1 Peter 4:18 And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"

◄ 1 Peter 4:18 ►

New International Version
And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

New Living Translation
And also, “If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?”

English Standard Version
And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Berean Standard Bible
And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Berean Literal Bible
And, "If the righteous one is saved with difficulty, where will appear the ungodly and sinner?"

King James Bible
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

New King James Version
Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

New American Standard Bible
AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?

NASB 1995
AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?

NASB 1977
AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?

Legacy Standard Bible
AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?

Amplified Bible
AND IF IT IS DIFFICULT FOR THE RIGHTEOUS TO BE SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS AND THE SINNER?

Christian Standard Bible
And if a righteous person is saved with difficulty, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And if a righteous person is saved with difficulty, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?

American Standard Version
And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?

Contemporary English Version
"If good people barely escape, what will happen to sinners and to others who don't respect God?"

English Revised Version
And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If it's hard for the person who has God's approval to be saved, what will happen to the godless sinner?

Good News Translation
As the scripture says, "It is difficult for good people to be saved; what, then, will become of godless sinners?"

International Standard Version
"If it is hard for the righteous person to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and sinful person?"

Majority Standard Bible
And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

NET Bible
And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the ungodly and sinners?

New Heart English Bible
And "If the righteous is delivered with difficulty, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Weymouth New Testament
And if it is difficult even for a righteous man to be saved, what will become of irreligious men and sinners?

World English Bible
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And if the righteous man is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and sinner appear?

Berean Literal Bible
And, "If the righteous one is saved with difficulty, where will appear the ungodly and sinner?"

Young's Literal Translation
And if the righteous man is scarcely saved, the ungodly and sinner -- where shall he appear?

Smith's Literal Translation
And if the just one with difficulty be saved, where shall the irreligious and sinful appear.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And if the just man shall scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And if the just man will scarcely be saved, where will the impious and the sinner appear?

New American Bible
“And if the righteous one is barely saved, where will the godless and the sinner appear?”

New Revised Standard Version
And “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, how shall the wicked and the sinner stand judgment?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And if the righteous have life in hardship, where is an evil man and a sinner found?

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And if the righteous man is hardly saved, where shall the ungodly man and the sinner appear?

Godbey New Testament
And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Haweis New Testament
And if the righteous man is hardly saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Mace New Testament
if the virtuous escape with difficulty, what will become of impious transgressors?

Weymouth New Testament
And if it is difficult even for a righteous man to be saved, what will become of irreligious men and sinners?

Worrell New Testament
And, if the righteous, with difficulty, is saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?

Worsley New Testament
And if the righteous be saved with difficulty, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Suffering as Christians
…17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? 18And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Proverbs 11:31
If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!

Luke 23:31
For if men do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Matthew 7:13-14
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Romans 5:7-8
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. / But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Hebrews 12:25
See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if the people did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns us from heaven?

Ezekiel 18:24
But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die.

Matthew 19:25-26
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” / Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Luke 13:23-24
“Lord,” someone asked Him, “will only a few people be saved?” Jesus answered, / “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.

Romans 9:27-29
Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the Israelites is like the sand of the sea, only the remnant will be saved. / For the Lord will carry out His sentence on the earth thoroughly and decisively.” / It is just as Isaiah foretold: “Unless the Lord of Hosts had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah.”

Isaiah 1:9
Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah.

Amos 9:9-10
“For surely I will give the command, and I will shake the house of Israel among all the nations as grain is sifted in a sieve; but not a pebble will reach the ground. / All the sinners among My people will die by the sword—all those who say, ‘Disaster will never draw near or confront us.’”

Jeremiah 25:29
For behold, I am beginning to bring disaster on the city that bears My Name, so how could you possibly go unpunished? You will not go unpunished, for I am calling down a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, declares the LORD of Hosts.’

Matthew 24:22
If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.

Romans 11:5-6
In the same way, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. / And if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace.

Isaiah 10:22-23
Though your people, O Israel, be like the sand of the sea, only a remnant will return. Destruction has been decreed, overflowing with righteousness. / For the Lord GOD of Hosts will carry out the destruction decreed upon the whole land.

Treasury of Scripture

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

if.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Proverbs 11:31
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

Jeremiah 25:29
For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts.

where.

Psalm 1:4,5
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away…

Romans 1:18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Romans 5:6
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

the sinner.

Genesis 13:13
But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.

1 Samuel 15:18
And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.

Luke 15:1
Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

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1 Peter 4

1. He exhorts them to cease from sin and live fore God,
12. and comforts them against persecution.

Berean Study Bible

And if it is hard
The phrase "And if it is hard" suggests a condition of difficulty or challenge. The Greek word used here is "μόλις" (molis), which conveys the idea of something being achieved with great effort or scarcely. This reflects the Christian understanding that salvation, while a gift of grace, involves a life of perseverance, discipline, and sometimes suffering. The early Christians faced persecution and trials, which tested their faith and commitment. This phrase serves as a reminder that the path of righteousness is not without its challenges, requiring steadfast faith and reliance on God's strength.

for the righteous
The term "righteous" refers to those who are in right standing with God, often through faith in Jesus Christ. In the Greek, "δίκαιος" (dikaios) is used, which denotes someone who is just or virtuous. Historically, the righteous were those who adhered to God's laws and commandments, but in the New Testament context, it extends to those who have accepted Christ's righteousness. This highlights the transformative power of faith and the call to live a life that reflects God's holiness and justice.

