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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Of {G4012} which {G3739} salvation {G4991} the prophets {G4396} have enquired {G1567} and {G2532} searched diligently {G1830}, who {G3588} prophesied {G4395} of {G4012} the grace {G5485} that should come unto {G1519} you {G5209}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The prophets, who prophesied about this gift of deliverance that was meant for you, pondered and inquired diligently about it.

Berean Standard Bible

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully,

American Standard Version

Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Peter 1:10 serves as a profound testament to the continuity and divine orchestration of God's redemptive plan, revealing that the salvation now fully realized in Christ was not an afterthought but the very object of diligent inquiry and prophetic utterance by Old Testament figures. This verse bridges the Old Covenant anticipation with the New Covenant fulfillment, highlighting the immense privilege of believers who live in the era of grace, a grace so significant that ancient prophets eagerly sought to understand its future manifestation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Peter's opening salutation and doxology, where he extols the "living hope" of believers, grounded in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and their inheritance, which is "kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "Living Hope and Heavenly Inheritance")). Peter has just spoken of the "salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" ([1 Peter 1:5](/1_peter/1-5 "Salvation Revealed")), and the trials that refine faith for this ultimate salvation ([1 Peter 1:6-9](/1_peter/1-6-9 "Faith Refined by Trials")). Verse 10 then transitions to explain the historical depth of this salvation, emphasizing that it was the subject of intense prophetic interest, thereby underscoring its profound significance and divine origin. It sets the stage for Peter's subsequent exhortation to holy living, rooted in this glorious salvation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Old Testament prophets operated within a covenantal framework, serving as God's spokespersons to Israel, often in times of national crisis, idolatry, or exile. Their prophecies frequently contained both immediate warnings/exhortations and long-range messianic or eschatological promises. The concept of a future "grace" or salvation would have been understood within the broader context of God's covenant faithfulness, particularly the promise of a coming deliverer or a new covenant. They would have drawn upon the Law and earlier prophetic traditions, interpreting them through the lens of their own divine revelations. The diligent searching described by Peter reflects the common practice of prophets wrestling with the meaning and timing of God's word, as seen, for example, in Daniel's study of Jeremiah's prophecies ([Daniel 9:2](/daniel/9-2 "Daniel's Study of Jeremiah")). Their understanding was often partial, awaiting future revelation.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Peter 1:10](/1_peter/1-10 "Prophetic Inquiry into Salvation") contributes significantly to several key themes in 1 Peter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Continuity of God's Redemptive Plan**, demonstrating that the salvation experienced by New Testament believers is the culmination of a long-unfolding divine purpose, not a spontaneous event. This connects the Old Testament promises with their New Testament fulfillment. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Diligence and Humility of the Prophets**, portraying them not merely as passive conduits but as active, earnest seekers of divine truth, even concerning revelations they did not fully comprehend or personally experience. This underscores the profound mystery and value of the salvation they foretold. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Grace and Fulfillment**, pointing to the "grace that should come unto you," which refers to the era of the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ, where salvation is freely offered through faith. This grace was the object of ancient anticipation, now fully revealed in the present age, contrasting with the Law-centric focus of earlier times, as seen in passages like [Romans 3:21-24](/romans/3-21-24 "Righteousness Through Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **enquired (Greek, _ekzētéō'_):** Derived from `ek` (out) and `zētéō` (to seek), this verb means "to search out," "to investigate," or "to seek diligently." It implies a thorough and earnest intellectual pursuit, a deep desire to understand. The prophets were not merely receiving passive revelations but actively engaging with the divine mysteries they were given, striving to grasp their full implications.
* **searched diligently (Greek, _exereunáō'_):** This word intensifies `ekzētéō`, adding the prefix `ex` (out of, thoroughly). It means "to explore," "to search out carefully," or "to investigate thoroughly," often carrying the connotation of digging or mining for something precious. The combination of `ekzētéō` and `exereunáō` creates a powerful rhetorical emphasis on the exhaustive and painstaking effort the prophets expended in their pursuit of understanding God's future redemptive plan.
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** This term refers to "graciousness," "favor," or "divine influence upon the heart." In this context, it specifically denotes the unmerited favor of God manifested in the New Covenant, particularly the salvation brought through Jesus Christ. It is the spiritual reality that the prophets foresaw, characterized by God's free gift of redemption, contrasting with the conditional blessings of the Old Covenant law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of which salvation":** This phrase connects directly to the "salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" mentioned in [1 Peter 1:5](/1_peter/1-5 "Salvation to be Revealed"). It specifies the subject of the prophets' intense interest: the ultimate deliverance and redemption that God would bring about.
* **"the prophets have enquired and searched diligently":** This highlights the active and earnest intellectual and spiritual labor of the Old Testament prophets. They were not just passive recipients of revelation but actively sought to understand the meaning, timing, and nature of the divine messages they received concerning this future salvation. The dual verbs emphasize the depth and persistence of their investigation.
* **"who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you":** This identifies the prophets as those who spoke under divine inspiration about a future reality. The "grace" refers to the New Covenant era, characterized by God's unmerited favor and the full revelation of salvation in Christ. The phrase "unto you" directly addresses the first-century Christian readers, emphasizing that they are living in the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies, experiencing the very grace that the prophets only foresaw.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs **Emphasis through Repetition and Intensification** by using two closely related verbs, `ekzētéō` (enquired) and `exereunáō` (searched diligently), to describe the prophets' actions. This **hendiadys** (the expression of a single idea by two words connected with "and" instead of by a noun and a qualifying adjective) underscores the extraordinary depth and thoroughness of their investigation. The phrase also utilizes **Anticipation**, as the prophets are depicted as looking forward to a future "grace," creating a sense of historical progression and divine purpose. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** or **Paradox** in that those who prophesied of this great salvation did not fully experience its benefits or comprehend its full scope, a privilege reserved for the New Testament believers to whom Peter is writing. This highlights the unique position and immense blessing of the Christian audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Peter 1:10](/1_peter/1-10 "Prophetic Inquiry into Salvation") profoundly articulates the unity of God's redemptive plan across the Old and New Covenants. It establishes that the salvation now enjoyed by believers is not a new, disconnected concept but the long-anticipated culmination of God's promises, foretold with diligent effort by the ancient prophets. This demonstrates God's unchanging faithfulness and the coherence of His sovereign will throughout history. The "grace that should come unto you" points to the New Covenant, where salvation is freely given through faith in Christ, a reality that surpasses the understanding of even those who prophesied it. This highlights the immense privilege of living in the era of fulfillment, where the mysteries of old are now revealed.

