1 Peter 4:7-8

Service, Suffering, and Judgment

4:7 For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer. ¹  4:8 Above all keep ²  your love for one another fervent, ³  because love covers a multitude of sins. ⁴ 

[4:7]  ¹ tn Grk “for prayers.”

[4:8]  ² tn The primary verb of v. 8 is a participle (“having”) but it continues the sense of command from v. 7.

[4:8]  ³ tn Or “constant.”

[4:8]  ⁴ sn The statement of v. 8b, love covers a multitude of sins, is proverbial: It is quoted from Prov 10:12 (cf. Jas 5:20). It speaks of the forbearance that comes with love: Christian love is patient and forgiving toward the offenses of a fellow Christian (Matt 18:21-22; 1 Cor 13:4-7).