1 Peter 1 24

1 Peter 1:24 kjv

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

1 Peter 1:24 nkjv

because "All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away,

1 Peter 1:24 niv

For, "All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,

1 Peter 1:24 esv

for "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls,

1 Peter 1:24 nlt

As the Scriptures say, "People are like grass;
their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.

1 Peter 1 verses

1 Peter 1 24 Meaning

This verse declares the ephemeral and perishable nature of human life and all human accomplishments, comparing them to grass and its flower, which quickly wither and fall away. It underscores the fragility and transience of everything associated with humanity's earthly existence and self-congratulatory pride, serving as a powerful contrast to the enduring and eternal Word of God mentioned in the following verse.

1 Peter 1 24 Context

First Peter chapter 1 speaks of the new birth, an imperishable inheritance, and the salvation available to believers through faith, even amidst suffering. It introduces the profound spiritual transformation believers undergo and the secure hope they have. This verse (1:24), along with the subsequent one (1:25), functions as a theological anchor. It provides a foundational understanding of human fragility and mortality (echoing Isaiah 40:6-8), setting a stark contrast against the steadfast, enduring, and eternally reliable Word of God through which believers are spiritually regenerated (1:23) and on which their imperishable hope rests. Historically, Peter's audience was undergoing various trials, and this message would reassure them that their temporary earthly sufferings, like their transient lives, are incomparable to the enduring truth and promise of God's Word.

1 Peter 1 24 Word analysis

• For (διότι - dioti): A conjunction meaning "because," "for," or "since." It introduces the reason or explanation for what was just stated (in this case, the source of their new birth, the imperishable Word, 1 Pet 1:23). It underscores that the Word's enduring nature is contrasted with human transience.
• all (πᾶσα - pasa): Meaning "every," "all," "the whole." Emphasizes universality. Not just some, but all aspects of human flesh and glory.
• flesh (σὰρξ - sarx): Refers to human beings in their earthly, physical existence, often highlighting mortality and frailty. In this context, it denotes humanity in general, encompassing its entire transient being, separate from the spiritual.
• is as (ὡς - hōs): A comparative particle, "like," "as." Used to draw a direct analogy, showing similarity without identity.
• grass (χόρτος - chortos): Meaning "grass," "hay," or "fodder." A common biblical metaphor for something inherently temporary, easily cut down or withered, signifying brevity and impermanence of life.
• and (καὶ - kai): Simple conjunction, linking phrases.
• all the glory (πᾶσα δόξα - pasa doxa):
  • all (πᾶσα - pasa): Reiterates universality, emphasizing that every kind of human glory.
  • glory (δόξα - doxa): Denotes reputation, splendor, honor, beauty, achievements, wealth, power—anything that gives a human being pride, distinction, or perceived importance in this world.
• of man (ἀνθρώπου - anthrōpou): Possessive genitive, referring to humanity as a whole, its creations and perceived greatness.
• as the flower (ὡς ἄνθος - hōs anthos):
  • as (ὡς - hōs): Another comparison, showing striking resemblance.
  • flower (ἄνθος - anthos): The most beautiful but also the most fragile and short-lived part of the grass. This strengthens the image of extreme transience and fleeting beauty.
• of grass (χόρτου - chortou): Reinforces the origin of the flower; its ephemeral nature comes from the short-lived plant.
• The grass (ὁ χόρτος - ho chortos): Referring to the subject of the earlier comparison.
• withers (ἐξηράνθη - exēranthē): From ξηραίνω (xērainō), meaning "to dry up," "wither." In the aorist passive tense, emphasizing a completed, decisive action, an inevitable reality. It has withered or is destined to wither.
• and (καὶ - kai): Links the two outcomes.
• the flower (τὸ ἄνθος - to anthos): The subject of the second comparison.
• falls away (ἐξέπεσεν - exepesen): From ἐκπίπτω (ekpiptō), meaning "to fall out," "fall off," "perish." Also in the aorist tense, highlighting the conclusive act of perishing or fading from existence.

Words-group analysis

• For all flesh is as grass: This phrase uses a universal statement ("all flesh") and a vivid natural metaphor ("as grass") to powerfully communicate the fleeting nature of human existence, highlighting its fundamental mortality and fragility. It counters any human pretensions of permanence or invincibility.
• and all the glory of man as the flower of grass: This expands the comparison to include human accomplishments, prestige, beauty, or any form of earthly eminence ("glory of man"). The additional comparison to "the flower of grass" signifies an even greater degree of transience, beauty that fades, or honor that quickly perishes. It warns against placing ultimate value in transient worldly attainments.
• The grass withers, and the flower thereof falls away: These concluding clauses confirm the inevitability of the first two comparisons. The process of decay and disappearance is not just a possibility but an assured eventuality, underscoring the universal and unavoidable fate of human life and its earthly pride.

1 Peter 1 24 Bonus section

This quote from Isaiah 40 was originally a prophetic message offering comfort to Israel during Babylonian exile, assuring them that despite their despair and the transience of their suffering, God's word and faithfulness would endure. Peter's appropriation of this text for Christian believers facing persecution similarly serves as a profound theological comfort. It establishes the spiritual landscape: a temporary, fading world, populated by temporary, fading humans, in contrast to the eternal, unfading nature of the God through whom they are "born again" (1 Pet 1:23) by His "living and abiding word." This passage therefore serves to humbly align human perspective with divine truth, redirecting reliance from perishable human efforts to the imperishable divine foundation.

1 Peter 1 24 Commentary

This verse, a direct quote from Isaiah 40:6-7, serves as a poignant reminder of human fragility and the temporary nature of all worldly achievements and status. "Flesh" represents all humanity in its physical, temporal existence, subject to decay and death. "Glory of man" refers to any perceived human greatness, be it beauty, power, wisdom, wealth, or honor—anything esteemed by the world. By likening these to "grass" and "the flower of grass," which quickly sprout, bloom, and then inevitably wither and fall away, Peter powerfully emphasizes the futility of investing ultimate hope or identity in such impermanent things. This prepares the ground for the stark contrast presented in the very next verse, 1 Peter 1:25, highlighting the absolute and eternal permanence of the Word of God as the sole foundation for an enduring and imperishable hope, especially for believers facing trials and a transient world.

• Example 1: A grand monument built to a king, over centuries, eventually succumbs to erosion, wars, or changing cultures, symbolizing the fading "glory of man."
• Example 2: The most beautiful face, celebrated for its youthful beauty, inevitably ages, underscoring that physical beauty, like the flower, eventually "falls away."