1 Peter 1:23

KJV

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Being born again {G313}, not {G3756} of {G1537} corruptible {G5349} seed {G4701}, but {G235} of incorruptible {G862}, by {G1223} the word {G3056} of God {G2316}, which liveth {G2198} and {G2532} abideth {G3306} for {G1519} ever {G165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You have been born again not from some seed that will decay, but from one that cannot decay, through the living Word of God that lasts forever.

Berean Standard Bible

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

American Standard Version

having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 1:23 powerfully declares the supernatural origin and enduring nature of a believer's spiritual transformation, asserting that salvation is not a product of human effort or perishable lineage, but a divine act initiated and sustained by the eternal, living Word of God. This verse underpins the security of the believer's new life, contrasting the transient with the imperishable, and setting the stage for a life of holiness rooted in this divine reality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the opening salutation and doxology of Peter's first epistle, addressed to "elect exiles of the Dispersion" ([1 Peter 1:1](/1_peter/1-1 "1 Peter 1:1 - Peter's Greeting to the Exiles")). Having just celebrated the believers' "living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" ([1 Peter 1:3](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - Living Hope")), and the "salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" ([1 Peter 1:5](/1_peter/1-5 "1 Peter 1:5 - Salvation to Be Revealed")), Peter transitions to explain the *means* by which this salvation is actualized in the believer's life. Verse 23 serves as the foundational theological truth that undergirds the call to holy living and fervent love that follows in [1 Peter 1:22-25](/1_peter/1-22-25 "1 Peter 1:22-25 - Love and the Enduring Word"), emphasizing that their spiritual rebirth is the basis for their purified lives and sincere love for one another. It directly follows the exhortation to "love one another earnestly from a pure heart" ([1 Peter 1:22](/1_peter/1-22 "1 Peter 1:22 - Love One Another Earnestly")), grounding this command in the shared experience of divine regeneration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's audience comprised scattered Jewish and Gentile Christians across various Roman provinces in Asia Minor (Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia). These believers were facing social ostracism and nascent persecution, often referred to as "strangers" or "aliens" in their own lands. In a culture where lineage, ancestry, and physical descent were highly valued for identity and status, Peter's emphasis on a "new birth" from an "incorruptible seed" would have been profoundly counter-cultural and liberating. It shifted the source of their true identity and belonging from earthly, perishable origins to a divine, eternal one. The concept of "seed" would have been readily understood in an agrarian society, making the contrast between corruptible (mortal, earthly) and incorruptible (immortal, divine) a vivid and impactful metaphor for the source of life.

* **Key Themes:** Peter's epistle is rich with themes of suffering, hope, holiness, and the new identity in Christ. This verse contributes significantly to several of these. The primary theme is **Regeneration or the New Birth**, highlighting that salvation involves a radical, supernatural transformation, not merely moral reformation. This concept echoes Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in [John 3:3-8](/john/3-3-8 "John 3:3-8 - Born of Water and Spirit"), where being "born again" or "born of the Spirit" is essential for entering the kingdom of God. Another key theme is the **Divine Initiative in Salvation**, emphasizing that this new birth is entirely God's work, not a human achievement. Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Enduring Power and Efficacy of God's Word**, presenting it as the indispensable instrument through which this new life is imparted. This aligns with the Old Testament declaration that [God's word stands forever](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Enduring Word of God") and the New Testament affirmation of its living and active nature, as seen in [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **born again (Greek, _anagennáō'_):** G313, from ἀνά and γεννάω; to beget or (by extension) bear (again). This term signifies a spiritual rebirth, a complete renewal of one's nature. It denotes a radical, divine act of recreation, distinguishing it from mere moral improvement or religious conversion. It implies a new beginning, a new spiritual parentage, and a fundamental change in one's spiritual state.
* **corruptible (Greek, _phthartós'_):** G5349, from φθείρω; decayed, i.e. (by implication) perishable. This word describes something subject to decay, dissolution, or death. When contrasted with "incorruptible," it highlights the transient, mortal, and ultimately failing nature of anything originating from human or earthly sources. It points to the inherent weakness and impermanence of physical life and human heritage.
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** G3056, from λέγω; something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ). In this context, _lógos_ refers to the divine message, specifically the Gospel, which is the instrument of new birth. It is not merely information but a powerful, life-giving declaration from God, embodying His will and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Being born again":** This opening phrase, using the passive voice, immediately highlights that the new birth is something *received* or *experienced*, rather than something *achieved* by human will or effort. It signifies a radical spiritual transformation, a regeneration from spiritual death to life, initiated by God.
* **"not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible":** This crucial contrast defines the nature of the new birth. "Corruptible seed" refers to anything perishable, mortal, or earthly—like human physical lineage, human traditions, or any human-derived source of life. In stark opposition, "incorruptible" signifies an eternal, imperishable, and divine source. This emphasizes that the new life received by believers is not from a temporal, decaying origin, but from an eternal, unchangeable one, guaranteeing its permanence and security.
* **"by the word of God":** This clause identifies the divine instrument through which the new birth occurs. The "word of God" (the Gospel message) is the means by which God imparts this incorruptible life. It is not merely a message but a living and active power that penetrates the human heart and brings about spiritual regeneration.
* **"which liveth and abideth for ever":** This final clause describes the inherent nature of the "word of God." It is not a dead letter or a temporary decree, but a living, active, and eternally enduring reality. Its vitality and permanence ensure the permanence of the new life it imparts. This underscores the absolute reliability and never-failing efficacy of God's revealed truth.

