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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Peter 1:23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_peter/1-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/60_1Pe_01_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Peter 1:23 - The Word of the Lord Stands" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_peter/1-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_peter/1-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_peter/">1 Peter</a> > <a href="/1_peter/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm" title="1 Peter 1:22">◄</a> 1 Peter 1:23 <a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm" title="1 Peter 1:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_peter/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_peter/1.htm">New International Version</a> For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. <a href="/nlt/1_peter/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. <a href="/esv/1_peter/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; <a href="/bsb/1_peter/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. <a href="/blb/1_peter/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> having been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, by the living and abiding word of God, <a href="/kjv/1_peter/1.htm">King James Bible</a> Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. <a href="/nkjv/1_peter/1.htm">New King James Version</a> having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, <a href="/nasb_/1_peter/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable, but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. <a href="/nasb/1_peter/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. <a href="/nasb77/1_peter/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God. <a href="/lsb/1_peter/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> for you have been born again not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. <a href="/amp/1_peter/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> for you have been born again [that is, reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] not of seed which is perishable but [from that which is] imperishable and immortal, that is, through the living and everlasting word of God. <a href="/csb/1_peter/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> because you have been born again —not of perishable seed but of imperishable—through the living and enduring word of God. <a href="/hcsb/1_peter/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> since you have been born again—not of perishable seed but of imperishable—through the living and enduring word of God. <a href="/asv/1_peter/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth. <a href="/cev/1_peter/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Do this because God has given you new birth by his message that lives on forever. <a href="/erv/1_peter/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth. <a href="/gwt/1_peter/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You have been born again, not from a seed that can be destroyed, but through God's everlasting word that can't be destroyed. That's why [Scripture says], <a href="/gnt/1_peter/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> For through the living and eternal word of God you have been born again as the children of a parent who is immortal, not mortal. <a href="/isv/1_peter/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> For you have been born again, not by a seed that perishes but by one that cannot perish—by the living and everlasting word of God. <a href="/msb/1_peter/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and forever enduring word of God. <a href="/net/1_peter/1.htm">NET Bible</a> You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. <a href="/nheb/1_peter/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the living and abiding word of God. <a href="/wbt/1_peter/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. <a href="/wey/1_peter/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For you have been begotten again by God's ever-living and enduring word from a germ not of perishable, but of imperishable life. <a href="/web/1_peter/1.htm">World English Bible</a> having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_peter/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> being begotten again, not out of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, through a word of God—living and remaining—throughout the age; <a href="/blb/1_peter/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> having been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, by the living and abiding word of God, <a href="/ylt/1_peter/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> being begotten again, not out of seed corruptible, but incorruptible, through a word of God -- living and remaining -- to the age; <a href="/slt/1_peter/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Begotten again, not of corrupted seed, but uncorrupted, by the word of God, living and remaining forever.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_peter/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Being born again not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, by the word of God who liveth and remaineth for ever. <a href="/cpdv/1_peter/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For you have been born again, not from corruptible seed, but from what is incorruptible, from the Word of God, living and remaining for all eternity. <a href="/nabre/1_peter/1.htm">New American Bible</a> You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and abiding word of God, <a href="/nrsvce/1_peter/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_peter/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides for ever. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_peter/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> As persons who have been born again, not from fallible seed, but that which is infallible, by the living word of God which stands for eternity.