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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if {G1487} ye call on {G1941} the Father {G3962}, who {G3588} without respect of persons {G678} judgeth {G2919} according to {G2596} every man's {G1538} work {G2041}, pass {G390} the time {G5550} of your {G5216} sojourning {G3940} here in {G1722} fear {G5401}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Also, if you are addressing as Father the one who judges impartially according to each person’s actions, you should live out your temporary stay on earth in fear.

Berean Standard Bible

Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.

American Standard Version

And if ye call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to each man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning in fear:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 1:17 profoundly calls believers to live with a deep sense of reverent awe and accountability before God, recognizing His absolute impartiality as a Judge. This verse serves as a critical reminder for those who have embraced faith to conduct their lives in a manner consistent with their divine calling, understanding that their temporary earthly existence is a pilgrimage to be lived in light of God's just assessment of their actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as a pivotal point in Peter's opening exhortation to holy living. Having just declared God's call for His people to "be holy, for I am holy" ([1 Peter 1:16](/1_peter/1-16 "1 Peter 1:16 - God's Call to Holiness")), Peter grounds this imperative in the very character of God as both Father and impartial Judge. The preceding verses establish the believer's new birth into a living hope through Christ's resurrection ([1 Peter 1:3](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - Living Hope Through Resurrection")), their inheritance kept in heaven ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Heavenly Inheritance")), and their salvation being revealed in the last time ([1 Peter 1:5](/1_peter/1-5 "1 Peter 1:5 - Salvation in the Last Time")). The call to fear in [1 Peter 1:17](/1_peter/1-17 "1 Peter 1:17 - Live in Fear of God's Impartial Judgment") is thus not a call to fear for salvation, but a call to a holy reverence in light of the secure salvation and the divine standard to which believers are held. It transitions from the theological foundation of salvation to the practical implications for daily conduct.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter addresses Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor ([1 Peter 1:1](/1_peter/1-1 "1 Peter 1:1 - Recipients of Peter's Letter")), a diverse region under Roman rule. These believers were often marginalized, misunderstood, and facing various forms of social pressure and persecution. In this context, the concept of a "sojourning" or "pilgrimage" was deeply resonant. They were indeed "strangers" in a foreign land, both literally as displaced persons and figuratively as followers of Christ whose values often conflicted with the prevailing pagan culture. The Roman legal system, while structured, was susceptible to bribery and favoritism, making the declaration of God's "impartial" judgment particularly striking and comforting to those who might experience injustice from human authorities. The emphasis on "works" would also have resonated in a culture where one's actions, and not just one's beliefs, were seen as defining character.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Peter 1:17](/1_peter/1-17 "1 Peter 1:17 - Live in Fear of God's Impartial Judgment") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Peter. Firstly, **Divine Holiness and Justice** is paramount, reinforcing that God's character demands a holy response from His people, and that He judges justly, without favoritism, as seen in [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God's Impartiality") and [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God Shows No Partiality"). Secondly, the theme of **Pilgrimage and Alienation** is central, portraying believers as temporary residents on earth, whose true citizenship is heavenly ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")). This perspective shapes their priorities and conduct, encouraging them to live as "strangers and pilgrims" ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Believers as Strangers and Pilgrims")) in a world that is not their ultimate home. Finally, the concept of **Reverential Fear** is developed, distinguishing it from cowering dread and presenting it as a profound awe and respect for God's sovereignty and holiness, which leads to humble obedience and righteous living, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **if (Greek, _ei'_):** This particle introduces a conditional clause, but in this context, it functions more as an assumption of fact, meaning "since" or "seeing that." It underscores the reality that believers *do* call upon God as Father, and therefore, the subsequent command is a logical consequence of their relationship with Him. It's not a hypothetical "if you happen to call," but "since you call upon the Father."
* **without respect of persons (Greek, _aprosōpolēptōs'_):** This adverb highlights God's absolute impartiality. Derived from a compound word meaning "not taking a face" or "not accepting a person's appearance/status," it emphasizes that God's judgment is based purely on merit and truth, unswayed by external factors like wealth, social standing, ethnicity, or outward religious display. This contrasts sharply with human systems often prone to favoritism.
* **sojourning (Greek, _paroikía'_):** This noun denotes a "foreign residence" or "temporary dwelling." It powerfully conveys the idea that believers are not permanent inhabitants of this world but are rather temporary residents, pilgrims, or aliens. This term shapes the believer's perspective on their earthly life, emphasizing its transient nature and redirecting their focus towards their true, eternal home.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if ye call on the Father":** This phrase establishes the foundational relationship between believers and God. "Calling on the Father" signifies a personal, intimate relationship, implying prayer, worship, and reliance. The "if" (Greek: _ei_) here is best understood as "since" or "seeing that," affirming that believers *do* indeed call upon God as their Father, making the subsequent command a logical outflow of this filial relationship.
* **"who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work":** This clause reveals the dual nature of God as both loving Father and righteous Judge. The phrase "without respect of persons" (Greek: _aprosōpolēptōs_) underscores His absolute impartiality. He judges "according to every man's work" (Greek: _katá hékastou érgon_), meaning that His assessment is based on the actual deeds, actions, and character demonstrated in one's life, not on outward appearances, social status, or mere profession of faith. This applies to believers, whose works are the fruit of their faith, and to all humanity.
* **"pass the time of your sojourning [here] in fear":** This is the imperative command. "Pass the time" (Greek: _anastréphō chrónon_) refers to the conduct or manner of life during one's earthly existence. "Sojourning" (Greek: _paroikía_) emphasizes the temporary, transient nature of earthly life for believers, who are like foreigners or temporary residents. The command is to live this temporary life "in fear" (Greek: _en phóbō_). This "fear" is not a cowering terror but a profound, reverential awe and respect for God's holiness, power, and impartial justice, leading to a careful, obedient, and humble walk.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the portrayal of God as both "Father" and "Judge who without respect of persons judgeth." This highlights the tension and harmony between God's intimate relationship with His children and His unyielding righteousness. The term "sojourning" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, depicting the believer's earthly life as a temporary stay in a foreign land, emphasizing their transient status and heavenly citizenship. This metaphor is further reinforced by the **Implication** that such a temporary status demands a particular way of living—one marked by "fear." The phrase "without respect of persons" is a form of **Litotes** (understatement for emphasis) or a strong **Negative Statement** emphasizing God's absolute impartiality, contrasting with the common human tendency towards favoritism. The entire verse functions as an **Exhortation**, a direct and urgent call to action, grounding ethical conduct in theological truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects the believer's identity as a child of God with their accountability before Him. It establishes that the God we intimately call "Father" is simultaneously the impartial Judge of all humanity, including His own children. This understanding should not lead to a fear of losing salvation, but rather a deep, reverential awe that inspires holy living. Our earthly pilgrimage is not aimless but purposeful, a time to demonstrate the reality of our faith through our "works," knowing that these actions are seen and evaluated by a perfectly just God. This divine impartiality ensures fairness for all and motivates believers to live consistently with their high calling, aligning their conduct with God's holy character.

