Bible Strands
1 Peter 1:7
so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Peter writes to believers scattered across Asia Minor who are currently enduring grief amid various trials (v. 6). The verse names the purpose behind that present suffering.
The words — δοκίμιον (dokimion) is a rare NT word, literally "that which has passed the test," from the verb δοκιμάζω used of assaying metal. It appears only here in the New Testament.
The thread — The gold-testing image recurs in Job 23:10 (tested, then come forth as gold), Isaiah 48:10 (refined in the furnace of affliction), and James 1:12 (stood the test, receives the crown of life).
Why it lands — The verse tells a reader in the middle of suffering that their faith is not being punished but verified, and that the process has a fixed endpoint: praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Cross-references
- Job 23:10 Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
- James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
- Isaiah 48:10 See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
- 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.
- James 1:3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
- Zechariah 13:9 This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”
- Proverbs 17:3 A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.
- Romans 2:7 To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.
- Romans 5:3 Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
- Malachi 3:3 And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.