#### Literary Devices
Peter effectively employs **Contrast** in this verse, juxtaposing "corruptible seed" with "incorruptible" to highlight the fundamental difference between human, temporal origins and divine, eternal origins. This antithesis powerfully conveys the supernatural and enduring nature of the new birth. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metaphor**, with "seed" serving as a metaphorical representation of the source or origin of life. Just as physical life springs from a seed, spiritual life springs from a divine, incorruptible "seed"—the Word of God. The phrase "which liveth and abideth for ever" also employs a subtle form of **Personification**, attributing living and abiding qualities to the "word of God," emphasizing its dynamic and eternal nature beyond a mere static text.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Peter 1:23 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the doctrine of regeneration, emphasizing that the new birth is a sovereign act of God, not a human work. It highlights the profound shift in a believer's spiritual parentage from a perishable, earthly lineage to an imperishable, divine one. This divine origin ensures the security and eternal nature of salvation, as what is born of an incorruptible source cannot perish. The verse also elevates the Word of God as the primary instrument of this life-giving transformation, underscoring its inherent power, vitality, and eternal reliability. This theological truth serves as the foundation for the believer's hope, assurance, and subsequent call to live a life consistent with their new, divine nature, marked by holiness and genuine love.

* [John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "John 1:12-13 - Children of God by Faith")
* [James 1:18](/james/1-18 "James 1:18 - Born by the Word of Truth")
* [1 John 3:9](/1_john/3-9 "1 John 3:9 - God's Seed Remains")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound assurance and a powerful call to live out our new identity in Christ. Understanding that our spiritual life originates from an incorruptible, divine source, imparted by the living and abiding Word of God, should instill deep confidence in the security of our salvation. Our hope is not based on our fleeting efforts or perishable human nature, but on God's eternal power and His unfailing Word. This truth should motivate us to prioritize the Word of God in our daily lives, recognizing it as the very means by which we were born again and by which we are sustained and nourished spiritually. Furthermore, the incorruptible nature of our new birth calls us to live lives that reflect this divine reality—to pursue holiness, to love genuinely, and to persevere through trials, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of being "born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible" impact your assurance of salvation?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge you to re-evaluate the importance and role of the Word of God in your daily life?**
* **If your new life comes from an incorruptible source, how should that transform your perspective on earthly challenges and perishable pursuits?**
* **Considering that the Word of God "liveth and abideth for ever," how does this encourage you to trust God's promises in all circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What does "corruptible seed" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "Corruptible seed" refers to anything that is perishable, mortal, or subject to decay. In this context, it primarily contrasts with the divine source of new life. It can signify human physical lineage or ancestry, earthly traditions, human efforts, or any transient, non-divine origin. Peter emphasizes that the new spiritual life of a believer does not come from these temporary, failing sources, but from something eternal and imperishable. This concept highlights the radical difference between natural birth and spiritual rebirth, underscoring that our spiritual identity is not inherited from human parents or earthly heritage, but directly from God.

**How does the "word of God" bring about new birth?**

Answer: The "word of God" is presented as the active instrument through which spiritual regeneration occurs. It's not merely a book or a set of doctrines, but the living and powerful message of the Gospel, which carries the very life of God. When this divine message is proclaimed and received by faith, the Holy Spirit uses it to impart new spiritual life, transforming a person from spiritual death to life. This is consistent with other New Testament passages, such as [Romans 10:17](/romans/10-17 "Romans 10:17 - Faith Comes by Hearing"), which states that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God," and [John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words Are Spirit and Life"), where Jesus declares, "The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." The Word is the means by which God's life-giving power is conveyed to humanity.

**What is the significance of the Word of God "living and abiding for ever"?**

Answer: The declaration that the Word of God "liveth and abideth for ever" underscores its eternal nature, unchanging truth, and perpetual efficacy. Unlike human words or promises, which can fade or fail, God's Word is eternally reliable and active. This has profound implications for the new birth: because the source of our spiritual life (the Word) is eternal, the life it imparts is also eternal and secure. It guarantees the permanence of our salvation and provides an unshakeable foundation for our faith. This concept is further emphasized by Peter in the very next verse, where he quotes [Isaiah 40:6-8](/isaiah/40-6-8 "Isaiah 40:6-8 - The Grass Withers, the Word Endures") to affirm that "all flesh is as grass... but the word of the Lord endures forever."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Peter 1:23 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who is Himself the very "Word of God" made flesh. John's Gospel opens by declaring that [in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), and that [the Word became flesh and dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Thus, the "word of God" by which we are born again is not merely a message, but the living Person of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate "incorruptible seed" because His resurrection from the dead conquered corruption and death, ushering in an [imperishable and undefiled inheritance](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance"). Through His atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection, Christ became the source of new, eternal life for all who believe. Our being "born again" is intrinsically linked to our union with Christ in His death and resurrection, allowing us to [walk in newness of life](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ") and partake in His divine, incorruptible nature. The eternal life promised in this verse is none other than [knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God").

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

1 Peter 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

John 3:3

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 1:13

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

John 6:63

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life.

1 Corinthians 15:53

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality.

1 Corinthians 15:54

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.