1 Peter 3 22

1 Peter 3:22 kjv

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

1 Peter 3:22 nkjv

who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

1 Peter 3:22 niv

who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand?with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

1 Peter 3:22 esv

who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

1 Peter 3:22 nlt

Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.

1 Peter 3 verses

1 Peter 3 22 Meaning

This verse declares the exalted state of Jesus Christ following His resurrection. It asserts that He has physically ascended into heaven, taking His rightful place of ultimate authority, power, and honor at the right hand of God. Furthermore, it specifies that all angelic beings, whether good or those identified as spiritual forces (often associated with potentially rebellious or principalities), have been definitively subjected to His sovereign rule, confirming His supreme dominion over all creation, visible and invisible.

1 Peter 3 22 Context

This verse serves as the triumphant climax to a crucial section in Peter's letter, building on the profound theological points laid out in 1 Pet 3:18-21. Having established Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection as the basis for His work (v. 18), Peter then touches upon His preaching to the spirits in prison and the typological significance of Noah's ark and baptism (vv. 19-21). Verse 22 consolidates these points by emphasizing Christ's ultimate victory and sovereign exaltation after His earthly ordeal. It is a powerful affirmation that the same Christ who suffered unjustly now reigns supremely. This reality offers immense comfort, assurance, and a pattern of hope for suffering believers, indicating that enduring trials for righteousness will ultimately lead to glory, just as it did for Christ.

1 Peter 3 22 Word analysis

• who (ὅς - hos): Refers directly back to "Jesus Christ" mentioned in verse 18, emphasizing Him as the singular subject of this exaltation. It reinforces that the crucified Christ is the exalted Christ.
• has gone into heaven (ἀνελθόντος εἰς οὐρανόν - anēlthontos eis ouranon): This signifies Christ's physical and glorious ascension. The perfect participle highlights a completed action with lasting results, marking the end of His earthly post-resurrection appearances and the commencement of His celestial reign. This event confirms His divine nature and ultimate victory over death.
• and is (καὶ ἔστιν - kai estin): A clear declaration of Christ's present, ongoing status. It underscores that His session at the right hand of God is not temporary but a permanent, continuous reality.
• at the right hand of God (ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ θεοῦ - en dexia tou theou): This is a powerful metaphorical expression signifying the highest place of honor, authority, and power. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the "right hand" denoted the chief place. For Christ, it signifies His shared authority with God the Father, His supreme rule, and His current intercessory role as our High Priest. It fulfills numerous Old Testament prophecies (e.g., Ps 110:1).
• with angels (ἀγγέλων - aggelōn): Celestial beings created by God, often serving as His messengers or ministering spirits. Their presence signifies a hierarchical structure in heaven.
• authorities (ἐξουσιῶν - exousiōn): Refers to spiritual powers or ranks, both good and potentially evil (e.g., Rom 8:38, Eph 1:21, 6:12, Col 1:16, 2:15). In the context of Christ's supreme authority, this term often points to forces that once held sway but are now under Christ's absolute control.
• and powers (καὶ δυνάμεων - kai dynameōn): Another term for spiritual forces, often associated with might or inherent strength (e.g., Eph 1:21, 6:12). Alongside "angels" and "authorities," this forms a comprehensive grouping that encapsulates all spiritual entities and hierarchies. This triad emphasizes the vast scope of Christ's dominion.
• having been subjected to Him (ὑποταγέντων αὐτῷ - hypotagentōn autō): This verb is a perfect passive participle, indicating a past completed action with lasting effects, implying an absolute and definitive subjection. It means these beings are placed under His command, subordinate to His will, and have no independent authority. This is a profound statement of Christ's comprehensive victory over every conceivable spiritual force, whether divine or demonic, bringing comfort to believers facing spiritual oppression.

• "who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God": This phrase encapsulates Christ's dual actions: His visible Ascension and His glorious Session. The Ascension (physical upward movement) signifies His triumph over earth and entrance into the divine realm. The Session (sitting at God's right hand) signifies His enthronement, assumption of universal sovereignty, and ongoing function as ruler and intercessor. These are foundational doctrines for understanding Christ's current cosmic reign.
• "with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to Him": This part highlights the immediate and direct result of Christ's exaltation: His supreme headship over all spiritual hierarchies. The inclusion of these terms serves to stress the absolute and unquestionable nature of His rule. There is no force, seen or unseen, good or evil, that operates outside of His ultimate dominion. This provides immense assurance that Christ has already triumphed over any cosmic opposition.

1 Peter 3 22 Bonus section

This verse can be seen as an encapsulation of Christology that strongly affirms Christ's absolute cosmic authority after His suffering. It underscores that His authority is not merely spiritual or theoretical but practical and universally binding over every level of created being, especially unseen, powerful spiritual entities. The "subjection" is complete and final, meaning these entities are now rendered powerless to oppose His ultimate will for His kingdom and His people. This perspective directly counters any Gnostic or pagan beliefs that might elevate other spiritual intermediaries or diminish Christ's singular lordship. It emphasizes Christ as the sole mediating force between God and humanity and the supreme ruler over the spiritual cosmos.

1 Peter 3 22 Commentary

First Peter 3:22 beautifully encapsulates the trajectory of Christ's journey from suffering to ultimate glory and cosmic sovereignty. It establishes that the same Jesus who endured crucifixion and rose from the dead has now ascended into the very presence of God, where He exercises supreme authority. His position "at the right hand of God" is not merely honorary; it denotes an active, kingly rule and intercessory ministry over all things. The specific mention of "angels, authorities, and powers" underscores the comprehensiveness of His dominion, asserting that all spiritual hierarchies, benevolent or malevolent, are irrevocably subject to Him. This provides foundational reassurance to believers enduring hardship: their Lord is not defeated, but enthroned, victorious over all, validating their faith and empowering their steadfastness in a hostile world. For instance, in times of persecution or spiritual attack, this verse reminds believers that Christ has ultimate control over their circumstances and the unseen forces at play.