NT Text: 1 Peter 4:18
OT Source(s):
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Direct Quotation
Connection Method(s): Analogy
Significance: Peter quotes from the LXX of Proverbs 11:31: "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" (ei ho dikaios molis sōzetai ho asebēs kai hamartōlos pou phaneitai). The LXX rendering differs significantly from the Hebrew, which reads "if the righteous is recompensed on earth, how much more the ungodly and sinner." Peter follows the LXX's qal wahomer argument: if even the righteous barely escape judgment, the fate of the wicked is unimaginable. This quote supports Peter's larger argument in 4:17 about judgment beginning with God's household. The wisdom tradition's observation about the difficulty of righteous living undergirds Peter's pastoral encouragement — suffering believers should not be surprised by their trials but should entrust themselves to their faithful Creator (4:19).
NT Use Pattern: Proverbial — If the righteous is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly appear? Peter cites the LXX form of the proverb as a wisdom warning to the suffering church.