For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

1 PETER 1:24KJV
Know the Bible

1 Peter 1:24 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 1:24 mean?

1 Peter 1:24 says that every human being ("all flesh") is as temporary as grass, and even the most impressive human achievements ("the glory of man") are like the flower of grass—both will fade and disappear. The verse uses this image to highlight how short-lived and fragile human life and accomplishments are.

Peter is writing to Christians scattered across several regions, encouraging them to focus on things that last. He quotes from the Old Testament (Isaiah 40:6–8) to remind his readers that, compared to God’s enduring word, human life and its glory are brief and passing. This sets up a contrast with the eternal nature of God’s promises, which Peter will mention in the next verse.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 1:24

  • σὰρξ (sarx, "flesh"): This word often refers to human beings in their natural, mortal state. Here, it emphasizes the weakness and temporary nature of all people.
  • δόξα (doxa, "glory"): In this context, "glory" means human honor, achievements, or anything people might take pride in. The verse points out that even these high points are as fleeting as a flower.
  • ἐξήρανθη (exēranthē, "withereth"): This verb describes grass drying up and losing its life. It underlines how quickly and inevitably human life fades.
  • ἐξέπεσεν (exepesen, "falleth away"): This word is used for the flower dropping off, showing that even the most beautiful or celebrated parts of life do not last.

Why 1 Peter 1:24 matters

  • The verse corrects the common idea that human strength or achievement can last; it insists that everything people build or celebrate is temporary.
  • By quoting Isaiah, Peter connects his message to a long tradition of reminding God’s people to trust what is lasting—God’s word—rather than what is impressive but short-lived.
  • This verse prepares the reader for the next point Peter makes: that God’s word, unlike human life and glory, endures forever. This contrast is central to the hope Peter wants his readers to hold onto.

Where else these words appear

“flower” Greek G438 · used in 3 verses

  • James 1:10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
  • James 1:11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

“grass” Greek G5528 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
  • Mark 6:39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.
  • James 1:10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

“away” Greek G1601 · used in 13 verses

  • Mark 13:25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
  • Acts 27:29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
  • Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

“withereth” Greek G3583 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 13:6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
  • Mark 4:6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
  • Luke 8:6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.