1 Peter 1:6

¶ Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

Wherein {G1722}{G3739} ye greatly rejoice {G21}, though now {G737} for a season {G3641}, if {G1487} need {G1163} be {G2076}, ye are in heaviness {G3076} through {G1722} manifold {G4164} temptations {G3986}:

Rejoice in this, even though for a little while you may have to experience grief in various trials.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials,

Commentary

1 Peter 1:6 presents a profound paradox at the heart of the Christian experience: profound joy coexisting with temporary sorrow and diverse trials. This verse assures believers that even amidst suffering, their ultimate hope provides a basis for enduring rejoicing.

Context

This verse follows Peter's glorious declaration of the believer's spiritual inheritance and the "lively hope" through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3-5). Having established the secure foundation of salvation, Peter now addresses the reality of present-day suffering that believers face. He writes to scattered believers (likely in Asia Minor) who were experiencing various forms of persecution and hardship, encouraging them to maintain their faith and joy despite adversity.

Key Themes

  • Paradoxical Joy and Heaviness: The verse highlights the ability of believers to "greatly rejoice" even while experiencing "heaviness" or grief. This joy is not based on circumstances but on the certainty of their salvation and future inheritance, which is "reserved in heaven" for them (1 Peter 1:4). The sorrow is a temporary, earthly experience, contrasted with an eternal, spiritual joy.
  • The Purpose of Trials: Peter states that these trials occur "if need be," implying a divine purpose behind them. These "manifold temptations" (or trials) are not arbitrary but serve to refine and test faith, much like gold is refined by fire. This refining process is further elaborated in the subsequent verse, 1 Peter 1:7.
  • Temporary Nature of Suffering: The phrase "for a season" emphasizes that any period of "heaviness through manifold temptations" is finite. Christian suffering is not eternal; it is a temporary experience in light of the eternal glory that awaits believers. This perspective provides immense comfort and endurance.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "temptations" here is peirasmos (πειρασμός). While it can refer to enticement to sin, in this context, it broadly means "trials," "tests," or "afflictions." It signifies circumstances that test the strength and genuineness of one's faith, rather than an internal pull towards wrongdoing. The term "manifold" (poikilos, ποικίλος) underscores the diverse and varied nature of these trials, indicating that believers can face many different kinds of difficulties. "Heaviness" comes from the Greek lypeō, meaning to be grieved or sorrowful.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Peter 1:6 offers profound encouragement. It acknowledges the reality of pain and hardship in life, validating feelings of "heaviness." However, it simultaneously directs attention to the unshakeable foundation of Christian hope. When facing personal setbacks, illness, financial struggles, or spiritual battles, this verse reminds us that:

  • Our joy is rooted in Christ and His accomplished work, not in our fleeting circumstances.
  • Trials are not meaningless; God uses them to purify and strengthen our faith, preparing us for greater spiritual maturity and future glory.
  • Any suffering we endure is temporary, a "season" that will pass, leading to an eternal reward.

This perspective empowers believers to persevere with hope, knowing that even in the midst of "manifold temptations," their ultimate salvation is secure and their joy is eternally grounded.

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Cross-References

  • James 1:2 (41 votes)

    ¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

  • 1 Peter 5:10 (38 votes)

    ¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

  • Romans 12:12 (32 votes)

    Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

  • Romans 5:2 (26 votes)

    By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

  • Matthew 5:12 (21 votes)

    Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

  • Isaiah 61:3 (20 votes)

    To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

  • John 16:33 (19 votes)

    These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.