Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

1 PETER 1:10KJV
Know the Bible

1 Peter 1:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 1:10 mean?

1 Peter 1:10 says that the prophets of old were deeply interested in the salvation that would come, and they carefully searched and asked questions about this grace that was meant for future believers. The verse highlights that these prophets spoke about a coming kindness from God that was not fully revealed in their own time.

Peter is writing to Christians scattered throughout different regions, encouraging them by showing that their salvation was something even the ancient prophets longed to understand. The verse places the readers’ experience of grace within the larger story of God’s plan, showing that what they have now was anticipated by those who came before.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 1:10

  • σωτηρία (sōtēria, "salvation"): This word points to rescue or deliverance, often understood as God’s act of saving people. Here, it refers to the full experience of being saved through Christ, something the prophets looked forward to.
  • ἐξεζήτησαν (exezētēsan, "enquired") and ἐξηρεύνησαν (exēreunēsan, "searched diligently"): Both words stress a careful, eager investigation. The Greek here carries the sense of intense effort, showing that the prophets were not passive but actively trying to understand what God would do.
  • χάρις (charis, "grace"): This word means favor or kindness, especially God’s generous gift. The verse emphasizes that the grace now known to the readers was the subject of the prophets’ prophecies and hopes.

Why 1 Peter 1:10 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that salvation through Christ was a sudden or unexpected development; instead, it was something God had been revealing hints of through the prophets all along.
  • It emphasizes the continuity between the Old Testament prophets and New Testament believers, showing that both are part of the same story of God’s grace.
  • By highlighting the prophets’ longing and careful searching, Peter encourages his readers to value the salvation they have received, recognizing it as the fulfillment of long-awaited promises.

Where else these words appear

“enquired” Greek G1567 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 11:50 That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
  • Acts 15:17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
  • Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

“prophesied” Greek G4395 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • John 11:51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
  • 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

“salvation” Greek G4991 · used in 43 verses

  • Luke 1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
  • Romans 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
  • Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

“prophets” Greek G4396 · used in 143 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
  • Acts 7:37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.