1 Peter 4:6 Meaning and Explanation
“For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →For this reason the gospel was preached also to the dead, that though judged as men in the flesh, they might live to God in the spirit.
What Does 1 Peter 4:6 Mean?
Peter states it directly: the gospel was preached also to them that are dead. Having just named the Judge of the living and the dead, he now speaks of good news reaching the dead themselves, and he lets the statement stand without explaining it away.
The purpose given is that, though judged in the flesh as all mortals are, they might live according to God in the spirit. Peter does not flatten this to a figure of speech or resolve every question it raises. The plain sense is that the gospel's reach extended even to the dead, that they too might come to live to God. What this means for them, and how far that reach extends, Peter leaves open, holding before his readers a gospel whose power is not stopped even by death.
1 Peter 4:6 in the Original Language
euangelizo (εὐαγγελίζω), 'the gospel preached' -- to proclaim good news, to announce the glad tidings.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Peter 4:6
What does 1 Peter 4:6 mean?
For this reason the gospel was preached also to the dead, that though judged as men in the flesh, they might live to God in the spirit.