1 Peter 1:17
New International Version
Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.

New Living Translation
And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.”

English Standard Version
And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,

Berean Standard Bible
Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.

Berean Literal Bible
And if you call on as Father the One judging impartially according to the work of each, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your sojourn,

King James Bible
And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

New King James Version
And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;

New American Standard Bible
If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth;

NASB 1995
If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth;

NASB 1977
And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each man’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay upon earth;

Legacy Standard Bible
And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your sojourn,

Amplified Bible
If you address as Father, the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in [reverent] fear [of Him] and with profound respect for Him throughout the time of your stay on earth.

Christian Standard Bible
If you appeal to the Father who judges impartially according to each one’s work, you are to conduct yourselves in reverence during your time living as strangers.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And if you address as Father the One who judges impartially based on each one’s work, you are to conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your temporary residence.

American Standard Version
And if ye call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to each man's work, pass the time of your sojourning in fear:

Contemporary English Version
You say that God is your Father, but God doesn't have favorites! He judges all people by what they do. So you must honor God while you live as strangers here on earth.

English Revised Version
And if ye call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to each man's work, pass the time of your sojourning in fear:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So if you call God your Father, live your time as temporary residents on earth in fear. He is the God who judges all people by what they have done, and he doesn't play favorites.

Good News Translation
You call him Father, when you pray to God, who judges all people by the same standard, according to what each one has done; so then, spend the rest of your lives here on earth in reverence for him.

International Standard Version
If you call "Father" the one who judges everyone impartially according to what they have done, you must live in reverent fear as long as you are strangers in a strange land.

Majority Standard Bible
Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.

NET Bible
And if you address as Father the one who impartially judges according to each one's work, live out the time of your temporary residence here in reverence.

New Heart English Bible
If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man's work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear:

Webster's Bible Translation
And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

Weymouth New Testament
And if you address as your Father Him who judges impartially in accordance with each man's actions, then spend in fear the time of your stay here on earth,

World English Bible
If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and if you call on the Father, who is judging without favoritism according to the work of each, pass the time of your sojourn in fear,

Berean Literal Bible
And if you call on as Father the One judging impartially according to the work of each, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your sojourn,

Young's Literal Translation
and if on the Father ye do call, who without acceptance of persons is judging according to the work of each, in fear the time of your sojourn pass ye,

Smith's Literal Translation
And if ye call upon the Father, judging without distinction of persons according to the work of each, in fear be occupied in the time of your sojourning:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And if you invoke as Father him who, without respect of persons, judgeth according to every one's work: converse in fear during the time of your sojourning here.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And if you invoke as Father him who, without showing favoritism to persons, judges according to each one’s work, then act in fear during the time of your sojourning here.

New American Bible
Now if you invoke as Father him who judges impartially according to each one’s works, conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning,

New Revised Standard Version
If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And if you call on the Father, who is impartial and who judges every man according to his works, conduct yourselves reverently during the time of your sojourning here:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And if you call upon The Father, he who has no respect of persons and judges every person according to his works, live your life in reverence in this time of your pilgrimage,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And since you call on the Father, who, without respect of persons, judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning in fear:

Godbey New Testament
And if you call upon the Father, the One judging without respect of persons according to the work of each, pass the time of your sojourn with fear,

Haweis New Testament
And if ye invoke him as Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, conduct yourselves during the time of your sojourning with jealous fear:

Mace New Testament
and since you invoke him as your father, who without respect of persons judges every one according to his actions; while you are passing thro' this world, be fearful of offending him:

Weymouth New Testament
And if you address as your Father Him who judges impartially in accordance with each man's actions, then spend in fear the time of your stay here on earth,

Worrell New Testament
And, if ye call on Him as Father, Who, without respect of persons, judgeth according to each one's work, pass the time of your sojourning in fear;

Worsley New Testament
And if ye call upon the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Call to Holiness
16for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners. 18For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers,…

Cross References
Romans 2:6-11
God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” / To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. / But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. ...

James 2:1-9
My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. / Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. / If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,” ...

Acts 10:34-35
Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, / but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.

2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.

Matthew 7:21-23
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. / Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’

Hebrews 12:28-29
Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. / “For our God is a consuming fire.”

Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Ephesians 6:9
And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.

Colossians 3:25
Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

Revelation 20:12-13
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And books were opened, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. / The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds.

Deuteronomy 10:17
For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe.

Psalm 62:12
and loving devotion to You, O Lord. For You will repay each man according to his deeds.

Proverbs 24:12
If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds?

Jeremiah 17:10
I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.

Job 34:19
who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.


Treasury of Scripture

And if you call on the Father, who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

call.

Zephaniah 3:9
For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.

Matthew 6:9
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: …

who.

Deuteronomy 10:17
For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

2 Chronicles 19:7
Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

Job 34:19
How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.

pass.

Genesis 47:9
And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.

1 Chronicles 29:15
For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.

Psalm 39:12
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

in fear.

1 Peter 2:11
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

Proverbs 14:16
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

Proverbs 28:14
Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

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Accordance Actions Acts Address Conduct Deeds Earth Fear Foreigners Impartially Invoke Judges Judgeth Live One's Persons Position Regard Respect Reverent Sojourning Spend Throughout Time Work Yourselves
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Accordance Actions Acts Address Conduct Deeds Earth Fear Foreigners Impartially Invoke Judges Judgeth Live One's Persons Position Regard Respect Reverent Sojourning Spend Throughout Time Work Yourselves
1 Peter 1
1. Peter praises God for his manifold spiritual graces;
10. showing that the salvation in Christ the fulfillment of prophesy;
13. and exhorts them accordingly to be holy.














