Incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. Note Peter’s characteristic multiplication of epithets. Jncor- vuptible (apSaprov). From a, not, and iJeipw, to destroy or corrupt. Undefiled (apiavtov). From a, not, and paiva, to defile, though the verb means especially to defile by staenzng, as with color; while porvve, also translated defile (1 Cor. viii. 7), is to besmirch, as with mire. We might render unstained, though the word is not used with any conscious reference to its etymology. That fadeth not away (adpavtov). Used by Peter only, and but once. From 4, not, and papatvoua, to wither. The loveliness of the heavenly inheritance is described as exempt from the blight which attaches to earthly bloom. As between apIaptov, incorruptible, and aydpavtov, unwither- emg, the former emphasizes the indestructibility of sawbstance, and the latter of grace and beauty. The latter adjective ap-
Cu. I.] THE FIRST GENERAL EPISTLE OF PETER. 631
pears in the familiar botanical name amaranth. It will be observed that all of these three epithets are compounded with the negative particle a, not. Archbishop Trench aptly remarks that “it is a remarkable testimony to the reign of sin, and therefore of imperfection, of decay, of death throughout this whole fallen world, that as often as we desire to set forth the glory, purity, and perfection of that other, higher world toward which we strive, we are almost inevitably compelled to do this by the aid of negatives; by the denying to that higher order of things the leading features and characteristics of this.” Com- pare Apoc. xxi. 1, 4, 22, 28, 27; xxii. 3, 5.
Reserved (rernpnuévnv). Lit., which has been reserved, a perfect participle, indicating the inheritance as one reserved through God’s care for his own from the beginning down to the present. Zaid up and kept is the idea. The verb signi- fies keeping as the result of guarding. Thus in John xvii. 11, Christ says, “ keep (tipnoov) those whom thou hast given me ;” in ver. 12, “I kept them” (érypevr) ; é.¢., preserved by guarding them. “Those whom thou gavest me I guarded (épvdaga).” So Rey., which preserves the distinction, Similarly, John xiv. 15, “keep (rnpjjcate) my commandments ;” preserve them unbroken by careful watching. So Peter was delivered to the soldiers to guard him (pudrdocew), but he was kept (érnpetro) in prison (Acts xii. 4, 51). Compare Col. i. 5, where a different word is used: droxeipevny, lit., dard away.
For you (eis). The use of this preposition, instead of the simpler dative, is graphic: with reference to you; with you as its direct object.
5. Kept (dpoupoupévous). A military term. Lit., garrisoned. Rey., guarded. Compare 2 Cor. xi. 32, and the beautiful met- aphorical use of the word at Philip. iv. 7, “shall guard your hearts.” The present participle indicates something im progress, a continuous process of protection. Hence, lit., who are being guarded. “The inheritance is kept ; the heirs are guarded ”
(Bengel).
632 WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. [Cue
By (év) the power; through (dvd) faith ; unto (els) salva- tion. By, indicating the efficient cause; through, the second- ary agency ; wnto, the result.
Salvation. Note the frequent occurrence of this word, vv. 9, 10.
Ready (érotunv. Stronger than about to be, or destined to be, implying a state of waiting or preparedness, and thus har- monizing with reserved.
6. Ve greatly rejoice (a@ya\ndo3e). The word is always employed in the New Testament for great or lively joy. See Matt. v. 12; Luke i. 47; x. 21.
For a season (oAlyov). More literally and correctly, as Rev., Sor a little while. Compare ch. v.10. The word is used no- where else in the New Testament in this sense.
In heaviness (AvrnIeévtes). Lit., having been grieved. Rev., ye have been put to grief.
Through (ev). But Rey., better, ix; the preposition not being instrumental, but indicating the sphere or environment in which the grief operates.