1 Peter 1:4
New International Version
and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,

New Living Translation
and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

English Standard Version
to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

Berean Standard Bible
and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,

Berean Literal Bible
to an inheritance imperishable and undefiled and unfading, being reserved in the heavens for you,

King James Bible
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

New King James Version
to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

New American Standard Bible
to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

NASB 1995
to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

NASB 1977
to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

Legacy Standard Bible
to obtain an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and unfading, having been kept in heaven for you,

Amplified Bible
[born anew] into an inheritance which is imperishable [beyond the reach of change] and undefiled and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,

Christian Standard Bible
and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.

American Standard Version
unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

Contemporary English Version
God has something stored up for you in heaven, where it will never decay or be ruined or disappear.

English Revised Version
unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We have been born into a new life which has an inheritance that can't be destroyed or corrupted and can't fade away. That inheritance is kept in heaven for you,

Good News Translation
and so we look forward to possessing the rich blessings that God keeps for his people. He keeps them for you in heaven, where they cannot decay or spoil or fade away.

International Standard Version
and to an inheritance kept in heaven for you that can't be destroyed, corrupted, or changed.

Majority Standard Bible
and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,

NET Bible
that is, into an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It is reserved in heaven for you,

New Heart English Bible
to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that does not fade away, reserved in Heaven for you,

Webster's Bible Translation
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

Weymouth New Testament
to an inheritance imperishable, undefiled and unfading, which has been reserved in Heaven for you,

World English Bible
to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
to an incorruptible inheritance, and undefiled, and unfading, reserved for you in the heavens,

Berean Literal Bible
to an inheritance imperishable and undefiled and unfading, being reserved in the heavens for you,

Young's Literal Translation
to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and unfading, reserved in the heavens for you,

Smith's Literal Translation
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and unfading, kept in the heavens for us,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that can not fade, reserved in heaven for you,

Catholic Public Domain Version
unto an incorruptible and undefiled and unfading inheritance, which is reserved for you in heaven.

New American Bible
to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you

New Revised Standard Version
and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, that does not fade away, and is prepared in heaven for you,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And to an inheritance which is indestructible, undefiled and unfading, prepared for you in Heaven,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
in respect to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for us,

Godbey New Testament
unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and never fading, having been kept in the heavens unto you,

Haweis New Testament
for an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and unfading, reserved in the heavens for you,

Mace New Testament
in the enjoyment of a state, that can never change or decay, a state reserv'd in heaven for us,

Weymouth New Testament
to an inheritance imperishable, undefiled and unfading, which has been reserved in Heaven for you,

Worrell New Testament
to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and unfading; kept in Heaven for you,

Worsley New Testament
to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Living Hope
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, 5who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.…

Cross References
Matthew 6:19-20
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Colossians 1:5
the faith and love proceeding from the hope stored up for you in heaven, of which you have already heard in the word of truth, the gospel

Hebrews 9:15
Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

Ephesians 1:11
In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,

Romans 8:17
And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Titus 3:7
so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life.

2 Timothy 4:8
From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

Revelation 21:7
The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.

1 John 3:2
Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.

John 14:2-3
In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? / And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.

2 Corinthians 5:1
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.

Philippians 3:20-21
But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, / who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

Hebrews 10:34
You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.

Galatians 3:29
And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.


Treasury of Scripture

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you,

an.

1 Peter 3:9
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Matthew 25:34
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Acts 20:32
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

incorruptible.

1 Corinthians 9:25
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

1 Corinthians 15:52-54
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed…

undefiled.

Revelation 21:27
And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

fadeth.

1 Peter 5:4
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Isaiah 40:7,8
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass…

Ezekiel 47:12
And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

reserved.

Psalm 31:19
Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

Colossians 1:5
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

Colossians 3:3,4
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God…

for you.

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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.














and into an inheritance
The concept of inheritance in biblical times often referred to the passing down of land, possessions, or status from one generation to the next. In the Old Testament, the Promised Land was the inheritance for the Israelites (Joshua 1:6). In the New Testament, the inheritance is spiritual, signifying the eternal life and blessings believers receive through Christ (Ephesians 1:11). This inheritance is not earned but is a gift of grace, highlighting the believer's adoption into God's family (Romans 8:17).

that is imperishable
The term "imperishable" indicates something that cannot decay or be destroyed. Unlike earthly inheritances that can be lost, stolen, or devalue over time, this inheritance is eternal and secure. This reflects the eternal nature of God and His promises (1 Corinthians 15:52-54). The imperishable nature of the inheritance assures believers of its permanence and reliability.

undefiled
"Undefiled" means pure and untainted by sin or corruption. In the Old Testament, defilement often related to ceremonial uncleanliness, which separated individuals from God (Leviticus 11:44-45). The inheritance in Christ is free from any moral or spiritual impurity, reflecting the holiness of God (Hebrews 7:26). This purity ensures that the inheritance remains perfect and unblemished.

