” (apokalupsei) see end of 1 Peter 1:7. [source]
Old word for the faculty of understanding, of seeing through a thing “Being sober” (present active participle of τελειως nēphō old verb, but in N.T. always as metaphor (1 Thessalonians 5:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:8, etc., and so in 1 Peter 4:7).Perfectly Adverb, old word (here alone in N.T.), from adjective ελπισατε teleios (perfect), connected with ελπιζω elpisate (set your hope, first aorist active imperative of νηποντες elpizō) in the Revised Version, but Bigg, Hort, and most modern commentators take it according to Peter‘s usual custom with the preceding verb, την περομενην nēphontes (“being perfectly sober,” not “hope perfectly”).That is to be brought (περω tēn pheromenēn). Present passive articular participle of αποκαλυπσει pherō picturing the process, “that is being brought.” For “revelation” (apokalupsei) see end of 1 Peter 1:7. [source]
“Being sober” (present active participle of τελειως nēphō old verb, but in N.T. always as metaphor (1 Thessalonians 5:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:8, etc., and so in 1 Peter 4:7). [source]
First aorist active imperative of γρηγορεω grēgoreō late present imperative from perfect εγρηγορα egrēgora (to be awake) from εγειρω egeirō (to arouse), as in Matthew 24:42. For νηπσατε nēpsate see 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 4:7. [source]