Since you call on a Father
The phrase "call on a Father" emphasizes the intimate relationship believers have with God. The Greek word for "call" (ἐπικαλέω, epikaleō) suggests invoking or appealing to someone with authority. In the context of a "Father," it highlights the familial bond and the privilege of addressing God with the same intimacy and respect as a child to a parent. This relationship is rooted in the Old Testament understanding of God as a Father to Israel (Isaiah 63:16), and it is deepened in the New Testament through the work of Christ, who enables believers to become children of God (John 1:12).

who judges each one's work impartially
The concept of God as a judge is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. The Greek word for "judges" (κρίνω, krinō) implies a discerning and authoritative evaluation. The term "impartially" (ἀπροσωπολήμπτως, aprosōpolēmptōs) underscores God's fairness and justice, indicating that He does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34). This impartial judgment is a call to accountability, reminding believers that their actions are seen and evaluated by God, who is just and righteous. It reflects the biblical principle that God looks at the heart and motives behind actions (1 Samuel 16:7).

conduct yourselves in reverent fear
The phrase "conduct yourselves" (ἀναστρέφω, anastrephō) refers to one's manner of life or behavior. The call to live "in reverent fear" (φόβος, phobos) is not about being terrified of God but rather having a profound respect and awe for His holiness and authority. This reverence is rooted in the understanding of God's majesty and the believer's accountability to Him. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom," indicating that such fear leads to a life of wisdom and obedience.

during your stay as foreigners
The term "foreigners" (παροικία, paroikia) reflects the transient and temporary nature of the believer's life on earth. It echoes the Old Testament imagery of the Israelites as sojourners and exiles (Leviticus 25:23). This perspective encourages believers to live with an eternal mindset, recognizing that their true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). The idea of being "foreigners" serves as a reminder to not become too attached to worldly things but to focus on the eternal promises of God.

(17) And if.--The "if" casts no doubt, but, on the contrary, serves to bring out the necessary logical connection between invoking the Father--and such a Father--and fear. (See Note on 1Thessalonians 4:14.)

Ye call on the Father.--We might paraphrase by "if you use the Lord's Prayer." (Refer again to 1Peter 1:3; 1Peter 1:14.) The word seems not only to mean "if you appeal to the Father," but "if you appeal to the Father by the title of Father." (Comp. Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6.) . . .

Verse 17. - And if ye call on the Father. "If" does not imply doubt; it introduces an hypothesis which, being taken for granted, involves a duty. Apparently there is here a reference to the Lord's Prayer, as in 2 Timothy 4:18. You call on God as your Father; then pass your time in fear (comp. Malachi 1:6, "If I be a Father, where is mine honor?"). He called you first; now ye call on him. The translation of the Revised Version is more exact than the Authorized Version, "If ye call on him as Father." Who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work. The adverb ἀπροσωπολήπτως, rendered "without respect of persons," occurs nowhere else in the New Testament; but the thought is familiar. St. Peter himself had said, when he was sent to receive Cornelius into the Church, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34). The disciples of the Pharisees had said the same of our Lord (Matthew 22:16; comp. also Romans 2:11; Galatians 2:6; James 2:1-4). The Lord said (John 5:22), "The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment to the Son." But the Father is "Fens judicii," as Didymus says (quoted by Alford), "judicante Filio, Pater est qu;. judicat," for the Son judges as his Delegate; as it was through the Son that the Father made the worlds. He judges according to every man's work, regarding, not distinctions of rank, or wealth, or nationality, but only the character of the work. Observe that the word "work" (ἔργον) is in the singular number, as πρᾶξιν in Matthew 16:27. God judges according to every man's work as a whole, according to the whole scope and meaning of his life as issuing from the one governing principle, whether faith or selfishness. So Bengel, "Unius hominis unum est opus, bouum malumve." Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. The verb here, ἀναστράφητε, corresponds with the noun ἀναστροφή ("conversation") of ver. 15; both might be rendered (as Dean Plumptre suggests) by "conduct" (noun or verb) - "in all your conduct" in ver. 15; and here, "conduct yourselves." The word "sojourning" reminds us of ver. 1 of this chapter and of 1 Peter 2:11, in which last place we have the corresponding Greek word. We are sojourners here, life is short; but the character of that short life determines our eternal condition; therefore live in fear. St. John says, "Perfect love casteth out fear;" but there is no contradiction, as some have said, between the two holy apostles; for the fear which cannot coexist with perfect love (it may in various measures coexist with imperfect love) is slavish fear, selfish fear of death and punishment. The fear which St. Peter and St. Paul (Philippians 2:12) commend is holy fear - the fear of a son for a loving father, the fear of displeasing God before whom we walk, God who gave his blessed Son to die for us, God who will judge us at the last. This fear is not cowardice. Our Lord said (Luke 12:4), "Be not afraid of them that kill the body.... Fear him," etc. They who fear God need fear nothing else but God.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Since
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

you call on
ἐπικαλεῖσθε (epikaleisthe)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1941: (a) To call (name) by a supplementary (additional, alternative) name, (b) mid: To call upon, appeal to, address.

[a] Father
Πατέρα (Patera)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

who
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

judges
κρίνοντα (krinonta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2919: Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.

each one’s
ἑκάστου (hekastou)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1538: Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.

work
ἔργον (ergon)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

impartially,
ἀπροσωπολήμπτως (aprosōpolēmptōs)
Adverb
Strong's 678: (literary and Jewish), without any preference (undue favor, partiality) for a person.

live your lives
ἀναστράφητε (anastraphēte)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 390: From ana and strepho; to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e. Remain, live.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

reverent fear
φόβῳ (phobō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5401: (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright.

during
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

temporary stay [on earth].
χρόνον (chronon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5550: A space of time or interval; by extension, an individual opportunity; by implication, delay.


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NT Letters: 1 Peter 1:17 If you call on him as Father (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet)
1 Peter 1:16
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