and unfading
The word "unfading" suggests something that does not lose its beauty or value over time. In contrast to earthly treasures that can fade or diminish, this inheritance remains vibrant and glorious. This echoes the eternal glory that believers will share with Christ (2 Corinthians 4:17). The unfading nature of the inheritance emphasizes its enduring splendor and worth.

reserved in heaven for you
The phrase "reserved in heaven" indicates that this inheritance is kept safe by God Himself, beyond the reach of earthly harm or decay. Heaven is depicted as the ultimate dwelling place of God and the final destination for believers (John 14:2-3). The assurance that it is "for you" personalizes the promise, affirming that each believer has a secure place in God's eternal kingdom. This reservation is guaranteed by the work of Christ and the sealing of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
The apostle of Jesus Christ, traditionally believed to be the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage believers who are experiencing trials.

2. Believers in Asia Minor
The recipients of Peter's letter, who were facing persecution and needed reassurance of their faith and hope in Christ.

3. Heaven
The place where the inheritance is reserved, representing the ultimate destination and hope for believers.
Teaching Points
The Nature of Our Inheritance
Our inheritance is described as imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. This emphasizes its eternal and unchanging nature, contrasting with earthly inheritances that can decay or be lost.

Security in Christ
The inheritance is "reserved in heaven for you," highlighting the security and assurance believers have in Christ. It is kept safe by God, beyond the reach of earthly corruption.

Living with Eternal Perspective
Understanding the nature of our heavenly inheritance should influence how we live our daily lives, encouraging us to focus on eternal values rather than temporary worldly gains.

Encouragement in Trials
Knowing that our inheritance is secure can provide comfort and strength during times of trial and persecution, reminding us that our ultimate reward is with God.(4) To an inheritance.--This is structurally parallel to and explanatory of, the clause "into a living hope" We are, as the saying is, born to an estate. This notion of an "inheritance," or property, that we have come in for, is particularly Hebrew, occurring very frequently in the Old Testament. The Pontine dispersion had lost their "inheritance" in Palestine, but there is a better in store for them.

Incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.--Exuberant description of the excellencies of the new Canaan. The first epithet contrasts its imperishable nature (see Romans 1:23; 2Timothy 1:10) with the fleeting tenure of the earthly Canaan. The second speaks of its freedom from pollutions such as desecrated the first "Holy Land." Perhaps it may specially mean that the new Holy Land will never be profaned by Gentile incursions and tyrannies. The third, and most poetical of all (which is only found besides in Wisdom Of Solomon 6:12), conveys the notion of the unchanging beauty of that land--no winter ill the inheritance to which the Resurrection brings us (Song of Solomon 2:11).

Reserved--The perfect tense, which hath been reserved unto you, i.e., either in the temporal sense--"kept all this while until you came," or "with a view to you." (Comp. Hebrews 11:40.) He now adds explicitly that it is no earthly, but a heavenly possession. . . .

Verse 4. - To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away. The Christian's hope maketh not ashamed. The inheritance is sure; it is better than the inheritance promised to Abraham; for it is

(1) incorruptible. All things earthly have in themselves the seeds of decay and death; but "when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption," the redeemed of the Lord shall receive a kingdom that cannot be moved, where "neither moth nor rust doth corrupt."

(2) It is undefiled. The inheritance of Israel was defiled (Leviticus 18:27, 28), but into the heavenly inheritance entereth not "anything that defileth" (Revelation 21:27).

(3) It fadeth not away. "The grass withereth, the flower falleth away;" it is not so in the "land that is very far off." The crown reserved for its blessed inhabitants is an amaranth wreath (comp. Wisd. 6:13 and 1 Peter 5:4, where see note). There are no tendencies to corruption there, no possibilities of defilement, not even that fading which must pass over the fairest things of earth. Reserved in heaven for you. The many mansions in our Father's house have been kept from the beginning, and still are kept for his elect; Satan cannot rob them of it, as he robbed man of the earthly paradise. Some of the Greek commentators find in the words, "in heaven," an argument against the millenarians. Some manuscripts read "for us," but the received reading is best supported. St. Peter passes from one person to another, as St. Paul often does, sometimes addressing his readers directly, sometimes including himself among them.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[and] into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

an inheritance [that is]
κληρονομίαν (klēronomian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2817: From kleronomos; heirship, i.e. a patrimony or a possession.

imperishable,
ἄφθαρτον (aphtharton)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 862: Indestructible, imperishable, incorruptible; hence: immortal. Undecaying.

undefiled,
ἀμίαντον (amianton)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 283: Undefiled, untainted, free from contamination. Unsoiled, i.e. pure.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

unfading,
ἀμάραντον (amaranton)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 263: Unfading, enduring. Unfading, i.e. perpetual.

reserved
τετηρημένην (tetērēmenēn)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5083: From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.

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.

heaven
οὐρανοῖς (ouranois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.

for
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

you,
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Letters: 1 Peter 1:4 To an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet)
1 Peter 1:3
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