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_peter/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> having been begotten again, not with corruptible seed, but with incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever. <a href="/godbey/1_peter/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, through the word of God, who lives and abides. <a href="/haweis/1_peter/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the quickening word of God, and which abideth for ever. <a href="/mace/1_peter/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> since your regeneration is not owing to any corruptible principles, but to the unchangeable word of the immortal God. <a href="/wey/1_peter/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For you have been begotten again by God's ever-living and enduring word from a germ not of perishable, but of imperishable life. <a href="/worrell/1_peter/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, through the word of God, that lives and abides. <a href="/worsley/1_peter/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> being regenerated not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever. <a href="/parallel/1_peter/1-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1h9-AlUcaGE?start=223" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_peter/1.htm">The Word of the Lord Stands</a> 22Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart. 23<a href="/greek/313.htm" title="313: anagegennēmenoi (V-RPM/P-NMP) -- To beget again, beget into a new life. From ana and gennao; to beget or bear.">For you have been born again,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">of</a> <a href="/greek/5349.htm" title="5349: phthartēs (Adj-GFS) -- Corruptible, perishable. From phtheiro; decayed, i.e. perishable.">perishable</a> <a href="/greek/4701.htm" title="4701: sporas (N-GFS) -- Seed sown, a sowing. From speiro; a sowing, i.e. parentage.">seed,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/862.htm" title="862: aphthartou (Adj-GFS) -- Indestructible, imperishable, incorruptible; hence: immortal. Undecaying.">of imperishable,</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">through</a> <a href="/greek/2198.htm" title="2198: zōntos (V-PPA-GMS) -- To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.">the living</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3306.htm" title="3306: menontos (V-PPA-GMS) -- To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.">enduring</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logou (N-GMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">word</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God.</a> 24For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/1-13.htm">John 1:13</a> children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God. <a href="/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18</a> He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation. <a href="/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9</a> Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. <a href="/john/3-3.htm">John 3:3-5</a> Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” / “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?” / Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. <a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Titus 3:5</a> He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a> For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. <a href="/1_john/5-1.htm">1 John 5:1</a> Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves those born of Him. <a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a> Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. <a href="/ephesians/5-26.htm">Ephesians 5:26</a> to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a> Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! <a href="/isaiah/40-8.htm">Isaiah 40:8</a> The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” <a href="/psalms/119-89.htm">Psalm 119:89</a> Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens. <a href="/isaiah/55-10.htm">Isaiah 55:10-11</a> For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, / so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a> “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. <a href="/ezekiel/36-25.htm">Ezekiel 36:25-27</a> I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. / I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and stays for ever.born.<a href="/1_peter/1-3.htm">1 Peter 1:3</a> Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,<a href="/john/1-3.htm">John 1:3</a> All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.<a href="/john/3-5.htm">John 3:5</a> Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.not.<a href="/malachi/2-3.htm">Malachi 2:3</a> Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it.<a href="/romans/1-23.htm">Romans 1:23</a> And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.<a href="/1_corinthians/15-53.htm">1 Corinthians 15:53,54</a> For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality… but.<a href="/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9</a> Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.<a href="/1_john/5-18.htm">1 John 5:18</a> We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.by.<a href="/1_peter/1-25.htm">1 Peter 1:25</a> But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.<a href="/jeremiah/23-28.htm">Jeremiah 23:28</a> The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.<a href="/matthew/24-35.htm">Matthew 24:35</a> Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/7-24.htm">Abideth</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-5.htm">Age</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-3.htm">Anew</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-3.htm">Begotten</a> <a href="/james/1-18.