1 Peter 1:24

¶ For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

For {G1360} all {G3956} flesh {G4561} is as {G5613} grass {G5528}, and {G2532} all {G3956} the glory {G1391} of man {G444} as {G5613} the flower {G438} of grass {G5528}. The grass {G5528} withereth {G3583}, and {G2532} the flower {G438} thereof {G846} falleth away {G1601}:

For

all humanity is like grass,
all its glory is like a wildflower —
the grass withers, and the flower falls off;

For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,

For, All flesh is as grass, And all the glory thereof as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower falleth:

Commentary

Context

First Peter is an epistle written by the Apostle Peter to scattered believers in Asia Minor, encouraging them to stand firm in their faith amidst suffering and persecution. Leading up to verse 24, Peter has been discussing the profound reality of their new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3). He emphasizes that this salvation is not based on perishable things but on the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). This verse, 1 Peter 1:24, serves to underscore the eternal nature of the word of God, which is the instrument of this new birth, by contrasting it sharply with the transient nature of all human existence and glory.

Key Themes

  • The Transience of Human Life and Glory: This verse powerfully illustrates the fleeting nature of human existence. "All flesh" refers to humanity in general, and "the glory of man" encompasses all human achievements, beauty, power, wealth, and status. Like grass and its flower, which quickly sprout, flourish, and then wither and die, so too are human lives and their accomplishments temporary and subject to decay. This imagery highlights our mortality and the vanity of earthly pursuits when disconnected from eternal truth.
  • The Contrast with God's Enduring Word: Peter quotes directly from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 40:6-8) to set the stage for the following verse (1 Peter 1:25), which declares the eternal nature of God's Word. The fragility of human life serves to magnify the steadfastness and permanence of divine truth, which endures forever and is the foundation of the believer's new, eternal life.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "all flesh" (Greek: pasa sarx) broadly signifies all humanity, emphasizing its physical and mortal aspect. The comparison to "grass" (Greek: chortos) and "flower of grass" (Greek: anthos chortou) is a common biblical metaphor for human frailty and brevity of life, found frequently in the Psalms and prophetic books. Peter's direct quotation from Isaiah 40:6 underscores the continuity of this divine truth across testaments: the temporary nature of humanity stands in stark contrast to the eternal and unchanging character of God and His word.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a profound reminder for believers and non-believers alike. For Christians, it reinforces the importance of investing in eternal things rather than being overly concerned with earthly possessions, fame, or fleeting achievements. Our ultimate hope and security are not found in human glory, which will inevitably fade, but in the imperishable seed of God's Word, which brings forth eternal life. It encourages humility, recognizing that all human strength and accomplishments are temporary. For all, it's a call to reflect on the brevity of life and to seek that which truly endures, pointing toward the permanence of God's truth as the only lasting foundation (Matthew 24:35).

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 40:6 (52 votes)

    The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh [is] grass, and all the goodliness thereof [is] as the flower of the field:

  • Isaiah 40:8 (52 votes)

    The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

  • Psalms 103:15 (29 votes)

    [As for] man, his days [are] as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

  • James 4:14 (22 votes)

    Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

  • James 1:10 (15 votes)

    But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

  • James 1:11 (15 votes)

    For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

  • Psalms 37:2 (14 votes)

    For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.