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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 4:8 Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_peter/4-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/60_1Pe_04_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Peter 4:8 - Living for God's Glory" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." /><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'; 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for love covereth a multitude of sins: <a href="/cev/1_peter/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Most important of all, you must sincerely love each other, because love wipes away many sins. <a href="/erv/1_peter/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love covereth a multitude of sins: <a href="/gwt/1_peter/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Above all, love each other warmly, because love covers many sins. <a href="/gnt/1_peter/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Above everything, love one another earnestly, because love covers over many sins. <a href="/isv/1_peter/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Above all, continue to love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. <a href="/msb/1_peter/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Above all, love one another deeply, because love will cover over a multitude of sins. <a href="/net/1_peter/4.htm">NET Bible</a> Above all keep your love for one another fervent, because love covers a multitude of sins. <a href="/nheb/1_peter/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins. <a href="/wbt/1_peter/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity will cover a multitude of sins. <a href="/wey/1_peter/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Above all continue to love one another fervently, for love throws a veil over a multitude of faults. <a href="/web/1_peter/4.htm">World English Bible</a> And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_peter/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Before all things, having earnest love among yourselves, because love covers a multitude of sins; <a href="/blb/1_peter/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> above all things, having fervent love among yourselves, because love covers over a multitude of sins, <a href="/ylt/1_peter/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and, before all things, to one another having the earnest love, because the love shall cover a multitude of sins; <a href="/slt/1_peter/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> More than all having intent love among yourselves: for love shall cover a multitude of sins.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_peter/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But before all things have a constant mutual charity among yourselves: for charity covereth a multitude of sins. <a href="/cpdv/1_peter/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But, before all things, have a constant mutual charity among yourselves. For love covers a multitude of sins. <a href="/nabre/1_peter/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. <a href="/nrsvce/1_peter/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_peter/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And above all things have fervent charity towards one another: because charity covers a multitude of sins. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_peter/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And before everything, have a severe love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_peter/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But, above all things, have fervent love one for another; for love will cover a multitude of sins. <a href="/godbey/1_peter/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> before all things having divine love stedfast toward one another; because divine love covers a multitude of sins: <a href="/haweis/1_peter/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But above all things have fervent love towards each other: for love will conceal a multitude of faults.<CM> <a href="/mace/1_peter/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but above all, let your mutual benevolence be intense, for benevolence cancels a multitude of offences. <a href="/wey/1_peter/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Above all continue to love one another fervently, for love throws a veil over a multitude of faults. <a href="/worrell/1_peter/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> above all things, having fervent love among yourselves, because love covers a multitude of sins; <a href="/worsley/1_peter/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> having above all things fervent love to each other; for love will cover a multitude of sins. <a href="/parallel/1_peter/4-8.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=778" 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/4.htm">Living for God's Glory</a> …7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray. 8<a href="/greek/4253.htm" title="4253: pro (Prep) -- A primary preposition; fore, i.e. In front of, prior to.">Above</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantōn (Adj-GNP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapēn (N-AFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases."></a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautous (RefPro-AM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">one another</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold."></a> <a href="/greek/1618.htm" title="1618: ektenē (Adj-AFS) -- Intent, constant, strenuous, intense; met: earnest, zealous. From ekteino; intent.">deeply,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapē (N-NFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love</a> <a href="/greek/2572.htm" title="2572: kalyptei (V-PIA-3S) -- To veil, hide, conceal, envelop. Akin to klepto and krupto; to cover up.">covers over</a> <a href="/greek/4128.htm" title="4128: plēthos (N-ANS) -- A multitude, crowd, great number, assemblage. From pletho; a fulness, i.e. A large number, throng, populace.">a multitude</a> <a href="/greek/266.htm" title="266: hamartiōn (N-GFP) -- From hamartano; a sin.">of sins.</a> 9Show hospitality to one another without complaining.…<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="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">1 Corinthians 13:4-7</a> Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. ... <a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Proverbs 10:12</a> Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions. <a href="/colossians/3-14.htm">Colossians 3:14</a> And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. <a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a> A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” <a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-40</a> Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment. / And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ... <a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Romans 13:8-10</a> Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. / The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">1 John 4:7-8</a> Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. / Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. <a href="/1_john/3-16.htm">1 John 3:16-18</a> By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. / If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. <a href="/ephesians/4-2.htm">Ephesians 4:2-3</a> with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, / and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. <a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Galatians 5:14</a> The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” <a href="/james/5-20.htm">James 5:20</a> consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins. <a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a> But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. <a href="/1_john/4-11.htm">1 John 4:11</a> Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-12.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:12</a> And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you overflows, <a href="/1_john/4-19.htm">1 John 4:19-21</a> We love because He first loved us. / If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. / And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.above.<a href="/colossians/3-14.htm">Colossians 3:14</a> And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.<a href="/james/5-12.htm">James 5:12</a> But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.<a href="/3_john/1-2.htm">3 John 1:2</a> Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.fervent.<a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">1 Peter 1:22</a> Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:<a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1-13</a> Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal… <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1</a> Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.for.<a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Proverbs 10:12</a> Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.<a href="/proverbs/12-16.htm">Proverbs 12:16</a> A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.<a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Proverbs 17:9</a> He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.shall.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/titus/2-2.htm">Charity</a> <a href="/james/4-13.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-16.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/luke/8-16.htm">Covereth</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-15.htm">Covers</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-11.htm">Earnest</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-20.htm">Faults</a> <a href="/james/5-16.htm">Fervent</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">Fervently</a> <a href="/james/5-20.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/james/2-1.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">Love</a> <a href="/james/5-20.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-18.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/luke/9-39.htm">Throws</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-2.htm">Unfailing</a> <a href="/james/5-20.htm">Veil</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-7.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/5-14.htm">Charity</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-4.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/revelation/3-18.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/genesis/24-65.htm">Covereth</a> <a href="/exodus/22-15.htm">Covers</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-10.htm">Earnest</a> <a href="/genesis/41-9.htm">Faults</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-10.htm">Fervent</a> <a href="/luke/22-44.htm">Fervently</a> <a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-9.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-14.htm">Love</a> <a href="/revelation/7-9.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-9.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/3_john/1-10.htm">Throws</a> <a href="/exodus/15-13.htm">Unfailing</a> <a href="/genesis/24-65.htm">Veil</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">1 Peter 4</div>1. <a href="/1_peter/4-1.htm">He exhorts them to cease from sin and live fore God,</a> 12. <a href="/1_peter/4-12.htm">and comforts them against persecution.</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'; 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In the context of 1 Peter, the apostle is addressing believers who are experiencing persecution and suffering. The phrase "above all" indicates that what follows is of utmost priority in the Christian life, surpassing other duties and responsibilities. It echoes the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love as the greatest commandment (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-39</a>).love one another deeply The call to love deeply suggests an intense, fervent, and sincere love that goes beyond superficial or casual affection. This love is rooted in the Greek word "agape," which denotes selfless, sacrificial love. In the early Christian community, such love was essential for unity and support, especially during times of trial. This command aligns with Jesus' new commandment to love one another as He loved us (<a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a>). The depth of this love is a reflection of the love Christ showed through His sacrifice.because love covers over a multitude of sins This phrase suggests that love has the power to forgive and overlook offenses, promoting reconciliation and peace within the community. It is reminiscent of <a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Proverbs 10:12</a>, which states, "Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs." The idea is not that love ignores sin but that it seeks to forgive and restore relationships. This covering of sins is a type of Christ's atoning work, where His love and sacrifice cover the sins of humanity. In a communal setting, this principle helps maintain harmony and reflects the forgiving nature of God, as seen in passages like <a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a> The author of the epistle, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, known for his leadership in the early church and his close relationship with Jesus. 2. <a href="/topical/r/recipients_of_the_epistle.htm">Recipients of the Epistle</a> Early Christians scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, facing persecution and trials. 3. <a href="/topical/e/early_christian_communities.htm">Early Christian Communities</a> The context in which Peter writes, emphasizing the need for unity and love amidst external pressures and internal challenges.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_primacy_of_love.htm">The Primacy of Love</a> Love is not just an emotion but a deliberate choice and action that should be prioritized above all else in Christian relationships. <a href="/topical/d/deep_and_fervent_love.htm">Deep and Fervent Love</a> The Greek word for "deeply" (ekten?s) implies an earnest, intense, and sustained effort, suggesting that love requires commitment and perseverance. <a href="/topical/l/love_as_a_covering.htm">Love as a Covering</a> Love’s ability to "cover" sins does not mean ignoring wrongdoing but rather choosing forgiveness and reconciliation, reflecting God’s grace. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_unity.htm">Community and Unity</a> In times of trial and persecution, love is essential for maintaining unity and strength within the Christian community. <a href="/topical/p/practical_expressions_of_love.htm">Practical Expressions of Love</a> Love should manifest in tangible actions, such as serving others, offering forgiveness, and seeking peace, reflecting Christ’s love for us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_peter_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Peter 4</a> <a href="/q/does_1_peter_4_8_conflict_with_salvation_texts.htm">Does (1 Peter 4:8) saying “love covers a multitude of sins” conflict with other texts that emphasize salvation only through Christ’s atonement? </a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'love_covers_sins'.htm">What does "love covers a multitude of sins" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'love_deeply'_mean.htm">What does "love each other deeply" mean?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_god_show_his_love.htm">What does 'love each other deeply' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_peter/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves.--The original is far more vigorous: But before all things keeping intense your charity towards yourselves. St. Peter assumes that the charity is there, but insists on its not being suffered to flag in outward expression. (Comp. the same word in <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm" title="Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit to unfeigned love of the brothers, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently:">1Peter 1:22</a>; also in <a href="/luke/22-44.htm" title="And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.">Luke 22:44</a>; <a href="/acts/12-5.htm" title="Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church to God for him.">Acts 12:5</a>; <a href="/acts/26-7.htm" title="To which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.">Acts 26:7</a>.)Shall cover.--Properly, neither "shall" nor "will," the right reading being present, covereth. The words are usually said to be a quotation from <a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm" title="Hatred stirs up strifes: but love covers all sins.">Proverbs 10:12</a>, "Hatred stirreth up strifes, but love covereth all sins;" but they are widely different from the LXX. in that passage, and also vary from the Hebrew; and as precisely the same variation occurs in <a href="/james/5-20.htm" title="Let him know, that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.">James 5:20</a>, it seems more probable either that St. Peter had the passage of St. James consciously in his mind, or that the proverb was current and familiar to both writers in the form, "Love covereth a multitude of sins." It is, therefore, unsafe to argue from the exact shade of meaning which the words bear in <a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm" title="Hatred stirs up strifes: but love covers all sins.">Proverbs 10:12</a>. To "cover," in Hebrew, often means to "forgive," the idea being that of an offensive object which you bury or hide by putting something else over it; see, for examples, <a href="/psalms/32-1.htm" title="Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.">Psalm 32:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/85-2.htm" title="You have forgiven the iniquity of your people, you have covered all their sin. Selah.">Psalm 85:2</a>; and the place in Proverbs seems to mean that whereas a bitter enemy will rake up every old grudge again and again, one who loves will not allow even himself to see the wrongs done to him by a friend. If this sense be accepted here, it will imply that the Christians in Asia had a good deal to put up with from each other; but even so, the argument seems a little strained: "Keep your charity at its full stretch, because charity forgives, however many the wrongs may be." It far better suits the context to take the proverb in the same sense as in St. James, without any reference to the Old Testament passage. In St. James it is usually taken to mean, "He shall save (the convert's) soul from death, and shall cover (i.e., procure for him the pardon of) a multitude of sins;" but as the true reading there is "his soul," it is more natural to suppose that St. James is holding up, as the reward of converting the sinner, that the person who does so shall save his own soul, and procure for himself the pardon of a multitude of sins. So here it seems obvious that St. Peter is urging charity as something which will be found advantageous when the "end of all things" comes; and the advantage he mentions is, "because charity covereth a multitude of sins:" i.e., the exercise of this grace makes up for a great many other shortcomings in the man. A very good case might be made out for a doctrine of Justification by Love. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_peter/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves; more literally, before all things, having your love towards one another intense. The existence of charity is taken for granted. Christians must love one another; love is the very badge of their profession. The apostle urges his readers to keep that love intense, and that before all things; for charity is the first of Christian graces. (On the word "intense" (ἐκτενής), see note on 1 Peter 1:22.) For charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Read and translate, with the Revised Version, for love covereth a multitude of sins. If St. Peter is directly quoting <a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Proverbs 10:12</a>, he is not using the Septuagint, as he commonly does, but translating from the Hebrew. The Septuagint rendering is quite different, Πάντας δὲ τοὺς μὴ φιλονεικοῦντας καλύπτει φιλία. But it may be that the words had become proverbial. We find them also in <a href="/james/5-20.htm">James 5:20</a>, "He which converteth the sinner... shall hide a multitude of sins." St. James means that he will obtain God's forgiveness for the converted sinner; but in <a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Proverbs 10:12</a> the meaning (as is plain from the context) is that love covers the sins of others; does not stir up strifes, as hatred does, but promotes concord by concealing and forgiving sins. This is probably St. Peter's meaning here: "Take care that your charity is intense, for only thus can you forgive as you are bidden to forgive, as you hope to be forgiven." Perhaps he was thinking of the "seventy times seven," to which the Lord had told him that forgiveness was to extend. But his words may well be understood as implying more than this. Love shown in forgiving others will win forgiveness for yourselves: "Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven." Love manifested in converting others will cover their sins, and obtain God's forgiveness for them. In the deepest sense, it is only the love of Christ energizing in his atoning work which can cover sin; but true charity, Christian love, flows from that holiest love. "Love is of God, and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." Therefore in some sense Christian love, flowing from the love of Christ, and bringing the Christian very near to Christ, covers sins; for it keeps the Christian close to the cross, within the immediate sphere of the blessed influences of the atonement, so that he becomes a center of grace, a light kindled from the true Light, a well of living waters fed by the one fountain which is opened for sin and for uncleanness. The mutual love of Christians, their kindly words and deeds, check the work of sin; their prayers, their intercessions, call down the forgiveness of God. Therefore, in the view of the approaching end, charity is before all things precious for our own souls and for the souls of others. <a href="/commentaries/1_peter/4-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Above πρὸ (pro) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4253.htm">Strong's 4253: </a> A primary preposition; 'fore', i.e. In front of, prior to. all, πάντων (pantōn) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. love ἀγάπην (agapēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. one another ἑαυτοὺς (heautous) Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. deeply, ἐκτενῆ (ektenē) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1618.htm">Strong's 1618: </a> Intent, constant, strenuous, intense; met: earnest, zealous. From ekteino; intent. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. love ἀγάπη (agapē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. covers over καλύπτει (kalyptei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2572.htm">Strong's 2572: </a> To veil, hide, conceal, envelop. Akin to klepto and krupto; to cover up. a multitude πλῆθος (plēthos) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4128.htm">Strong's 4128: </a> A multitude, crowd, great number, assemblage. From pletho; a fulness, i.e. A large number, throng, populace. of sins. ἁμαρτιῶν (hamartiōn) Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_266.htm">Strong's 266: </a> From hamartano; a sin. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_peter/4-8.htm">1 Peter 4:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_peter/4-8.htm">1 Peter 4:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_peter/4-8.htm">1 Peter 4:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_peter/4-8.htm">1 Peter 4:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_peter/4-8.htm">1 Peter 4:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_peter/4-8.htm">1 Peter 4:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_peter/4-8.htm">1 Peter 4:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_peter/4-8.htm">1 Peter 4:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_peter/4-8.htm">1 Peter 4:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_peter/4-8.htm">1 Peter 4:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-8.htm">NT Letters: 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things be earnest (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_peter/4-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Peter 4:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Peter 4:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_peter/4-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Peter 4:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Peter 4:9" /></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>