Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

1 PETER 2:24KJV
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1 Peter 2:24 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 2:24 mean?

1 Peter 2:24 says that Jesus personally carried the burden of our sins in his own body when he was put to death on the cross, so that we could leave behind our old sinful ways and live in a way that is right before God. The verse also says that by the wounds Jesus suffered, we have been healed.

Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers, is writing to Christians who are facing hardship and reminding them of what Jesus did for them. He points to Jesus’ suffering and death as the reason believers can now live differently, emphasizing both forgiveness and a new way of life. The mention of healing by Jesus’ wounds connects to the idea that his suffering brings spiritual restoration to those who trust in him.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 2:24

  • The word for “bare” is ἀνήνεγκεν (anēnenken), which means to carry up or bear. In this context, it paints the picture of Jesus taking on the weight of sins personally, not just in a symbolic way but as a real act.
  • The word for “tree” is ξύλον (xylon), which often means wood or tree, and here refers to the cross. This word choice links back to Old Testament imagery where being hung on a tree was seen as a sign of being cursed, highlighting the shame and seriousness of Jesus’ death.
  • The word for “stripes” is μώλωψ (mōlōps), meaning wounds or bruises from being beaten. This word draws attention to the physical suffering Jesus endured, which Peter connects to the healing believers receive.

Why 1 Peter 2:24 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus’ death was not just an example but a purposeful act to deal with sin, showing that forgiveness and new life are possible because of what he did.
  • Peter’s wording connects Jesus’ suffering to Old Testament prophecies, especially from Isaiah, helping readers see continuity between the Hebrew Scriptures and Jesus’ life.
  • The verse shifts the focus from just being forgiven to actually living differently (“live unto righteousness”), showing that faith in Jesus leads to a changed life, not just a clean slate.

Where else these words appear

“bare” Greek G399 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
  • Luke 24:51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
  • Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

“tree” Greek G3586 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 26:47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
  • Luke 23:31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?
  • 1 Corinthians 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

“healed” Greek G2390 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
  • Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
  • John 5:13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.

“righteousness” Greek G1343 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
  • Ephesians 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)