1 Peter 1:7 kjv

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

1 Peter 1:7 nkjv

that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

1 Peter 1:7 niv

These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith?of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire?may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 1:7 esv

so that the tested genuineness of your faith ? more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire ? may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:7 nlt

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold ? though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

1 Peter 1 verses

1 Peter 1 7 Meaning

First Peter 1:7 teaches that the present trials and sufferings of believers serve a crucial purpose: to refine and reveal the genuine quality of their faith. This faith, having been proven true through adversity, holds far greater and eternal value than perishable earthly gold refined by fire. The ultimate outcome and validation of this tested faith will be realized at the glorious return of Jesus Christ, when believers will receive divine praise, honor, and glory for their enduring faithfulness.

1 Peter 1 7 Context

This verse is situated within the opening exhortation of 1 Peter, where the apostle Peter addresses "elect exiles of the Dispersion" (1 Pet 1:1), primarily Gentile believers across Asia Minor, who are experiencing various forms of suffering and social alienation for their faith. Chapters 1:3-12 celebrate their new birth, living hope, and the magnificent salvation they have inherited through Christ's resurrection. Verse 6 notes that despite their joy, they are currently grieved by "various trials" for a little while. Verse 7 then explains the purpose of these trials: they are not arbitrary, but have a divine intention – to prove the authenticity of their faith, leading to ultimate glory. It contrasts their temporary suffering with an eternal reward at Christ's eschatological revelation. This provides profound encouragement, affirming that their suffering is meaningful and purposeful within God's sovereign plan.

1 Peter 1 7 Word analysis

• that the genuineness (δοκίμιον, dokimion): Refers to the proven quality or tested authenticity of something. It implies an examination process where an object or person is subjected to a test to verify its true nature or worth. Here, it is the faith itself that is being examined and shown to be genuine.
• of your faith (ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως, hymōn tēs pisteōs): Signifies the active trust, belief, and loyalty believers have towards God and Jesus Christ. This is not mere intellectual assent, but a committed allegiance demonstrated in their lives, especially under duress.
• being much more precious (πολυτιμότερον, polytimoteron): A strong comparative, emphasizing superlative value. It highlights that tested faith is intrinsically far more valuable and enduring than even the most esteemed earthly commodity.
• than gold (χρυσίου, chrysiou): Gold was universally recognized as the epitome of wealth, permanence (in human terms), and purity. It serves as a baseline for comparison.
• that perishes (τοῦ ἀπολλυμένου, tou apolluomenou): Underscores the transient and corruptible nature of all earthly possessions, including gold. Though refined, gold can be stolen, lost, or its value diminish over time; it cannot enter eternity. This highlights a critical contrast: what seems lasting in this world is ultimately fleeting compared to spiritual realities.
• though tested by fire (διὰ πυρὸς δὲ δοκιμαζομένου, dia pyros de dokimazomenou): Fire is a classic biblical metaphor for severe trials, judgment, and purification. Just as a refiner's fire burns away impurities to reveal pure gold, so too do believers' sufferings refine their faith, exposing its authenticity and removing anything superficial. The δοκιμαζομένου reinforces the idea of being proven genuine through testing.
• may be found (εὑρεθῇ, heurethē): A passive verb indicating that this finding is not by human effort alone, but is a divine determination or validation, particularly at the final reckoning.
• to praise (ἔπαινον, epainon): Commendation or approval, especially from God. This is a divine affirmation of faithfulness.
• honor (τιμὴν, timēn): Acknowledgment of worth and distinction. This refers to the respect and dignity bestowed upon faithful believers by God.
• and glory (καὶ δόξαν, kai doxan): Divine splendor, magnificence, and renown. Believers, having been transformed through trials, will share in the divine glory and reflect God's splendor.
• at the revelation (ἀποκαλύψει, apokalypsei): The "unveiling" or "appearing" of Jesus Christ. This refers specifically to Christ's Second Coming (the parousia), when His divine nature and power will be fully manifested to the world, and believers will be fully vindicated and rewarded.
• of Jesus Christ (Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, Iēsou Christou): Emphasizes the Christ-centric nature of this future event. All vindication, praise, honor, and glory come through and are connected to Christ.

1 Peter 1 7 Bonus section

The phrase "praise, honor, and glory" highlights the multiple facets of God's reward for tested faith. "Praise" often denotes commendation or verbal affirmation. "Honor" refers to recognition of value and respect. "Glory" indicates a state of high renown, splendor, and conformity to God's character. Importantly, while these are "found" for the believer, the ultimate destination of this praise, honor, and glory is implicitly God Himself, mediated through the redeemed lives of His faithful people. Their refined character and demonstrated faith redound to the glory of the one who sanctifies them, bringing ultimate renown to Jesus Christ at His revelation (cf. 1 Pet 4:11; Php 2:9-11). This eschatological emphasis provides hope and motivation for believers to persevere in trials, knowing their temporary suffering contributes to an eternal and divinely celebrated reality.

1 Peter 1 7 Commentary

1 Peter 1:7 serves as a profound explanation for the purpose of trials in the Christian life. It addresses the natural human question: "Why do we suffer?" Peter's answer is that suffering is not meaningless, but a divinely ordained process of authentication. The temporary "grief" of diverse trials (v.6) acts as a refining fire, akin to how gold is purified. The goal is not merely to cause pain, but to bring forth the genuineness of saving faith – to reveal it as real, deep, and lasting, not superficial or situational. This tested faith holds immeasurable value, transcending even gold, precisely because gold perishes, while true faith endures to eternity. The ultimate culmination of this refining process is set at the eschatological return of Jesus Christ. At His glorious revelation, faithful endurance will be acknowledged, and believers will receive praise, honor, and glory, reflecting God's own character and magnifying Christ's victory. Thus, trials are not merely to be endured but understood as tools for spiritual formation, leading to a glorious outcome that brings credit both to the believer's perseverance and ultimately to Christ Himself. For example, a persecuted early Christian watching their home be seized knew that their real treasure, their enduring faith, was safe and sealed for Christ's return, when all sacrifices would be publicly honored. Similarly, a believer today facing chronic illness finds meaning in their suffering by seeing it as a crucible that refines their trust in God, preparing them for an eternal inheritance far surpassing any earthly comfort.