What Does 1 Peter 4:17 Mean in the King James?

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

1 Peter 4:17 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

This verse in the Selah Decoded Version

THE KEY

Judgment begins inside God’s living household: belonging is the beginning of accountability, not immunity.

THE MEANING

God’s judgment reaches the household of God first, so the reader stands within its scope rather than watching from outside. The verse places that inward reckoning beside the end awaiting those who refuse God’s gospel.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

Belonging to God’s household makes a person exempt from scrutiny.

THE ROOT

οἶκος

oikos

GROWS FROM

οἰκ-

oik-

house, dwelling, or household

⁨οἶκος⁩ can name both a dwelling and the household living in it. Peter uses this word family for people being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5) and for stewards serving one another (1 Peter 4:10), so God’s house is a living, entrusted community.

ALSO GROWS

oikodomeō: build up; build a house

οἰκοδομέω

In 1 Peter 2:5, believers are built into a spiritual house, showing that the house is made of people.

oikonomos: household steward

οἰκονόμος

In 1 Peter 4:10, members serve one another as stewards; the household under judgment is also a household entrusted with gifts.

κρίμα

krima

GROWS FROM

κριν-

krin-

to judge, decide, or distinguish

The Greek word names a judgment or verdict; by itself, it does not say that the verdict is condemnation. The verse’s force comes from where judgment begins: among God’s own household.

ALSO GROWS

krinō: judge or decide

κρίνω

The related verb presents judgment as an act of discernment or decision, rather than specifying its outcome.

krisis: judgment or decision

κρίσις

This related noun also names an adjudication, keeping attention on what is judged and where the judgment starts.

THE PATTERN

God’s judgment reaches the people and places bearing God’s name, making belonging a site of accountability rather than immunity.

Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.

Ezekiel 9:6 · KJVThe command sends lethal judgment through Jerusalem and explicitly begins at the sanctuary, while sparing those marked.

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.

Jeremiah 25:29 · KJVThe city called by God’s name faces judgment first, and the verse makes clear that its connection to God does not exempt it.

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

1 Peter 4:18 · KJVThe next verse extends the question outward from the household to those who refuse God’s gospel.

THE THREAD

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1 Peter 4:10 · KJV

The same Greek word family links God’s house to the household stewards who serve one another with the gifts they have received. Judgment begins in a community entrusted with something.

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