Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

1 PETER 2:11KJV
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1 Peter 2:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 2:11 mean?

1 Peter 2:11 urges believers, whom Peter calls "dearly beloved," to see themselves as outsiders in the world—like strangers and travelers passing through—and to avoid desires that come from human nature, because these desires fight against their inner selves. The verse is a heartfelt appeal to live differently from the surrounding culture by resisting harmful impulses.

Peter is writing to early Christians scattered across regions where they often felt out of place or misunderstood. By calling them "strangers and pilgrims," Peter reminds them that their true home and identity are not rooted in the society around them. The warning about "fleshly lusts" points to desires or habits that can damage a person's spiritual well-being, emphasizing the ongoing struggle between these urges and the soul.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 2:11

  • "Strangers" (πάροικοι, paroikoi) and "pilgrims" (παρεπίδημοι, parepidēmoi) both describe people living temporarily in a place that is not their real home. Peter uses these words to highlight that Christians should see themselves as temporary residents in this world, not fully belonging to its values.
  • "Fleshly" (σαρκικός, sarkikos) refers to things driven by human nature or physical desires, often with the sense of being opposed to what is good for the soul. This word helps clarify that Peter is not just talking about any desire, but specifically those that can harm one's inner life.
  • "Lusts" (ἐπιθυμίαι, epithymiai) means strong desires or cravings. In this context, it points to urges that can pull a person away from what is right.
  • "War" (στρατεύονται, strateuontai) is a military term, often understood as "wage war" or "carry on a campaign." Peter is saying these desires are not passive; they actively fight against a person's soul, showing the seriousness of the struggle.

Why 1 Peter 2:11 matters

  • The verse clears up the idea that being a Christian means feeling at home in the world; instead, Peter stresses a sense of being different and not fully settled here.
  • Peter's language highlights that harmful desires are not just minor temptations but are pictured as active enemies that can damage a person's deepest self.
  • This verse connects to the wider theme of 1 Peter, where believers are encouraged to live honorably among those who may not share their faith, showing that resisting certain desires is part of a bigger witness to others.

Where else these words appear

“pilgrims” Greek G3927 · used in 3 verses

  • Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
  • 1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

“strangers” Greek G3941 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 7:6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
  • Acts 7:29 Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.
  • Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

“from” Greek G567 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 15:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
  • Acts 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

“war” Greek G4754 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
  • 2 Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.