1 Peter 1:17 kjv

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

1 Peter 1:17 nkjv

And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;

1 Peter 1:17 niv

Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.

1 Peter 1:17 esv

And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,

1 Peter 1:17 nlt

And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as "temporary residents."

1 Peter 1 verses

1 Peter 1 17 Meaning

This verse commands believers to conduct their lives in reverent fear during their earthly sojourn, recognizing God as their Father, who, nonetheless, impartially judges every person according to their deeds. It bridges the intimacy of the Father-child relationship with the awesome justice of the divine Judge, calling for holy living in light of inevitable accountability.

1 Peter 1 17 Context

First Peter chapter 1 is foundational, moving from the assurance of salvation (vv. 3-12) to the imperative of holy living (vv. 13-25). The immediate context (vv. 13-16) calls believers to "be holy, for I am holy," by setting their hope fully on Christ, being obedient, and not conforming to past sinful desires. Verse 17 reinforces this call to holiness by providing the motivation: God's dual identity as Father and impartial Judge. The audience consists of exiled Christians, facing social pressure and potential persecution in Asia Minor, where pagan polytheism and imperial cults were prevalent. They are addressed as "sojourners" (1 Pet 1:1), emphasizing their temporary status on Earth and heavenly citizenship, which underscores the need for conduct reflecting their true home. In a world where justice was often biased by status or bribes, the impartiality of God was a radical truth that called for consistent ethical behavior rather than outward religious performances or appeals to privilege.

1 Peter 1 17 Word analysis

• If (ei): In Greek, ei often introduces a condition assumed to be true, making it closer to "Since you call on..." or "Because you call on..." It acknowledges the established Christian practice of invoking God as Father, setting the premise for the subsequent command.
• you call on (epikaloúmenoi): From the verb epikaleō, meaning "to call upon, appeal to, invoke." It signifies acknowledging God's authority, seeking His aid, and living in relationship with Him. This implies a conscious and ongoing practice of prayer and reliance on Him.
• him as Father (Patéra): Reveals the unique intimacy of the Christian relationship with God. Believers have been adopted into God's family (Rom 8:15). This title conveys love, provision, and guidance, but within this verse, it is immediately balanced by His role as Judge.
• who judges (ton krínonta): krinō means "to judge, decide, determine." The present participle "judges" emphasizes God's ongoing activity of evaluating human conduct. He is not a distant, passive deity, but an active, vigilant Judge.
• impartially (aprosōpolēmptōs): This significant adverb means "without respect of persons," "without showing favoritism," or "without regarding appearance." It contrasts sharply with human legal systems often swayed by wealth, power, or social status (Deut 10:17; Rom 2:11; Acts 10:34). God judges purely on moral and ethical conduct, reflecting His perfect righteousness and justice. It also polemically asserts God's moral superiority over pagan deities who were often portrayed as susceptible to human whims or sacrifices, not consistent moral demands.
• each one's deeds (hekastou érgon): Ergon refers to actions, works, conduct. The judgment is not based on lineage, outward religious observance, or self-proclaimed piety, but on observable behavior and moral choices. "Each one's" emphasizes individual accountability. This stands against any notion that one's status as "elect" or "chosen" exempts them from moral scrutiny; rather, it makes moral accountability even more paramount.
• pass the time of your sojourning (ton chronon tēs paroikías humōn anastréphō / anastrophḗn):
  • anastréphō / anastrophḗn: This verb (or related noun in some manuscripts) signifies "to conduct oneself," "to behave," or "your manner of life." It is about how one lives daily. The command implies continuous, conscious ethical behavior.
  • time (chrónon): Refers to a definite, limited period, stressing the temporal nature of their earthly lives.
  • of your sojourning (tēs paroikías humōn): Paroikía means "sojourn, temporary residence," describing the state of being a "resident alien" or "stranger." This reminds believers they are pilgrims, citizens of another kingdom (Phil 3:20). Their stay on Earth is not permanent, urging them to prioritize heavenly values and conduct over earthly ones.
• in fear (en phóbō): Not a terror or crippling anxiety, but a reverential awe, profound respect, and healthy apprehension of God's holiness, justice, and power. This fear motivates obedience, encourages careful living, and prompts humility. It recognizes God's absolute sovereignty and the seriousness of sin in light of His judgment. This "fear of the Lord" is foundational to biblical wisdom (Prov 9:10).

1 Peter 1 17 Bonus section

The concept of "impartiality" (ἀπροσωπολήμπτως - aprosōpolēmptōs) serves as a potent polemic against several cultural and religious assumptions prevalent in the ancient world. Firstly, it directly counters the reality of judicial corruption in the Greco-Roman world, where verdicts could be bought, and social status often dictated outcomes. By declaring God "impartial," Peter assures believers that true justice exists and is found in the divine court, giving them hope despite earthly injustices. Secondly, it implicitly corrects any mistaken belief—perhaps present among some Jewish converts or Gentile proselytes—that mere lineage (being a "child of Abraham") or outward ritual adherence could secure favor and exempt them from personal accountability for their deeds. God’s standard is ethical action, not ethnic or ceremonial privilege. Finally, it contrasts sharply with many pagan deities who were believed to be temperamental, arbitrary, or appeasable through mere sacrifice without moral transformation. The God of the Bible judges justly, consistently, and without favoritism, demanding internal righteousness demonstrated through outward conduct. This holistic call for genuine holiness based on who God is sets the Christian ethic apart.

1 Peter 1 17 Commentary

First Peter 1:17 synthesizes theological truth with ethical imperative. The intimate privilege of calling God "Father" does not nullify His majestic role as an impartial Judge. This tension serves as a powerful impetus for holy living. Peter reminds his readers, who are geographically dispersed and facing challenges, that their current existence is a temporary "sojourning" or pilgrimage. This transient status reinforces the urgency of their conduct; their actions in this temporary dwelling have eternal implications. The judgment, delivered by an absolutely impartial God based on "each one's deeds," eradicates any possibility of favoritism, pretense, or reliance on outward status. Therefore, the Christian life is to be lived with "fear"—not terror of an arbitrary deity, but profound reverence for a just and holy God who holds His children accountable. This "godly fear" promotes watchful obedience, leading to a consistent pattern of conduct that honors Him, knowing that the quality of one's life now matters eternally. Living in this manner means prioritizing spiritual values and aligning daily actions with divine will, understanding that genuine faith is expressed through tangible righteousness.