But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

1 PETER 1:25KJV
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1 Peter 1:25 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 1:25 mean?

1 Peter 1:25 says that the message from God, described as "the word of the Lord," lasts forever and does not fade away. The verse explains that this enduring message is the same one that has been shared with the readers through the good news, or gospel.

Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers, is writing to early Christians scattered in different regions. He is reassuring them that, even though many things in life are temporary or uncertain, the truth and promises found in God’s message remain constant. This verse wraps up a section where Peter contrasts the short-lived nature of human life with the lasting nature of God’s word.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 1:25

  • λόγος (logos, "word"): This Greek word often means a message, statement, or communication. Here, it emphasizes that what God has spoken is not just information, but a living and active message that endures.
  • μένει (menei, "endureth"): This verb means to remain, stay, or continue. The Greek here carries the sense of something that is unchanging and permanent, highlighting the lasting nature of God’s word compared to everything else.
  • εὐαγγελίσθη (euangelisthē, "preached"): This word is related to "gospel" or "good news." It points out that the enduring word is not distant or hidden, but has been actively shared with the readers through preaching.

Why 1 Peter 1:25 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God’s promises or teachings might change or become outdated; Peter insists they are permanent.
  • It connects the message the readers have already received ("the gospel") directly to God’s eternal word, giving their faith a solid foundation.
  • The verse ties back to the earlier verses in the chapter, which compare human life to grass that withers, making the contrast with God’s word even more striking and comforting.

Where else these words appear

“preached” Greek G2097 · used in 52 verses

  • Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
  • Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ:(he is Lord of all:)
  • 2 Corinthians 10:16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.

“word” Greek G4487 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Luke 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
  • Acts 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

“ever” Greek G165 · used in 102 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Acts 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
  • Hebrews 5:6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

“endureth” Greek G3306 · used in 105 verses

  • Matthew 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
  • John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.