1Pe 2:3-5 | RWP | e4.org | If ye have tasted ( ε εγευσασθε ). Condition of first class with ε and first aorist middle indicative of γευω in figurative sense as in . "A taste excites the appetite" (Bengel). Gracious ( χρηστος ). Quotation from . The Hebrew for the LXX χρηστος is simply tobh (good). Plato used the word for food also, and Peter carries out the metaphor in γαλα (milk) as in .

‏ 1 Peter 2:3-5

If ye have tasted ( ε εγευσασθε ). Condition of first class with ε and first aorist middle indicative of γευω in figurative sense as in Heb 6:4f. "A taste excites the appetite" (Bengel).

Gracious ( χρηστος ). Quotation from Ps 34:8. The Hebrew for the LXX χρηστος is simply tobh (good). Plato used the word for food also, and Peter carries out the metaphor in γαλα (milk) as in Lu 5:39.

Unto whom ( προς ον ). The Lord, carrying on the imagery and language of the Psalm.

Coming ( προσερχομενο ). Present middle participle masculine plural of προσερχομα ( προσελθατε in the Psalm) agreeing with the subject of οικοδομεισθε.

A living stone ( λιθον ζωντα ). Accusative case in apposition with ον (whom, the Lord Christ). There is apparent an intentional contradiction between "living" and "stone." Cf. "living hope" in 1:3 and "living word" in 1:23.

Rejected indeed of men ( υπο ανθρωπων μεν αποδεδοκιμασμενον ). Perfect passive participle of αποδοκιμαζω, old verb to repudiate after test (Lu 9:22), in the accusative case agreeing with λιθον.

But with God ( παρα δε θεω ). "By the side of God," as he looks at it, in contrast with the rejection "by men" ( υπο ανθρωπων ).

Elect ( εκλεκτον ). From Isa 28:6 as in εντιμον (precious, for which see Lu 7:2) rather than δοκιμον (proved) expected after αποδεδοκιμασμενον as meaning far more in God's sight, "a pre-eminence of position with" (Hort).

Ye also as living stones ( κα αυτο ως λιθο ζωντες ). Peter applies the metaphor about Christ as the living stone to the readers, "ye yourselves also."

Are built up a spiritual house ( οικοδομεισθε οικος πνευματικος ). Present passive indicative second person plural of οικοδομεω, the very verb used by Jesus to Peter in Mt 16:18 ( οικοδομησω ) of building his church on the rock. If the metaphor of a house of living stones seems "violent" (Vincent), it should be remembered that Jesus employed the figure of a house of believers. Peter just carried it a bit farther and Paul uses a temple for believers in one place (1Co 3:16) and for the kingdom of God in general (Eph 2:22), as does the author of Hebrews (Heb 3:6). This "spiritual house" includes believers in the five Roman provinces of 1:1 and shows clearly how Peter understood the metaphor of Christ in Mt 16:18 to be not a local church, but the church general (the kingdom of Christ).

To be a holy priesthood ( εις ιερατευμα αγιον ). Late word (from ιερατευω, to serve as priest, Lu 1:8 alone in N.T.), in LXX (Ex 19:6), in N.T. only here and verse 9, either the office of priest (Hort) or an order or body of priests. At any rate, Peter has the same idea of Rev 1:6 ( ιερεις, priests) that all believers are priests (Heb 4:16) and can approach God directly.

To offer up ( ανενεγκα ). First aorist active infinitive (of purpose here) of αναφερω, the usual word for offering sacrifices (Heb 7:27). Only these are "spiritual" ( πνευματικας ) as pictured also in Heb 13:15f.

Acceptable ( ευπροσδεκτους ). Late (Plutarch) double compound verbal adjective ( ευ, προσ, δεχομα ) as in 2Co 6:2.