1 Peter 4:5

KJV

Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3739} shall give {G591} account {G3056} to him that is {G2192} ready {G2093} to judge {G2919} the quick {G2198} and {G2532} the dead {G3498}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But they will have to give an account to him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.

Berean Standard Bible

But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

American Standard Version

who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 4:5 delivers a profound declaration of universal accountability, asserting that all humanity, without exception, will one day stand before God to render an account of their lives. This verse serves as a solemn reminder of divine justice, emphasizing the readiness of the sovereign Judge to evaluate both those who are alive at His coming and those who have already passed into eternity. It underscores the certainty and impartiality of God's ultimate judgment, providing both a warning to the unrepentant and a powerful motivation for believers to live righteously in anticipation of that day.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial section of Peter's first epistle, specifically [1 Peter 4:1-6](/1_peter/4-1-6 "1 Peter 4:1-6 - Living for God's Will"). Having previously exhorted believers to arm themselves with the same mindset as Christ, who suffered in the flesh and ceased from sin ([1 Peter 4:1-2](/1_peter/4-1-2 "1 Peter 4:1-2 - Suffering and Ceasing from Sin")), Peter contrasts the past sinful lifestyle of his audience with their new life in Christ. The "they" in the preceding verse ([1 Peter 4:4](/1_peter/4-4 "1 Peter 4:4 - Worldly Surprise and Slander")) refers to the ungodly who are surprised and slander Christians for no longer participating in their wild debauchery. Verse 5 then serves as a powerful theological underpinning for this call to holiness, asserting that these very individuals, and indeed everyone, will be held accountable to the righteous Judge. It provides a divine rationale for enduring present suffering and slander, knowing that ultimate justice will prevail.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's audience comprised scattered believers in Asia Minor ([1 Peter 1:1](/1_peter/1-1 "1 Peter 1:1 - Peter's Greeting to the Exiles")), facing increasing social ostracization and persecution for their Christian faith. They were often accused of various societal ills simply for not conforming to pagan practices and Roman imperial cult worship. In this context, the declaration of a future judgment was not merely a theological abstract but a vital source of hope and vindication. It assured them that despite present injustices and false accusations, there was a higher court where true righteousness would be recognized and wickedness condemned. The concept of a final judgment was familiar in both Jewish and Greco-Roman thought, though Peter presents it with a distinct Christological and eschatological emphasis.
* **Key Themes:** [First Peter](/1_peter/1 "First Peter - A Letter of Hope in Suffering") is rich with themes pertinent to living faithfully amidst suffering. [1 Peter 4:5](/1_peter/4-5 "1 Peter 4:5 - Universal Accountability") contributes significantly to the overarching themes of **Divine Justice and Accountability**, emphasizing that God sees all and will judge all impartially. It reinforces the theme of **Eschatological Hope**, reminding believers that their ultimate vindication and reward await them in God's future judgment. This verse also undergirds the call to **Holy Living** and **Separation from the World**, as the certainty of judgment provides a powerful motivation to live according to God's will rather than conforming to the world's sinful patterns. Furthermore, it subtly touches upon the **Sovereignty of God** over life and death, as He is the one who judges both "the quick and the dead."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **give (Greek, _apodídōmi'_):** From G591. This verb means "to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)." It carries the sense of rendering, recompensing, or restoring what is due. In this context, it signifies the act of providing a full and complete account, a rendering of one's actions, words, and thoughts before a higher authority. It implies an obligation to settle a debt or fulfill a requirement.
* **account (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056. While _lógos_ is famously used for Christ as the "Word," its broader meaning here refers to "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation." Here, it signifies a reckoning, a detailed report, or a justification of one's life. It's not merely a casual conversation but a formal examination where one's deeds are laid bare.
* **ready (Greek, _hetoímōs'_):** From G2093. This adverb means "in readiness." It conveys the idea of being prepared, poised, or imminent. It emphasizes that the Judge is not hesitant or delayed but is fully equipped and prepared to execute judgment. This readiness suggests both the certainty and the potential imminence of the event.
* **judge (Greek, _krínō'_):** From G2919. This primary verb means "properly, to distinguish, i.e., decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish." It encompasses the entire judicial process: discerning truth from falsehood, evaluating actions, passing a verdict, and imposing a sentence. It speaks to the Judge's authority and capacity to render a just and final decision.
* **quick (Greek, _záō'_):** From G2198. This primary verb means "to live (literally or figuratively)." Here, it is used substantively as "the living ones." It refers to those who are physically alive at the time of the judgment, emphasizing that no one will escape judgment by virtue of being alive at the Lord's return.
* **dead (Greek, _nekrós'_):** From G3498. Derived from a word for "corpse," this adjective means "dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)." It refers to those who have physically died. The inclusion of "the dead" alongside "the quick" ensures the universality of the judgment, encompassing all humanity across time.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who shall give account":** This phrase establishes the universal mandate for accountability. The "who" refers to all people, particularly those mentioned in the preceding verse who "speak evil" of Christians. The act of "giving account" implies a formal reckoning, a presentation of one's life, deeds, and motives before a supreme authority. It is a moment of divine audit where everything done in the body, whether good or bad, will be brought to light.
* **"to him that is ready":** This identifies the recipient of the account and describes His disposition. The "him" refers to God, the ultimate Judge. The descriptor "ready" underscores His preparedness, willingness, and the certainty of His impending judgment. It implies that this event is not a distant possibility but a fixed and certain appointment, for which the Judge is fully poised and equipped.
* **"to judge the quick and the dead":** This clarifies the scope and nature of the Judge's authority. "To judge" signifies the act of discerning, evaluating, and rendering a verdict. The phrase "the quick and the dead" (i.e., the living and the dead) emphasizes the absolute universality of this judgment. It means that no one, regardless of whether they are alive at the time of Christ's return or have already passed away, will escape this divine reckoning. All humanity stands under the purview of God's ultimate justice.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several powerful literary devices in [1 Peter 4:5](/1_peter/4-5 "1 Peter 4:5 - Universal Accountability"). The most prominent is **Antithesis**, juxtaposing "the quick" (the living) and "the dead." This stark contrast serves to emphasize the absolute universality of the judgment, ensuring that no one, regardless of their temporal state, is exempt. This creates a comprehensive scope for God's authority. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as the verse points forward to a future, inevitable event—the day of judgment. This future orientation serves as a powerful motivation for present conduct. Furthermore, the phrase "him that is ready to judge" uses **Metonymy**, where God is referred to by His attribute and action. Instead of explicitly naming God, Peter describes Him by His readiness to judge, highlighting His active role and the imminent nature of His justice. This concise description powerfully conveys God's sovereign authority and His commitment to righteous judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[First Peter 4:5](/1_peter/4-5 "First Peter 4:5 - Universal Accountability") is a cornerstone verse for understanding the biblical doctrine of final judgment. It affirms the absolute sovereignty of God over all humanity, asserting His right and readiness to evaluate every life. This truth is not meant to instill fear in believers, but rather to provide assurance that all injustice will ultimately be rectified and all righteousness vindicated. For those who reject Christ, it stands as a solemn warning of the inescapable consequences of sin. The universality of this judgment—encompassing both the living and the dead—underscores God's comprehensive knowledge and His unyielding commitment to justice, ensuring that no one's life escapes His divine scrutiny.

