Tag Archives: 1 Peter 4:19

Entrusting the Soul: The Hermeneutics of Suffering in 1 Peter 4:19

Posted on April 19, 2024 by New Testament Greek

1 Peter 4:19 concludes a major section on Christian suffering (4:12–19). The verse is not just a summary but a pastoral exhortation couched in theological maturity. Peter speaks to those undergoing trials, giving them both ethical instruction and theological orientation. The verse pivots from explanation to exhortation, from theology to response, embedding deep assurance within the call to endure.

Structural Analysis

The verse divides into two parts:

Ὥστε καὶ οἱ πάσχοντες κατὰ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ ὡς πιστῷ κτίστῃ παρατιθέσθωσαν τὰς ψυχὰς αὐτῶν ἐν ἀγαθοποιΐᾳ

The main verb is the imperative παρατιθέσθωσαν (“let them entrust”), in the present middle imperative, reflecting ongoing, voluntary action.… Learn Koine Greek

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“Ὥστε… παρατιθέσθωσαν τὰς ψυχὰς αὐτῶν”: Entrusting the Soul in Suffering (1 Peter 4:19)

Posted on April 19, 2012 by New Testament Greek
Introduction: A Command to the Suffering

1 Peter 4:19 offers final counsel for Christians experiencing unjust suffering:

Ὥστε καὶ οἱ πάσχοντες κατὰ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὡς πιστῷ κτίστῃ παρατιθέσθωσαν τὰς ψυχὰς αὐτῶν ἐν ἀγαθοποιΐᾳ “Therefore, those who suffer according to God’s will must entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing good.”

This is the only place in the New Testament where God is called κτίστης (“Creator”), and it powerfully links suffering, trust, and ethical persistence.

Ὥστε καὶ οἱ πάσχοντες κατὰ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὡς πιστῷ κτίστῃ παρατιθέσθωσαν τὰς ψυχὰς αὐτῶν ἐν ἀγαθοποιΐᾳ Morphological Breakdown Ὥστε {hṓste} – Form: conjunction of result or inference; Meaning: “so then,” “therefore”; Usage: draws a conclusion from the previous verses.… Learn Koine Greek
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