Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

1 PETER 1:21KJV
Know the Bible

1 Peter 1:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 1:21 mean?

1 Peter 1:21 says that through Jesus Christ, people believe in God, who raised Jesus from the dead and honored him, so that their faith and hope would be directed toward God. The verse emphasizes that Jesus is the way believers come to trust and hope in God, especially because of his resurrection and glorification.

Peter is writing to early Christians scattered across different regions, encouraging them to stay strong in their faith despite hardships. He reminds them that their belief in God is made possible by Jesus, whose resurrection and glory show God’s power and trustworthiness. This verse ties their personal faith and hope directly to what God has done through Jesus.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 1:21

  • The word πιστεύω (pisteuō, "believe" – G4100) here points to a trusting, confident faith, not just intellectual agreement. Peter highlights that this kind of faith is possible "by him" (Jesus), showing Jesus as the mediator.
  • The phrase ἐκ νεκρῶν (ek nekrōn, "from the dead" – G1537, G3498) stresses that Jesus was truly dead and then raised, underlining the reality and power of the resurrection.
  • The word δόξα (doxa, "glory" – G1391) means honor or splendor. God giving Jesus "glory" refers to his exaltation after the resurrection, marking him as worthy of trust.

Why 1 Peter 1:21 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Christian faith and hope are not abstract ideas but are rooted in specific actions God took through Jesus—raising him from the dead and giving him glory.
  • It connects the believer’s relationship with God directly to Jesus’ resurrection, showing that faith and hope are possible because of what God did in history.
  • The verse fits into Peter’s larger encouragement for Christians to remain steadfast, grounding their confidence in God’s proven power and faithfulness.

Where else these words appear

“hope” Greek G1680 · used in 48 verses

  • Acts 2:26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
  • Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

“that” Greek G5620 · used in 83 verses

  • Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
  • Mark 15:5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

“dead” Greek G3498 · used in 123 verses

  • Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
  • Acts 3:15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

“be” Greek G1511 · used in 124 verses

  • Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
  • Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
  • 1 Corinthians 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.