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,

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},

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,

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,

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,

The Apostle Peter opens his first epistle with a profound declaration of praise and thanksgiving to God, setting a foundational tone of hope amidst the trials faced by his readers. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual blessings available to believers.

Context of 1 Peter 1:3

Peter addresses believers scattered throughout Asia Minor, often referred to as "strangers" or "exiles" (1 Peter 1:1). These early Christians were likely facing various forms of persecution and social alienation for their faith. In this opening doxology, Peter immediately directs their focus away from their present sufferings and towards the immutable character of God and the glorious reality of their salvation, providing a bedrock of encouragement and assurance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Praise and Blessing: The verse begins with a call to "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," immediately establishing a posture of worship and acknowledging God as the source of all good. This sets the tone for the entire letter.
  • God's Abundant Mercy: The foundation of our salvation and new spiritual life is God's boundless compassion. It is "according to his abundant mercy" that He acts, highlighting His gracious initiative rather than any human merit. This echoes themes found in passages like Ephesians 2:4.
  • Spiritual Regeneration (New Birth): To be "begotten us again" signifies a radical spiritual transformation, a new birth that grants us spiritual life. This concept of being born again is central to Christian experience, distinguishing believers from the world.
  • A Lively Hope: Unlike worldly hopes that can be fragile or ultimately unfulfilled, the hope granted to believers is described as "lively" or living (elpis zosa in Greek). It is dynamic, active, and enduring, not a mere wish but a confident expectation.
  • The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: The resurrection is the bedrock of this lively hope. It is the historical event that validates Christ's claims, secures victory over death, and guarantees the believer's future resurrection and eternal inheritance. Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, Christian hope would be futile (1 Corinthians 15:14).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "begotten us again" comes from the Greek word anagennao (ἀναγεννάω), meaning "to beget anew" or "to regenerate." It emphasizes a divine act of spiritual rebirth, a complete renewal of life by God's power. This is not merely a change of mind but a fundamental change of nature, initiated by God's grace. The term "lively hope" (Greek: elpis zosa) conveys a hope that is vibrant, active, and full of life, grounded in the living reality of Christ's triumph over death.

Practical Application

For the modern believer, 1 Peter 1:3 offers profound comfort and motivation. It reminds us that our spiritual standing is not based on our performance but on God's incredible mercy. This "lively hope," anchored in Christ's resurrection, empowers us to face present difficulties with endurance and joy, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure. It calls us to live lives of praise and gratitude, reflecting the transforming power of God's grace in our daily walk.

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 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;
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