* [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God Shows No Partiality")
* [Romans 2:6-11](/romans/2-6-11 "Romans 2:6-11 - God's Righteous Judgment According to Works")
* [Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12 - Work Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Peter 1:17 calls us to a profound self-awareness and intentionality in our daily lives. Knowing that our loving Father is also an impartial Judge who assesses our "works" (our actions, attitudes, and choices) should profoundly shape how we live. It means that every decision, every interaction, and every hidden motive matters. Our time on earth is not merely a waiting period, but a sacred "sojourning," a spiritual pilgrimage where we are called to reflect God's holiness. Living "in fear" — that reverent awe and profound respect for God's character — cultivates a lifestyle of humility, obedience, and sincere devotion. It compels us to pursue righteousness not out of compulsion, but out of a deep desire to honor the One who has redeemed us. This perspective frees us from the fear of human judgment and the temptation to live for earthly approval, anchoring our lives in the eternal truth of God's perfect justice and His ultimate assessment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as both "Father" and "impartial Judge" impact your daily walk and decision-making?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might you need to live with a greater sense of "fear" (reverential awe) before God?**
* **How does the concept of life as a "sojourning" influence your priorities and your detachment from worldly pursuits?**
* **What "works" in your life truly reflect the faith you profess, and how can you grow in producing fruit that honors God?**

### FAQ
**What does "without respect of persons" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "without respect of persons" (Greek: _aprosōpolēptōs_) means that God judges with absolute impartiality, showing no favoritism based on external factors like wealth, social status, race, gender, or outward religious affiliation. Unlike human judges who can be swayed, God's judgment is based purely on truth and the actual "works" or deeds of each individual. This principle is a cornerstone of divine justice, consistently affirmed throughout Scripture, such as in [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God's Impartiality") and [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "God Shows No Partiality"). It assures us that God's assessment is perfectly fair and just for everyone.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Peter 1:17, while an Old Testament principle, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. The impartial judgment of God, who assesses "every man's work," is perfectly demonstrated in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the standard by which all are judged, and the one through whom God's righteous judgment is both executed and satisfied. For believers, the "fear" Peter speaks of is not a terror of condemnation, because Christ has already borne the full weight of God's judgment for sin on the cross ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Instead, it is a reverent awe born out of gratitude for the immense grace received through His sacrifice. Our "sojourning" in fear is empowered by the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent, enabling us to produce "works" that are not for salvation but as evidence of a transformed life, a life lived in union with Him ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created in Christ for Good Works")). Jesus Himself will be the impartial Judge at the end of time ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son")), and our hope lies not in our perfect works, but in His perfect work on our behalf, which allows us to stand blameless before the Father.

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

Acts 10:34

¶ Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Acts 10:35

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

2 Chronicles 19:7

Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do [it]: for [there is] no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

Matthew 6:9

¶ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Philippians 2:12

¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

2 Corinthians 7:1

¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Hebrews 12:28

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: