1 Peter 4:6 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

⁶ This is the purpose that the Gospel was preached to those who have died physically [for the faith]: It was so that, even though they had been judged physically [i.e., by suffering death at the hands of men], they could still live spiritually in the presence of God.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

⁶ For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

⁶ For this is why the good news (the Gospel) was preached [in their lifetime] even to the dead, that though judged in fleshly bodies as men are, they might live in the spirit as God does.

American Standard Version (1901)

⁶ For unto this end was the gospel preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Common English Bible

⁶ Indeed, this is the reason the good news was also preached to the dead. This happened so that, although they were judged as humans according to human standards, they could live by the Spirit according to divine standards.

Catholic Public Domain Version

⁶ For because of this, the Gospel was also preached to the dead, so that they might be judged, certainly, just like men in the flesh, yet also, so that they might live according to God, in the Spirit.

1 Peter 4:6 Cross References

Romans 8:2

For the Holy Spirit’s law which provides [never ending] life for those in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus has freed me from the law that requires [spiritual] death for sinning.

1 Peter 3:19

It was by the Holy Spirit that He went to preach [See Eph. 2:17] to the [now departed] spirits [of pre-Flood people who are now] in prison [i.e., Hades].

Galatians 5:25

If we live by the [guidance of the] Holy Spirit, we should also walk in [the ways of] the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 24:9

At that time people will turn you over [to the authorities] for persecution and will [even] kill you. And people from all countries will hate you for being loyal to me.

Galatians 2:19

For it was by means of [this system of] law-keeping that I [realized I] was dead. This was so I could find life through a relationship with God.

Revelation 14:18

Then another angel [i.e., the sixth] came out of the Altar. He had authority over [its] fire and he called out in a loud voice to the One who had the sharp sickle [i.e., the fifth angel] saying, “Use your sharp sickle to gather the clusters from the vines of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.”

1 Peter 1:12

It was revealed to these prophets that you people, not they, were the ones being ministered to in the matters now being announced to you by those who preached the Gospel to you by the Holy Spirit, who was sent from heaven. [This message contained] things which angels would like to look into.

1 Peter 3:18

For Christ suffered once for people’s sins [to be forgiven]. [It was the case of] a righteous Man suffering for unrighteous people, so that He could bring you [or, “us”] to God [for salvation]. [Though] He [i.e., Jesus] was put to death physically, He was brought back to life by the Holy Spirit [Note: Some translations say “in spirit”].