1 Peter 1:10 kjv

Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

1 Peter 1:10 nkjv

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,

1 Peter 1:10 niv

Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care,

1 Peter 1:10 esv

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully,

1 Peter 1:10 nlt

This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you.

1 Peter 1 verses

1 Peter 1 10 Meaning

First Peter 1:10 reveals that the ancient prophets of the Old Testament diligently sought to understand the future grace that would be brought to the New Covenant believers. This salvation, fully manifested in Christ, was the subject of their prophecies, yet its precise nature and timing remained partially veiled to them. They were inspired to speak of it by the Holy Spirit, but also personally desired to comprehend the full scope of God's plan, particularly regarding Christ's sufferings and subsequent glories.

1 Peter 1 10 Context

First Peter is addressed to suffering Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor, written by Peter as an apostle of Jesus Christ. The overall theme of the epistle is to encourage believers to persevere in faith and holiness amidst trials, emphasizing their living hope in Christ's resurrection (1:3-9). Verse 10 builds on the previous verses, particularly 1:9, which speaks of "the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." Peter transitions to elaborate on the profundity and historical anticipation of this salvation. By stating that Old Testament prophets longed to understand what New Testament believers now possess, Peter elevates the privilege of their salvation and implicitly provides a framework for understanding their current sufferings within God's larger redemptive plan. It contrasts the veiled understanding of past prophets with the revealed reality enjoyed by Christians, offering a robust encouragement for their present difficulties. This sets the stage for discussing the Holy Spirit's role (v. 11) and the apostles' proclamation (v. 12).

1 Peter 1 10 Word analysis

• Concerning (perí): Greek term meaning "about," "regarding," or "in relation to." It indicates the specific subject of the prophets' inquiry and search.
• this salvation (ταύτης τῆς σωτηρίας - tautēs tēs sōtērias): Refers to the full Christian salvation, which encompasses deliverance from sin, death, and God's wrath, through faith in Jesus Christ, culminating in eternal life and glory. This "salvation" is contrasted with typical earthly deliverances the prophets might have foreseen for Israel; it is uniquely Messianic and eschatological, "to be brought to you" in the present Christian era.
• prophets (προφῆται - prophētai): Refers to the Old Testament spokesmen for God, inspired to deliver His message to humanity. They were not merely predictors of the future but conveyors of divine revelation.
• inquired (ἐξεζήτησαν - exezētēsan): This aorist indicative verb (from ekzēteō) means "sought out thoroughly," "diligently inquired," implying a proactive and earnest desire to comprehend. It highlights their intellectual engagement with the divine revelation given to them.
• and searched (ἐξηραύνησαν - exēraunēsan): This aorist indicative verb (from exeraunaō) means "searched diligently," "investigated exhaustively," "examined closely." It amplifies the previous term, suggesting deep scrutiny, perhaps of their own prophecies, seeking coherence and fuller understanding.
• who prophesied (οἱ προφητεύσαντες - hoi prophēteusantes): Describes the specific group within the "prophets" who actively delivered prophetic messages concerning future grace. It underlines that their activity of prophesying was inextricably linked to their desire for understanding.
• of the grace (περὶ τῆς χάριτος - peri tēs charitos): "Grace" here refers to God's unmerited favor and divine enablement, specifically the New Covenant outpouring of blessing in Christ Jesus. It encompasses the entirety of the saving work and its benefits. It's the core essence of the salvation they were probing.
• that was to be brought to you (εἰς ὑμᾶς - eis hymas): Points directly to the audience of Peter's letter—New Testament believers. It emphasizes the fulfillment of this grace in the Christian era and their unique privilege to experience it. This highlights the progressive nature of God's revelation across redemptive history.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Concerning this salvation, the prophets inquired and searched": This phrase emphasizes the active, conscious effort of the Old Testament prophets. They weren't merely passive conduits of divine information. They diligently sought to understand the implications, timing, and nature of the ultimate salvation God revealed through them. This counters any notion of them being unthinking robots; rather, they were intellectually and spiritually engaged with the messages they received. Their inquiry reflects their profound piety and eagerness to grasp God's overarching plan for humanity.
• "who prophesied of the grace that was to be brought to you": This section highlights the content of their prophecies – specifically, God's undeserved favor (grace) that would manifest fully for the New Covenant community. It signifies a distinction between their own dispensation (Old Covenant) and the future (New Covenant), marking a progression in God's redemptive dealings. The "grace" here is not just an abstract concept, but the concrete manifestation of God's saving power in Christ, encompassing both His sufferings and His glories (as highlighted in verse 11), ultimately brought directly "to you," the recipients of Peter's letter. This highlights the unparalleled privilege of the New Covenant believer, living in the age of fulfillment.

1 Peter 1 10 Bonus section

The profound reality of the prophets "inquiring and searching" serves as a counter-polemic against any notion that Old Testament revelation was static or fully understood by its initial recipients. It showcases a dynamic process where divine inspiration spurred human curiosity and spiritual seeking. Furthermore, this verse sets up the grand theme of progressive revelation—that while the Spirit gave the word, the full interpretive light shone only when Christ, the Living Word, arrived. The angels themselves, as Peter later states (v. 12), long to look into these things, underscoring the deep significance of this salvation. This implies a unity of the redemptive plan from Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment, centered entirely on Christ. The privilege extended to the New Covenant church to possess this salvation, once a subject of diligent prophetic search, forms a cornerstone for their steadfastness in tribulation.

1 Peter 1 10 Commentary

First Peter 1:10 beautifully illustrates the long-anticipated nature of Christian salvation, demonstrating God's consistent plan unfolding through history. The Old Testament prophets, inspired by the Holy Spirit, spoke of a future salvation marked by unparalleled grace, specifically intended for those living in the Messianic age. While they were instruments of divine revelation, they often grappled with the specifics of their own messages, desiring a fuller understanding of Christ's sufferings and subsequent glorification (as clarified in v.11). Their diligent inquiry underscores their profound spiritual engagement and highlights the progressive nature of God's self-disclosure. They saw glimpses of a majestic, future reality through a glass dimly, yearning for the clarity that New Covenant believers now enjoy. This perspective not only magnifies the salvation received by believers but also encourages them to appreciate their profound privilege and the weight of their spiritual heritage, which prophets of old diligently sought to comprehend.