1 Peter 2 14

1 Peter 2:14 kjv

Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

1 Peter 2:14 nkjv

or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.

1 Peter 2:14 niv

or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

1 Peter 2:14 esv

or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.

1 Peter 2:14 nlt

or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.

1 Peter 2 verses

1 Peter 2 14 Meaning

This verse instructs believers to submit not only to the ultimate "king" (the Roman Emperor), but also to "governors" who are commissioned by him. Their purpose, divinely established, is two-fold: to punish those who do evil, and to commend or praise those who do good. It underlines that civil authority, despite its imperfections or pagan nature, serves a righteous purpose in maintaining order and upholding justice, and Christians should recognize and honor this delegated role.

1 Peter 2 14 Context

This verse is part of a broader section (1 Peter 2:11-17) where Peter addresses the practical implications of Christian life "among the Gentiles." Having established the believer's identity as a spiritual house and a holy nation (1 Pet 2:5, 9), Peter transitions to how these 'exiles' should behave in the world. The immediate context, 1 Peter 2:13, instructs believers to "submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake," starting with the "king" (the Emperor). Verse 14 then specifies submission to governors, outlining their God-given role. Historically, Christians in Asia Minor were a minority facing accusations of disloyalty, atheism, and immoral practices due to their non-participation in Roman civic and religious life, including emperor worship. Peter's instruction seeks to disarm such criticisms by advocating a life of honor and obedience to civil law, thereby demonstrating the positive impact of Christian citizenship, even within a pagan empire. This proactive good conduct aimed to "silence the ignorance of foolish men" (1 Pet 2:15).

1 Peter 2 14 Word analysis

• or unto governors: (Greek: kybernētais) Refers to Roman provincial governors (proconsuls, legates, procurators) who directly administered provinces under the Emperor. The word denotes "one who steers a ship," implying their role in guiding or managing the populace and maintaining civic order. It signifies a level of delegated authority beneath the supreme ruler.
• as unto them: Emphasizes that the governors derive their authority from the "king" (Emperor) mentioned in verse 13. Their power is not inherent but delegated and authorized.
• that are sent: (Greek: pempomenois) Highlights the concept of delegation. Governors are not self-appointed, nor do they operate independently; they are commissioned by a higher human authority. This word underscores their official, representational status.
• by him: Referring to the Emperor. Ultimately, Christian understanding would trace this delegated authority to God Himself, as all human authority is providentially established or allowed by the divine (Rom 13:1).
• for the punishment: (Greek: kolasin) Denotes punitive justice focused on restraining wrong and, implicitly, for the correction or improvement of the offender, not merely vengeance. It implies the penal function of the state.
• of evildoers: (Greek: kakopoiōn) Those who practice evil deeds. This is a general term for those whose actions harm society, disrupt order, or violate just laws.
• and for the praise: (Greek: epainon) Means commendation, approval, or public acknowledgment. It is the counterpoint to punishment, signifying the state's positive role in upholding goodness.
• of them that do well: (Greek: agathopoiōn) Those who perform good deeds. This signifies virtuous behavior that benefits society and aligns with the law, highlighting the state's role in encouraging good order and righteousness through reward and commendation.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• governors, as unto them that are sent by him: This phrase establishes the hierarchy of authority. Governors operate not independently, but as agents of the supreme ruler, serving a divinely allowed purpose within God's sovereign plan. This also legitimizes their authority in the eyes of believers, as they represent the order God intends.
• for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well: This dual purpose defines the God-given function of government. It is divinely tasked with curbing evil through punishment (restorative justice and maintaining order) and encouraging good through commendation (promoting civic virtue and stability). This is a foundational biblical principle regarding civil governance.

1 Peter 2 14 Bonus section

The concept of governments punishing evil and praising good resonates deeply with the prophetic call for justice (Isa 1:17; Mic 6:8) and the wisdom literature's emphasis on righteous rule (Pro 29:4). Peter’s instruction does not imply that pagan governors perfectly embody God's justice or are free from corruption, but rather that the institution itself, when fulfilling its primary functions of order and justice, serves a divine purpose. This passage offers a balanced theological perspective, advocating submission to imperfect human authority as part of God's design for society, even as the believer's ultimate allegiance is to God alone (Acts 5:29). This teaching was vital for the early church, helping believers navigate their dual citizenship – in an earthly empire and in the heavenly kingdom – without compromising their faith. It provided a framework for living peaceably and honorably, reducing occasions for persecution, and transforming potential accusations into opportunities for gospel witness.

1 Peter 2 14 Commentary

First Peter 2:14 serves as a crucial clarification on the role of delegated civil authority within God's providential plan, urging believers to understand and respect its function. It builds upon the broader instruction of submitting to "every ordinance of man" (v.13) for the Lord's sake. The specific mention of "governors" after "the king" (Emperor) highlights the layers of Roman administration Christians would encounter in their daily lives. The core message is that these earthly rulers, despite their potentially pagan beliefs or personal failings, are "sent" – appointed and empowered by higher human authority, which ultimately, from a biblical worldview, is permissible and governed by divine sovereignty (Rom 13:1-7). Their God-ordained purpose is clear and twofold: to penalize wrongdoers and to commend those who act rightly. This functional definition allows believers to respect and obey governmental authority out of conscience, recognizing that such obedience facilitates order and justice in society. This perspective prevents Christians from using their spiritual freedom as an excuse for civil disobedience or rebellion, instead framing their good conduct, including submission to authority, as a powerful witness to the surrounding world that "silences the ignorance of foolish men" (v.15).