Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

1 PETER 1:9KJV
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1 Peter 1:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 1:9 mean?

1 Peter 1:9 says that believers are receiving the ultimate result of their trust in God: the rescue or salvation of their lives. This verse highlights that the goal or outcome of faith is not just belief itself, but the deliverance and well-being of the whole person.

Peter, writing to scattered followers of Jesus facing trials, encourages them by pointing to the end result of their faith. He reminds them that enduring trust in God leads to salvation, which is the fulfillment of God’s promise to protect and restore them, even as they experience hardship.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 1:9

  • "Receiving" (κομιζόμενοι, komizomenoi): This word often means to carry off as a prize or to receive something due. Here, it suggests that believers are already beginning to experience the benefits of their faith, not just waiting for a future reward.
  • "End" (τέλος, telos): This Greek word means the goal, purpose, or completion of something. In this verse, it emphasizes that salvation is the intended outcome of faith, not just a side effect.
  • "Faith" (πίστις, pistis): This word refers to trust, confidence, or belief. The focus is on a continuing, active trust in God, not just a one-time decision.
  • "Salvation" (σωτηρία, sōtēria): This means deliverance, rescue, or safety. Here, it points to the full rescue of the person, both now and in the future.
  • "Souls" (ψυχή, psychē): This word can mean life, self, or inner being, not just the immaterial soul. Peter is talking about the rescue of the whole person, not just a part.

Why 1 Peter 1:9 matters

  • 1 Peter 1:9 clarifies that salvation is both a present and future reality for believers, not only something to hope for after death.
  • The verse connects faith directly to its result, showing that trust in God is purposeful and leads somewhere definite.
  • By speaking to people under pressure, Peter reassures them that their struggles are not pointless; their faith is actively bringing about their rescue and restoration.

Where else these words appear

“Receiving” Greek G2865 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
  • Ephesians 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
  • Hebrews 11:19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

“end” Greek G5056 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
  • John 13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
  • 1 Timothy 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

“salvation” Greek G4991 · used in 43 verses

  • Luke 1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
  • Romans 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
  • Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

“souls” Greek G5590 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 2:20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
  • Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.