1 Peter 1:3

KJV

¶ 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {G2128} be the God {G2316} and {G2532} Father {G3962} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, which {G3588} according to {G2596} his {G846} abundant {G4183} mercy {G1656} hath begotten {G313} us {G2248} again {G313} unto {G1519} a lively {G2198} hope {G1680} by {G1223} the resurrection {G386} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} from {G1537} the dead {G3498},

Complete Jewish Bible

Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who, in keeping with his great mercy, has caused us, through the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah from the dead, to be born again to a living hope,

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

American Standard Version

Blessedbethe God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 1:3 opens with a powerful doxology, blessing God the Father for His profound mercy, which serves as the wellspring of the believer's spiritual regeneration. Through this divine act, God has granted Christians a "lively hope," a vibrant and enduring expectation of future glory, fundamentally grounded in the historical and redemptive reality of Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead. This verse establishes the theological bedrock for the entire epistle, anchoring the believer's identity and future in God's unchangeable character and Christ's victorious work, providing immense comfort and assurance amidst trials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the grand opening of Peter's first epistle, immediately following the salutation in [1 Peter 1:1-2](/1_peter/1-1-2 "1 Peter 1:1-2 - Peter's Salutation"). It is a doxology, a formal expression of praise to God, which sets the overarching tone of the letter. By beginning with a declaration of God's character and His gracious acts, Peter immediately shifts the readers' focus from their present sufferings and status as "exiles" to the glorious realities of their salvation. This opening doxology anticipates and undergirds the subsequent exhortations to holy living and endurance in suffering, as seen in [1 Peter 1:6-7](/1_peter/1-6-7 "1 Peter 1:6-7 - Testing of Faith") and [1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9-10 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen People"). It is a foundational statement of Christian hope, upon which all practical application in the letter is built.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter addresses Christians scattered throughout various Roman provinces in Asia Minor, including Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, as mentioned in [1 Peter 1:1](/1_peter/1-1 "1 Peter 1:1 - Peter's Audience"). These believers were likely a mix of Jewish and Gentile converts, facing social ostracism, verbal abuse, and potentially sporadic, localized persecution for their refusal to participate in Roman civic and religious cults. They were considered "strangers" or "aliens" (paroikoi) in their own lands, a theme Peter emphasizes throughout the letter to describe their spiritual identity as pilgrims on earth. The Roman Empire's pervasive polytheism and emperor worship created an environment where Christian monotheism and exclusive allegiance to Christ were viewed with suspicion, leading to various forms of suffering, as alluded to in [1 Peter 4:12-16](/1_peter/4-12-16 "1 Peter 4:12-16 - Suffering for Christ"). Peter's message of hope rooted in God's mercy and Christ's resurrection would have been a vital lifeline for those enduring such trials.
* **Key Themes:** First Peter 1:3 introduces several pivotal themes that permeate the entire epistle. The primary theme is **Divine Praise and Blessing**, establishing God as the ultimate source of all spiritual blessings and the proper object of worship. Closely linked is the theme of **God's Abundant Mercy**, highlighting His gracious initiative in salvation, not based on human merit but on His boundless compassion, a truth echoed in [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy"). The verse also introduces **Spiritual Regeneration** or "new birth," a radical transformation that grants believers a new spiritual life, a concept profoundly explored by Jesus in [John 3:3-8](/john/3-3-8 "John 3:3-8 - The Necessity of New Birth"). This new birth leads to a **Lively Hope**, a dynamic, living expectation of future glory, which stands in stark contrast to the fleeting hopes of the world. Crucially, this hope is firmly anchored in the **Resurrection of Jesus Christ**, which is presented as the historical and theological foundation for the believer's salvation and future inheritance, a truth central to the apostolic proclamation found in [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus"). These themes collectively provide a robust framework for understanding the believer's identity, security, and purpose amidst a hostile world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Greek, _eulogētós'_):** This adjective, derived from the verb meaning "to speak well of" or "to praise," describes God as "adorable" or "worthy of praise." It is a declaration that God Himself is the object of blessing, not that He is blessed *by* us in the sense of receiving something from us, but that He is inherently worthy of all praise and adoration. This term emphasizes God's intrinsic goodness and the appropriate response of humanity to His character and actions.
* **Begotten us again (Greek, _anagennáō'_):** This compound verb combines "ana" (again, anew) with "gennao" (to beget, to give birth). It signifies a spiritual rebirth, a regeneration that is entirely a divine act. It implies a fundamental transformation of nature, not merely a moral improvement or a change of mind, but a new life imparted by God. This "new birth" is the initiation of the believer's spiritual existence, distinguishing them from their former unregenerate state.
* **Lively hope (Greek, _záō'_ + _elpís'_):** The phrase combines _záō_ (to live, alive, quick) with _elpís_ (expectation, confidence, hope). This is not a mere wish or a vague optimism, but a vibrant, active, and enduring hope. It is "lively" because it is rooted in the living God and the living Christ, and it produces life and vitality in the believer. Unlike worldly hopes that can be dashed, this hope is dynamic and secure, providing a confident expectation of future realities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,"**: This opening phrase is a doxology, a declaration of praise. It identifies the recipient of the blessing as God, specifically in His triune manifestation as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. This immediately establishes the theological framework for Christian faith, centering on the relationship between God the Father and God the Son, Jesus Christ, as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
* **"which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope"**: This clause explains *how* God blesses us and *what* He has done. It attributes the spiritual rebirth ("begotten us again") directly to God's "abundant mercy." This emphasizes that salvation is not a result of human merit or effort but flows solely from God's boundless compassion and grace. The purpose of this regeneration is to bring believers "unto a lively hope," indicating that this new birth is not an end in itself but a means to a vibrant, living expectation of future glory.
* **"by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,"**: This final clause specifies the *means* by which God's abundant mercy has begotten us again unto a lively hope. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is presented as the historical and theological bedrock of this new life and hope. It is the definitive act that validates Christ's identity, secures victory over sin and death, and guarantees the believer's future inheritance and resurrection. Without Christ's resurrection, the "lively hope" would be baseless and futile.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. It begins with a **Doxology**, a formal expression of praise and glory to God, which immediately sets a tone of worship and reverence for the divine source of all blessings. The phrase "begotten us again" serves as a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual regeneration or new birth, drawing on the imagery of physical birth to convey a radical, life-altering transformation initiated by God. This metaphor highlights the profound change in a believer's spiritual state. The description of hope as "lively" is an example of **Personification** or **Figurative Language**, giving an abstract concept (hope) the quality of being alive and dynamic, emphasizing its active and enduring nature. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Causal Language**, clearly linking the effect (new birth, lively hope) to its divine cause (God's abundant mercy) and its instrumental means (Christ's resurrection), establishing a clear theological chain of events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Peter 1:3 is a foundational text for understanding the Christian's spiritual identity and destiny. It underscores the absolute sovereignty and gracious initiative of God in salvation, emphasizing that our new life is entirely a gift of His "abundant mercy." This mercy is not merely passive pity but an active, transformative force that regenerates us. The concept of being "begotten again" points to a radical, supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, creating a new spiritual nature within us, distinct from our former state. This new birth is inextricably linked to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, making it the historical anchor of our "lively hope." Our hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation of future glory, grounded in the demonstrable power of God displayed in Christ's triumph over death. This hope empowers believers to endure present sufferings, knowing their ultimate inheritance is secure and imperishable.

