1 Peter 1:18

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

Forasmuch as ye know {G1492} that {G3754} ye were {G3084} not {G3756} redeemed {G3084} with corruptible things {G5349}, as silver {G694} and {G2228} gold {G5553}, from {G1537} your {G5216} vain {G3152} conversation {G391} received by tradition from your fathers {G3970};

You should be aware that the ransom paid to free you from the worthless way of life which your fathers passed on to you did not consist of anything perishable like silver or gold;

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers,

knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers;

Commentary on 1 Peter 1:18 (KJV)

1 Peter 1:18: "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;"

Context

This verse is part of Peter's opening exhortation to believers, scattered as exiles, encouraging them in their living hope and the certainty of their salvation. Following verses that speak of being born again to a living hope (1 Peter 1:3) and the testing of faith, Peter transitions to the profound cost and nature of their redemption. He emphasizes the holiness required of those who have been bought at such a price, linking it directly to the precious blood of Christ in the subsequent verse.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of Redemption: Peter explicitly states that believers were "not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold." This highlights the immense value and spiritual nature of salvation. Earthly wealth, no matter how great, is temporary and perishable, incapable of purchasing true spiritual freedom or a relationship with God.
  • The Cost of Redemption: While this verse states what was *not* used for redemption, it strongly implies the inestimable value of what *was* used (revealed in the very next verse, 1 Peter 1:19). This sets up the understanding that the price paid was beyond any material value.
  • Freedom from Vain Conversation: Believers are redeemed "from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers." The KJV term "conversation" here refers to one's conduct, lifestyle, or manner of living. "Vain" (Greek: mataios) signifies empty, futile, worthless, or purposeless. This refers to a way of life inherited through ancestral customs or societal norms that lacked true spiritual meaning or failed to honor God. It was a life lived without the knowledge of Christ and His saving power, often characterized by idolatry, superstition, or moral emptiness.
  • Breaking with Tradition: The phrase "received by tradition from your fathers" indicates that this futile way of life was not necessarily malicious but simply inherited and customary. Redemption involves a break from such inherited patterns that are contrary to God's will, leading to a new, purposeful life in Christ.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "redeemed" is lytroō (λυτρόω), meaning to release by paying a ransom, to liberate, or to set free. It carries the imagery of buying back a slave or prisoner, emphasizing a liberation from bondage.
  • "Corruptible things" translates phthartos (φθαρτός), which means perishable, subject to decay, or mortal. This contrasts sharply with the imperishable nature of the true ransom.
  • "Vain conversation" combines mataios (μάταιος - empty, futile, worthless) and anastrophe (ἀναστροφή - conduct, behavior, way of life). Thus, it refers to a meaningless or unprofitable way of living.

Practical Application

This verse calls believers to a profound sense of gratitude and a re-evaluation of their lives. Knowing that our redemption was purchased not with fleeting earthly riches but with an inestimable divine price should transform our perspective. We are no longer bound by empty traditions or futile patterns of the past, whether personal habits, cultural norms, or inherited spiritual blindness. Instead, we are called to live a life worthy of such a high calling, reflecting the holiness and purpose that come from our redemption. It encourages us to discard anything in our current "conversation" or conduct that is "vain" or unproductive in God's eyes, embracing a life that truly honors the one who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. This understanding should motivate us to pursue holiness and genuine devotion.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:20

    For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:23

    Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

  • Psalms 49:7

    None [of them] can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:

  • Psalms 49:8

    (For the redemption of their soul [is] precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)

  • Titus 2:14

    Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

  • Galatians 1:4

    Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

  • Ephesians 4:17

    ¶ This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
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