* [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Each Will Give Account")
* [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat Judgment")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die, Then Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[First Peter 4:5](/1_peter/4-5 "1 Peter 4:5 - Universal Accountability") compels us to live with an acute awareness of eternal accountability. For the believer, this truth should not evoke terror but rather a profound sense of purpose and motivation. Knowing that we will give an account of our lives to the righteous Judge should inspire us to live with integrity, pursue holiness, and faithfully steward the gifts and opportunities God has given us. It encourages perseverance in the face of worldly scorn, reminding us that our ultimate vindication comes from God, not from human approval. For those who have yet to embrace Christ, this verse serves as a sobering warning and an urgent call to repentance. It emphasizes that there will be a day of reckoning where every person must stand before God. Therefore, our daily choices, our words, and our very thoughts hold eternal weight. This verse should lead us to examine our lives, seeking to align every aspect with God's will, ensuring that our "account" will bring glory to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of future judgment impact your daily choices and priorities?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to live more intentionally, knowing you will give an account?**
* **How can the truth of God's universal judgment provide comfort or motivation in times of injustice or suffering?**
* **If you were to give an account of your life today, what would be your greatest joy and your greatest regret?**

### FAQ

**What does "the quick and the dead" mean in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "the quick and the dead" is an archaic English expression from the King James Version, meaning "the living and the dead." "Quick" in this context refers to those who are physically alive, while "dead" refers to those who have physically died. This phrase emphasizes the universal scope of God's judgment, indicating that everyone, without exception, regardless of whether they are alive at the time of Christ's return or have passed away, will stand before God to give an account of their lives. This truth is foundational to the Christian understanding of ultimate justice and accountability, as seen in passages like [Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus, Judge of Living and Dead") and [2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Jesus, Who Will Judge").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Peter 4:5](/1_peter/4-5 "1 Peter 4:5 - Universal Accountability") speaks of "him that is ready to judge," the New Testament consistently reveals that this ultimate Judge is none other than Jesus Christ Himself. The Father has committed all judgment to the Son ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")), and it is Jesus who is appointed to judge "the quick and the dead" ([Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Peter's Sermon on Jesus as Judge")). His resurrection from the dead serves as God's divine proof and guarantee that He is indeed the one ordained to execute this universal judgment ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Fixed a Day to Judge the World by a Man Whom He Has Appointed")). Therefore, the "account" that all humanity must give is ultimately rendered to Christ, who, as both fully God and fully man, perfectly embodies divine justice and mercy. For those who are "in Christ," this judgment is not one of condemnation, for they have passed from death to life through faith in Him ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Passing from Death to Life")). Instead, it is a judgment of their works, to determine rewards and the manifestation of their faithfulness ([2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat Judgment")). For those outside of Christ, it is a terrifying encounter with the righteous Judge, whose verdict will be final and just.

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

James 5:9

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

Acts 10:42

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God [to be] the Judge of quick and dead.

2 Timothy 4:1

¶ I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

Romans 14:10

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Romans 14:12

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

John 5:22

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

John 5:23

That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.