Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

1 PETER 1:12KJV
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1 Peter 1:12 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 1:12 mean?

1 Peter 1:12 explains that the prophets of old learned that the things they spoke about were not just for their own time, but for future believers, and these things have now been announced by those who preached the gospel through the Holy Spirit. Even angels are deeply interested in these truths now revealed to believers.

Peter is writing to Christians scattered across various regions, encouraging them by showing how the message of salvation was part of God’s plan all along. He points out that the good news they have received was something even the prophets and angels longed to fully understand, highlighting the privilege and wonder of the gospel message.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 1:12

  • διακονέω (diakoneō, "minister" — G1247): This word means to serve or to act as a servant. Peter uses it to show that the prophets were serving future generations, not just their own, by delivering messages that would be fulfilled later.
  • εὐαγγελίζομαι (euangelizomai, "preach the gospel" — G2097): This word means to bring good news. It emphasizes that what the prophets spoke about has now been openly proclaimed as good news to the readers.
  • ἐπιθυμέω (epithymeō, "desire" — G1937): This word means to long for or deeply desire. Peter uses it to describe the angels’ strong interest in understanding the things now revealed to believers.
  • παρακύπτω (parakyptō, "look into" — G3879): This word means to stoop down to look or to examine closely. It paints a picture of angels bending over, eager to see and understand the unfolding of God’s salvation plan.

Why 1 Peter 1:12 matters

  • 1 Peter 1:12 clarifies that the Old Testament prophets were pointing forward to Christ and the gospel, not just speaking to their own generation.
  • The verse highlights the unique privilege of Christians, who now experience what was long anticipated by both prophets and angels.
  • This verse connects the Old Testament, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the gospel message, showing the unity and continuity of God’s plan across time.

Where else these words appear

“look” Greek G3879 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
  • John 20:5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
  • John 20:11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

“desire” Greek G1937 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
  • Luke 22:15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
  • Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

“are” Greek G312 · used in 18 verses

  • Mark 5:14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
  • John 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
  • Acts 19:18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

“revealed” Greek G601 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
  • Luke 17:30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
  • Galatians 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: