1:25a
This verse part completes the quotation from Isaiah.
but: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as but introduces a contrast with the previous verse part. Show this contrast in a way that is natural in your language.
the word of the Lord stands forever: The phrase the word of the Lord stands for ever means “what the Lord says remains for all time.” God’s message will never fail and never cease to exist. Different ways to translate this phrase include:
the word of the Lord endures forever (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
what the Lord has said will always be valid
-or-
the Lord’s message will continue/last for ever
word: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as word at 1:25a is different from the one translated as word at 1:23b. Most scholars feel that these two words have the same meaning in this context. It is recommended that you translate them the same way, unless the style of your language favors using different words.
Lord: Peter wrote “the…word of God ” at 1:23b. The Greek translation of the Old Testament that existed when Peter wrote this letter (LXX) also had “the word of God ” in the passage Peter quoted from Isaiah. Therefore, Peter seems to have made an intentional switch from God to Lord here. It is recommended that you translate Lord here literally.
stands: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as stands is a form of the Greek verb that is translated as “enduring” at 1:23b. Use forms of the same word in your translation if this would be natural in your language. Other ways this word has been translated include:
lasts (God’s Word)
-or-
remains (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
will live (New Century Version)
1:25b
The quotation from Isaiah 40:6–8 ended with 1:25a. Peter was no longer quoting Isaiah here at 1:25b.
And this is the word that was proclaimed to you: Peter equated the word of the Lord, from the Isaiah quotation (1:25a), with the word that had been proclaimed to his readers.
this: The word this refers to the word of the Lord mentioned in 1:25a.
the word: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as word here at 1:25b is the same one Peter used in 1:25a.
was proclaimed: This is a passive verb. If it is more natural in your language to use an active verb, you may say:
⌊people/evangelists⌋ preached
The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as was proclaimed is related to the Greek word that is often translated as “gospel” or “good news.” Because of this, many English versions include either “gospel” or “good news” in their translation of 1:25b. For example:
That word is the good news that was announced to you. (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
And this ‘word’ is the gospel which was preached to you. (Revised English Bible)
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