to be saved
The concept of being "saved" is central to Christian theology, referring to deliverance from sin and its consequences. The Greek word "σῴζω" (sōzō) means to save, rescue, or deliver. Salvation is both a present reality and a future hope, encompassing justification, sanctification, and glorification. It underscores the belief that salvation is a divine act of grace, yet it requires human response and cooperation with God's will. This phrase emphasizes the preciousness and seriousness of salvation, urging believers to remain vigilant and faithful.

what will become
This phrase introduces a rhetorical question that invites reflection on the fate of those outside the faith. It implies a sense of uncertainty and concern for the future of the ungodly. The Greek "τί" (ti) suggests an inquiry into the outcome or destiny, prompting believers to consider the eternal implications of one's spiritual state. It serves as a call to evangelism and compassion, motivating Christians to share the gospel with those who do not yet know Christ.

of the ungodly
The "ungodly" are those who live without regard for God or His commandments. The Greek word "ἀσεβής" (asebēs) describes someone who is irreverent or impious. In the biblical context, the ungodly are often contrasted with the righteous, highlighting the moral and spiritual divide between those who follow God and those who reject Him. This term serves as a warning of the consequences of living apart from God's will and a reminder of the need for repentance and faith.

and the sinner?
The term "sinner" refers to those who habitually practice sin, missing the mark of God's standard. The Greek "ἁμαρτωλός" (hamartōlos) denotes someone who is devoted to sin. In Scripture, all humans are recognized as sinners in need of redemption, but this term often emphasizes those who persist in sin without seeking forgiveness. This phrase underscores the urgency of the gospel message, as it points to the dire need for salvation and the hope offered through Christ. It challenges believers to reflect on their own lives and to reach out to others with the love and truth of the gospel.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(18) And if the righteous scarcely be saved.--This is a literal quotation, word for word, of Proverbs 11:31, according to the LXX. The quotation proves to us St. Peter's perfect familiarity with both the Hebrew original and the Greek version. We have seen how he rejects the LXX. version when it does not suit his meaning (e.g., 1Peter 2:8): here it suits him (though it differs from the Hebrew), and he accepts it. The "righteous" man here means, apparently, as Leighton says, "he that endeavours to walk uprightly in the ways of God," rather than the man who is then declared finally justified. The fact that they are "scarcely" saved "imports not," according to Leighton, "any uncertainty or hazard in the thing itself to the end, in respect of the purpose and performance of God, but only the great difficulties and hard encounters in the way." This is only partly true. The Apostle is rather thinking of the final judgment than of the life of trial; and he means that there was but little margin left: a very few more falls, a few more refusals to follow the calls of grace, and they would have been lost. Doubtless, when the best of us looks back, in the light of the last day, upon all that he has been through, he will be amazed that he ever could be saved at all. Yet Bengel well calls us to see the other side of the picture in 2Peter 1:11.

The ungodly and the sinner.--This is the Gentile character. "Ungodly" denotes open irreligion--contempt of God and all that belongs to His worship. "Sinner" goes more to the moral side of the nature, pointing most of all to sins of the flesh. (Comp., for instance, Luke 7:37.) "Sinners" was almost a synonym for "Gentiles." (See, e.g., Luke 6:32; Luke 24:7; Galatians 2:15.) The question "Where shall he appear?" imagines some scene such as that of Matthew 25:32 : "Where shall we see him? where will he have to stand?" . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 18. - And if the righteous scarcely be saved. St. Peter is quoting the Septuagint Version of Proverbs 11:31. That version departs considerably from the Hebrew, which is accurately represented by the Authorized Version, "Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth; much more the wicked and the sinner." Probably the word rendered" recompensed," which is neutral in its meaning, is best understood here, not of the good deeds of the righteous, but of the sin which still cleaves to all human righteousness. The righteous shall be requited in the earth, that is, chastised for his transgressions. So it would be now, St. Peter says; judgment must begin at the house of God. He adopts the inexact Septuagint translation for its substantial truth, as we now sometimes use versions which are sufficient for practical purposes, though we know them to be critically inaccurate. We observe again the absence of marks of quotation, as often in St. Peter. Bengel well remarks that the awful "scarcely" (μόλις σώζεται) is softened by 2 Peter 1:11. Where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? The" ungodly "are the impious, scoffers, and blasphemers; the" sinners" are men of profligate and dissolute lives. But the words are (probably) included under one article in the Greek; the men were the same; one form of evil led to the other (comp. Psalm 1:5; see also Matthew 19:25).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

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

“If
Εἰ (Ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

it is hard for
μόλις (molis)
Adverb
Strong's 3433: With difficulty, hardly, scarcely. Probably by variation for mogis; with difficulty.

the
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative 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.

righteous
δίκαιος (dikaios)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1342: From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.

to be saved,
σώζεται (sōzetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4982: To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.

what
ποῦ (pou)
Adverb
Strong's 4226: Genitive case of an interrogative pronoun pos otherwise obsolete; as adverb of place; at what locality.

will become of
φανεῖται (phaneitai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5316: Prolongation for the base of phos; to lighten, i.e. Show.

the
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative 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.

ungodly
ἀσεβὴς (asebēs)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 765: Impious, ungodly, wicked. Irreverent, i.e. impious or wicked.

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

[the] sinner?”
ἁμαρτωλὸς (hamartōlos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 268: Sinning, sinful, depraved, detestable. From hamartano; sinful, i.e. A sinner.

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NT Letters: 1 Peter 4:18 If it is hard for the righteous (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet)