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.