1 Peter 1:19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

But {G235} with the precious {G5093} blood {G129} of Christ {G5547}, as {G5613} of a lamb {G286} without blemish {G299} and {G2532} without spot {G784}:

on the contrary, it was the costly bloody sacrificial death of the Messiah, as of a lamb without defect or spot.

but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.

but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, even the blood of Christ:

1 Peter 1:19 stands as a powerful declaration of the profound value and nature of Christ's redemptive work. Following the assertion that believers are redeemed not with corruptible things, this verse precisely identifies the means: the sinless sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse is part of Peter’s opening exhortation to believers scattered throughout Asia Minor, reminding them of their spiritual heritage and the incredible salvation they possess. In 1 Peter 1:18, Peter states that believers were "redeemed, not with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers." Verse 19 then completes this thought by revealing the incomparable price of that redemption: the blood of Christ. This sets the stage for understanding the new life and holy conduct expected of those who have been bought with such a price.

Key Themes

  • The Preciousness of Christ's Blood: The term "precious" (Greek: timios) signifies something of immense value, costly, and highly esteemed. Unlike fleeting earthly treasures, the blood of Christ represents an eternal, invaluable currency for salvation.
  • Christ as the Sacrificial Lamb: This imagery directly echoes the Old Testament sacrificial system, particularly the Passover lamb requirements and the unblemished animals offered for sin. Jesus is presented as the ultimate, perfect sacrifice, fulfilling all previous types and shadows.
  • Purity and Sinlessness: The phrases "without blemish" (Greek: amōmos – faultless, unblameable) and "without spot" (Greek: aspilos – unstained, pure) emphasize Christ's absolute moral and spiritual perfection. This sinless nature was essential for His sacrifice to be efficacious, as only a perfect offering could atone for the sins of humanity. His sinlessness made Him the perfect mediator.
  • Redemption and Atonement: The verse highlights the act of redemption – being bought back or set free from the bondage of sin and its consequences. This freedom is secured by Christ's atoning death, where His blood was shed to satisfy divine justice and reconcile humanity to God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "precious" is timios, conveying extreme value and honor. It implies something held in high regard, underscoring the infinite worth of Christ's sacrifice. The terms "without blemish" (amōmos) and "without spot" (aspilos) are often used in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) to describe the physical perfection required of sacrificial animals, ensuring they were fit for offering to God. Peter applies these terms to Christ, not just in a physical sense, but to His moral and spiritual perfection, signifying His complete freedom from sin and moral defect. This purity is what made Him the acceptable and ultimate sacrifice.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Peter 1:19 offers profound assurance and a call to holiness:

  1. Source of Assurance: Our salvation is not based on our own merit or perishable wealth, but on the flawless, infinite sacrifice of Christ. This provides a steadfast foundation for faith and assurance of forgiveness.
  2. Motivation for Holy Living: Understanding the immense price paid for our redemption should inspire a life of gratitude and obedience. If we were bought with such precious blood, our lives are no longer our own but belong to Him who redeemed us (1 Corinthians 6:20).
  3. Foundation of Hope: The perfection of Christ’s sacrifice means it is fully sufficient and eternally effective. Our hope is therefore secure, grounded in an unblemished, unspotted Lamb of God, as John the Baptist declared Jesus to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
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 John 1:7

    But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

  • 1 Peter 2:22

    Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

  • 1 Peter 2:24

    Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

  • John 1:29

    ¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

  • Hebrews 9:12

    Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us].

  • Hebrews 9:14

    How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

  • Revelation 5:9

    And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
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