* [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy and Grace")
* [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Salvation by Regeneration and Renewal")
* [1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Peter 1:3 offers profound comfort and a robust foundation for Christian living, especially in times of difficulty. It calls us to fix our gaze not on our circumstances or merits, but on the character of God—His abundant mercy—and the finished work of Christ—His resurrection. This "lively hope" is not a passive waiting but an active, vibrant expectation that shapes our present reality. It means that even amidst trials, persecution, or personal suffering, our spiritual identity and future are secure, rooted in a divine act of regeneration and guaranteed by Christ's victory over death. This truth should ignite our praise, cultivate our endurance, and motivate us to live lives that reflect the transforming power of God's grace. Our hope is not in fleeting earthly things but in an imperishable inheritance, empowering us to live with joy and purpose, knowing that our ultimate destiny is eternally secure in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "abundant mercy" as the source of your spiritual rebirth impact your daily perspective on life and challenges?**
* **In what ways does the "lively hope" described in this verse differ from the hopes you typically place in worldly circumstances or achievements?**
* **How does the historical reality of Jesus' resurrection strengthen your personal faith and provide assurance for your future?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of praise and gratitude to God for the new life and hope He has given you?**

### FAQ

**What does "begotten us again" mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: To be "begotten us again" means to experience a spiritual rebirth, a radical transformation of one's inner being by the power of God. It's not merely turning over a new leaf or making a resolution, but a divine act that imparts new spiritual life, changing one's nature and orientation towards God. This new birth is essential for entering the kingdom of God, as Jesus taught in [John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - You Must Be Born Again"). Practically, it means a new desire for God's word, a growing hatred for sin, and a newfound love for righteousness and for God's people.

**How is "lively hope" different from mere optimism or wishful thinking?**

Answer: "Lively hope" (Greek: _elpis zosa_) is distinct from optimism or wishful thinking because it is not based on uncertain possibilities or human sentiment, but on the certain, historical reality of Jesus Christ's resurrection. It is "lively" because it is active, dynamic, and enduring, rooted in the living God and the living Christ. Unlike worldly hopes that can be dashed by circumstances, this hope is secure, producing vitality and endurance in the believer, knowing that God's promises are guaranteed by Christ's triumph over death, as affirmed in [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Peter 1:3 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly His resurrection. It is through Christ that God's "abundant mercy" is fully manifested, as He is the divine agent of our spiritual regeneration. The new birth, or being "begotten us again," is a direct result of Christ's atoning sacrifice and His triumphant resurrection. His death paid the penalty for our sins, and His resurrection demonstrated God's power over death and sin, making possible our new life in Him. As [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life Through Christ") explains, "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." This "lively hope" is not a vague concept but a confident expectation of future glory, secured by Christ's ascension and His promise to return, as seen in [John 14:1-3](/john/14-1-3 "John 14:1-3 - Jesus Promises His Return"). Our future inheritance, described in [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance"), is imperishable precisely because it is founded upon the imperishable, resurrected Christ. Thus, every facet of this verse—God's mercy, our regeneration, and our living hope—is inextricably linked to and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord.

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 1:23

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

1 John 5:4

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.

Romans 15:13

¶ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Titus 3:4

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Titus 3:6

Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

Ephesians 1:7

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

2 Corinthians 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;