1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ — To those chosen, sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, [1:2] chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
1PE 1:1-2
A Greeting from Peter
In the world it was spoken into
The recipients of this letter are identified as 'elect sojourners of the Dispersion,' a phrase that would resonate deeply with Jewish and Gentile audiences familiar with the Jewish Diaspora. The term (sojourner) evokes the image of a temporary resident, someone without full citizenship or permanent belonging in their current location. For Jews in the Diaspora, this term would recall their ancestral exile and longing for restoration. For Gentile converts, it would underscore their new identity as part of God’s people, yet still outsiders in Roman society. The mention of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia situates these communities in Roman provinces of Asia Minor, regions marked by cultural diversity and Roman imperial presence. The phrase 'sanctification of the Spirit' points to a transformative process of being set apart for God’s purposes, while 'sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ' evokes Old Testament rituals of purification and covenant-making, framing Jesus’ sacrifice as the fulfillment of these ancient practices.
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How other translations render this
1PE 1:1
- KJV
- Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
- BSB
- Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the elect who are exiles of the Dispersion throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen
- Koinōnos
- Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ — To those chosen, sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
1PE 1:2
- KJV
- Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
- BSB
- according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
- Koinōnos
- chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
1PE 1:1
- sojourners:The word translated 'sojourners' refers to someone residing temporarily in a foreign land, often without full citizenship rights, emphasizing their transient status and lack of permanent belonging.
- of [the] Dispersion:The term 'Dispersion' refers to Jewish communities living outside of the land of Israel, scattered among the nations. It highlights their identity as a distinct people living among others.
1PE 1:2
- [the] sanctification:The word translated 'sanctification' carries the meaning of being set apart or consecrated for God's special purpose, rather than just a process of becoming holy.
- sprinkling:The word translated 'sprinkling' evokes ancient rituals where blood or water was sprinkled to purify, consecrate, or ratify a covenant, signifying a cleansing or dedication.