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-23.htm">Born</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">Corruptible</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-14.htm">Enduring</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-3.htm">Ever-Living</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-21.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/1_john/3-9.htm">Germ</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-5.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-4.htm">Imperishable</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-4.htm">Incorruptible</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-4.htm">New</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">Perishable</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-24.htm">Remaining</a> <a href="/james/3-18.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-24.htm">Unchanging</a> <a href="/james/3-2.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/1-25.htm">Abideth</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-25.htm">Age</a> <a href="/psalms/90-5.htm">Anew</a> <a href="/1_john/2-29.htm">Begotten</a> <a href="/revelation/12-2.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-2.htm">Born</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-4.htm">Corruptible</a> <a href="/revelation/2-3.htm">Enduring</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-25.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">Ever-Living</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-25.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/1_john/3-9.htm">Germ</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-4.htm">Imperishable</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-4.htm">Incorruptible</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-24.htm">New</a> <a href="/romans/1-23.htm">Perishable</a> <a href="/1_john/3-6.htm">Remaining</a> <a href="/1_john/3-9.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-9.htm">Unchanging</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-25.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">1 Peter 1</div>1. <a href="/1_peter/1-1.htm">Peter praises God for his manifold spiritual graces;</a> 10. <a href="/1_peter/1-10.htm">showing that the salvation in Christ the fulfillment of prophesy;</a> 13. <a href="/1_peter/1-13.htm">and exhorts them accordingly to be holy.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_peter/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_peter/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_peter/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For you have been born again This phrase refers to the spiritual rebirth that believers experience through faith in Jesus Christ. The concept of being "born again" is foundational in Christian theology, emphasizing a transformation from a life of sin to a new life in Christ. This idea is also found in <a href="/john/3-3.htm">John 3:3</a>, where Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be born again to see the kingdom of God. The new birth signifies a radical change in identity and status before God, moving from spiritual death to life.not of perishable seed The term "perishable seed" suggests something that is temporary and subject to decay, much like human life and the natural world. In the context of ancient agriculture, seed was essential for life but was also vulnerable to the elements and time. This phrase contrasts the temporary nature of human existence with the eternal nature of the spiritual rebirth. It highlights the futility of relying on earthly lineage or human effort for salvation.but of imperishable "Imperishable" denotes something eternal and incorruptible. This reflects the eternal nature of the new life believers receive through Christ. The imperishable seed is a metaphor for the divine nature imparted to believers, which is not subject to decay or death. This aligns with <a href="/1_corinthians/15-53.htm">1 Corinthians 15:53</a>, where Paul speaks of the perishable putting on the imperishable in the resurrection.through the living and enduring word of God The "word of God" is central to the process of being born again. It is described as "living" and "enduring," emphasizing its active and eternal nature. The word of God is not static; it is dynamic and powerful, capable of transforming lives. <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a> describes the word as living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. The enduring nature of God's word assures believers of its reliability and truth across all generations. This phrase underscores the importance of Scripture in the life of a believer, as it is the means through which God communicates His will and brings about spiritual rebirth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a> The apostle of Jesus Christ, traditionally credited with writing this epistle. He addresses the letter to the "elect exiles" scattered throughout various regions, offering encouragement and instruction. 2. <a href="/topical/r/recipients_of_the_epistle.htm">Recipients of the Epistle</a> The early Christians in Asia Minor, who were experiencing trials and persecution. Peter writes to strengthen their faith and remind them of their new identity in Christ. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_new_birth.htm">The New Birth</a> A spiritual rebirth that believers experience through faith in Jesus Christ. This concept is central to Peter's message, emphasizing transformation and renewal.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_the_new_birth.htm">The Nature of the New Birth</a> The new birth is a divine act, initiated by God through His word. It is not a result of human effort or lineage but a supernatural transformation. <a href="/topical/i/imperishable_seed.htm">Imperishable Seed</a> Unlike human birth, which is from perishable seed, the new birth is from imperishable seed, signifying its eternal and unchanging nature. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_god's_word.htm">The Role of God's Word</a> The living and enduring word of God is the instrument through which believers are born again. It is vital for spiritual growth and sustenance. <a href="/topical/l/living_out_the_new_identity.htm">Living Out the New Identity</a> As those who are born again, believers are called to live in a manner that reflects their new identity, marked by holiness and love. <a href="/topical/e/endurance_in_trials.htm">Endurance in Trials</a> Understanding the imperishable nature of their new birth can provide believers with hope and strength to endure trials and persecution.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_peter_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Peter 1</a> <a href="/q/are_black_people_under_a_curse.htm">What does 'Word will not return void' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_spiritual_rebirth.htm">What is spiritual rebirth?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_being_born_of_god_mean.htm">What does being born of God mean?</a> <a href="/q/who_wrote_pilgrim's_progress.htm">Who wrote Pilgrim's Progress and was a Christian author?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_peter/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) Being born again.--Rather, Having been begotten again. It is not part of the exhortation, as though they had still to be thus begotten, but assigns the moral grounds for the exhortation. It is logically parallel with "seeing ye have purified," and might be rendered, seeing that ye have been begotten again. For the meaning of the word, refer back to <a href="/1_peter/1-3.htm" title="Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy has begotten us again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,">1Peter 1:3</a>.Not of corruptible seed.--That is, not of the seed of Abraham, but of the seed of God. This is the argument: "You must learn not to be selfish, or arrogant, as being of the chosen race, but to have a true brotherly feeling and earnest love for the Gentile converts, and for those who, like St. Paul, are specially working for the Gentiles, because your inheritance of the promised 'salvation' is grounded, not on your Abrahamic descent, but on your spiritual regeneration, in which matter the Gentile converts are your equals." That this was the doctrine of St. Peter is certain from his speech at the Council of Jerusalem, "God put no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith;" and again, "It is only through the favour of the Lord Jesus that we hope to be saved, in precisely the same manner as they" (<a href="/acts/15-9.htm" title="And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.">Acts 15:9</a>; <a href="/acts/15-11.htm" title="But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.">Acts 15:11</a>). (Comp., for the argument, <a href="/1_john/5-1.htm" title="Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loves him that begat loves him also that is begotten of him.">1John 5:1</a>.)By the word of God.--"Seed," in the beginning of the clause, is more literally the act of sowing, or engendering, which sowing is carried on "through the living and abiding word of God," this "word of God" being the actual seed sown. The "seed" of all existence is the spoken Word of God, the expressed will and meaning of creative thought (<a href="/psalms/33-6.htm" title="By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.">Psalm 33:6</a>); and so here, even when spoken mediately, through the lips of men (as explained in <a href="/1_peter/1-25.htm" title="But the word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached to you.">1Peter 1:25</a>), it is that which begets men afresh. God creates afresh, though men speak the creative word for Him, just as "it is He that hath made us," although He does so through natural laws and human powers. The "Word of God" here is, no doubt, the preaching of the gospel, but especially, as it would seem, the preaching of the Resurrection (<a href="/1_peter/1-3.htm" title="Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy has begotten us again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,">1Peter 1:3</a>), or of the sufferings and glories of Messiah (<a href="/1_peter/1-12.htm" title="To whom it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to us they did minister the things, which are now reported to you by them that have preached the gospel to you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.">1Peter 1:12</a>), the "truth" of the last verse. The part taken by "the Word" in the sacrament of regeneration may be seen again in <a href="/ephesians/5-26.htm" title="That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,">Ephesians 5:26</a> and <a href="/james/1-18.htm" title="Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.">James 1:18</a>; in connection with the other sacrament we may also refer to <a href="/john/6-63.htm" title="It is the spirit that vivifies; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak to you, they are spirit, and they are life.">John 6:63</a>. "Incorruptible" (i.e., imperishable; see <a href="/1_peter/1-4.htm" title="To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you,">1Peter 1:4</a>; <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm" title="For as much as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;">1Peter 1:18</a>) finds a more energetic paraphrase here in "living and abiding" (the words "for ever" not being part of the true text). The former epithet is a favourite with St. Peter (<a href="/1_peter/1-3.htm" title="Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy has begotten us again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,">1Peter 1:3</a>, <a href="/context/1_peter/2-4.htm" title="To whom coming, as to a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,">1Peter 2:4-5</a>), and is perhaps borrowed from this place by the author to the Hebrews, in connection with the "word of God" (<a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm" title="For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.">Hebrews 4:12</a>). The epithets serve to prepare the way for the quotation. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_peter/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - Being born again; rather, having been begotten again. St. Peter repeats the verb used already in ver. 3. It is the highest argument for brotherly love; the children of the one Father are all brethren; they should "love as brethren" (<a href="/1_peter/3-8.htm">1 Peter 3:8</a>). Not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. The word used here (σπορά) means, properly, "sowing;" but, like σπόρος (<a href="/luke/8-11.htm">Luke 8:11</a>), it stands also for the seed; and here the epithets "corruptible" and "incorruptible" seem to necessitate this second meaning. In the passage quoted from St. Luke, the seed (σπόρος) is identified with the Word. "The seed is the Word of God." Here there seems to be a distinction. God's elect are begotten again of incorruptible seed through the Word. The use of different prepositions, ἐκ and διά apparently implies a difference between the seed and the Word. In the conversation with Nicodemus the Lord had said, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." And he continues, "That which is born of the flesh [ἐκ τῆς σαρκός, which seems to correspond with the ἐκ σπορᾶς φθαρτοῦ of St. Peter] is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit;" where the Greek words, τὸ γεγεννημένον ἐκ τοῦ Πνεύματος, "that which is begotten of the Spirit," correspond very nearly with ἀναγεγεννημένοι ἐκ σπορᾶς ἀφθάρτου, "those who are begotten again of incorruptible seed." Then the incorruptible seed is the Holy Spirit of God, the Source of all spiritual life; it is the Spirit that "beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God;" "To be spiritually minded is life." Comp. <a href="/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9</a>, "Whosoever is born of God (ὁ γεγεννημένος ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ) cloth not commit sin: for his seed (σπέρμα) abideth in him: and he cannot sin because he is born of God"). There is a different explanation of this last passage: "God's seed, that is, his children, abide in him." But on the whole, it seems to be parallel with this verse, and to teach the same doctrine, that the first gift of the Spirit is the germ of spiritual life, and that that precious germ, abiding in the true children of God, lives and energizes "till we come... unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (<a href="/ephesians/4-13.htm">Ephesians 4:13</a>). But if the Holy Spirit of God is, in the deepest sense, the Seed of the new birth, the Word is the instrument. God's elect are begotten again through the Word, the Word preached, heard, read, pronounced in holy baptism. The Word preached by St. Peter on the great Day of Pentecost was the means by which three thousand souls were led to be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (comp. <a href="/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18</a>, "Of his own will begat he us with the Word of truth"). Again, the Word preached derives its power from the personal Word, from him who is the Word of God. "All things were made through him" (John L 3; <a href="/hebrews/1-2.htm">Hebrews 1:2</a>); and as the first creation was through him, so is the new creation. He is "the Beginning of the creation of God" (<a href="/revelation/3-14.htm">Revelation 3:14</a>); for he is our Life, the life hidden in the heart. He is the Word of life: "He that hath the Son hath life" (<a href="/1_john/5-12.htm">1 John 5:12</a>); "Through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father" (<a href="/ephesians/2-18.htm">Ephesians 2:18</a>). It is through the Lord Jesus Christ that we receive the grace of the new birth. The words, "which liveth and abideth," may be connected with the Divine Name: "God, who liveth and abideth; "or, as in our version, with "the Word." The last connection seems most suitable here (comp. ver. 25, "The Word of the Lord abideth for ever;" and <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a>, "The Word of God is quick and powerful'). The most ancient manuscripts omit the words, "forever." <a href="/commentaries/1_peter/1-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For you have been born again, ἀναγεγεννημένοι (anagegennēmenoi) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_313.htm">Strong's 313: </a> To beget again, beget into a new life. From ana and gennao; to beget or bear. not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. of ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. perishable φθαρτῆς (phthartēs) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5349.htm">Strong's 5349: </a> Corruptible, perishable. From phtheiro; decayed, i.e. perishable. seed, σπορᾶς (sporas) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4701.htm">Strong's 4701: </a> Seed sown, a sowing. From speiro; a sowing, i.e. parentage. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. of imperishable, ἀφθάρτου (aphthartou) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_862.htm">Strong's 862: </a> Indestructible, imperishable, incorruptible; hence: immortal. Undecaying. through διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. [the] living ζῶντος (zōntos) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2198.htm">Strong's 2198: </a> To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. enduring μένοντος (menontos) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3306.htm">Strong's 3306: </a> To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay. word λόγου (logou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. of God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-23.htm">NT Letters: 1 Peter 1:23 Having been born again not of corruptible (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Peter 1:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Peter 1:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Peter 1:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Peter 1:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>