* [Daniel 12:8](/daniel/12-8 "Daniel 12:8 - Daniel's Inquiry")
* [Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Fulfills the Scriptures")
* [Ephesians 3:5](/ephesians/3-5 "Ephesians 3:5 - The Mystery Revealed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse calls us to a profound appreciation for the salvation we have in Christ. If the prophets of old, who stood in direct communion with God and were entrusted with divine revelations, still "enquired and searched diligently" into the nature of this coming grace, how much more should we, who live in its full realization, cherish and understand it? Our salvation is not a trivial matter but the very pinnacle of God's redemptive work, the object of centuries of divine anticipation and human longing. This understanding should cultivate deep gratitude, inspiring us to live lives worthy of such a great salvation. It also encourages us to diligently study God's Word, recognizing the interconnectedness of its truths and seeking to grasp the breadth and depth of His unfolding plan. Our faith is not built on recent fads but on an eternal, meticulously planned, and faithfully executed divine purpose, offering immense stability and assurance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does knowing that Old Testament prophets diligently searched for this salvation deepen your appreciation for your own salvation in Christ?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge you to be more diligent in your own study and understanding of God's Word?**
* **What practical implications does living in the "era of grace" (the fulfillment of prophecy) have for your daily life and witness?**

### FAQ
**Why did the prophets "enquire and search diligently" if God was revealing things to them?**

Answer: The prophets, though inspired by God, often received revelations in fragmented or symbolic forms, or concerning events far in the future, the full meaning and timing of which were not immediately clear to them. Passages like [Daniel 12:8-9](/daniel/12-8-9 "Daniel 12:8-9 - Daniel's Lack of Understanding") illustrate that prophets sometimes sought clarification on their own visions, and were told that certain things were "sealed up till the time of the end." Their diligent inquiry was not a sign of disbelief, but rather of a profound desire to understand God's mysteries more fully, recognizing the immense significance of the messages they were delivering, especially concerning the coming "grace" and salvation. It demonstrates their humility and earnest pursuit of divine truth, even when complete understanding was reserved for a later time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Peter 1:10](/1_peter/1-10 "Prophetic Inquiry into Salvation") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the "grace that should come unto you." The salvation that the prophets so diligently enquired about and prophesied was none other than the redemption accomplished through Christ's atoning death and resurrection. He is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the one of whom Moses and the Prophets wrote ([John 1:45](/john/1-45 "John 1:45 - Philip Finds Nathanael")). Jesus Himself affirmed that all the Scriptures, including the Law and the Prophets, spoke of Him ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Fulfills the Scriptures")). The "grace" now experienced by believers is the New Covenant established in His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")), a reality far surpassing the types and shadows of the Old Testament. Thus, what was a future mystery for the prophets is a present, living reality for believers, fully revealed and made accessible through Christ, the culmination of all prophecy and the source of all salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 13:17

For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous [men] have desired to see [those things] which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear [those things] which ye hear, and have not heard [them].

Luke 10:24

For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard [them].

Luke 24:25

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

Luke 24:27

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Daniel 2:44

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Acts 7:52

Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

John 5:39

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.