1 Peter 2 18

1 Peter 2:18 kjv

Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

1 Peter 2:18 nkjv

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.

1 Peter 2:18 niv

Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.

1 Peter 2:18 esv

Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.

1 Peter 2:18 nlt

You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you ? not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel.

1 Peter 2 verses

1 Peter 2 18 Meaning

First Peter 2:18 instructs Christian bondservants to practice respectful submission to their earthly masters. This applies not only to those who are benevolent and fair but also, and crucially, to those who are harsh and unjust. The underlying motive is to live out a Christ-like demeanor and bear a compelling witness to the glory of God in all circumstances, even those involving unrighteous suffering.

1 Peter 2 18 Context

This verse is part of Peter’s broader discussion on living as "aliens and sojourners" (1 Pet 2:11) in the world, specifically in sections often referred to as "household codes" (Haustafel), common in New Testament epistles (e.g., Eph 5-6, Col 3-4). After addressing citizens' submission to governing authorities, Peter turns to Christian bondservants (1 Pet 2:13-17), providing guidance on their conduct within the challenging societal structure of servitude in the Roman Empire. This instruction immediately precedes the command for wives to submit to husbands and Peter’s extended example of Christ’s suffering. The historical context of the time saw a significant portion of the Roman population in some form of servitude, varying from severe chattel slavery to more integrated roles, often educated and with some potential for future freedom. Peter's purpose is not to endorse or condemn the institution of slavery, but to provide practical ethical guidance for believers living within the existing societal framework, ensuring their behavior reflects the Gospel, especially when suffering unjustly. This approach aims to silence critics and glorify God rather than provoke rebellion or be a stumbling block.

1 Peter 2 18 Word analysis

• Servants (δούλοι - douloi): This term typically refers to bondservants or slaves, a deeply ingrained social status in the ancient world. These were individuals owned by others, with varying degrees of responsibility and privilege depending on their role and master. It is important to note that this form of servitude was diverse and not always directly comparable to later forms of racial chattel slavery. For Christian converts in this status, Peter’s words redefine their identity and purpose not through social liberation but through spiritual faithfulness.
• be subject (ὑποτασσόμενοι - hypotassomenoi): This is a present participle, indicating a continuous attitude of voluntary submission, not forced compliance. The word means "to arrange under," like troops in military order, implying a conscious choice to place oneself under the designated authority. It reflects an attitude of respect and humility.
• to your masters (δεσπόταις - despotais): This word literally means "owners" or "those with absolute power," from which the English "despot" is derived. It underscores the complete authority these individuals held over their servants, making the instruction for submission even more profound.
• with all respect (ἐν παντὶ φόβῳ - en panti phobō): Literally "in all fear." This is not a servile terror of human punishment but rather a profound reverence and awe, a "fear of the Lord." It implies acting with a clear conscience, being aware of God's oversight, and demonstrating deep regard for the established order. This fear enables humble deference, knowing that ultimately, all service is unto Christ.
• not only to the good (τοῖς ἀγαθοῖς - tois agathois): `Agathos` means morally good, benevolent, kind. It refers to masters who treat their servants justly and honorably, as one would expect.
• and gentle (ἐπιεικέσι - epieikesi): This refers to those who are fair, reasonable, equitable, and considerate. It complements "good," portraying masters who are easy to deal with and whose commands are not burdensome.
• but also to the overbearing (τοῖς σκολιοῖς - tois skolios): This is the crucial, demanding part of the instruction. `Skolios` means crooked, perverse, unfair, harsh, or tyrannical. It refers to masters who are difficult, abusive, unjust, or ill-tempered. Submitting in these conditions is a powerful demonstration of Christian character and endurance.

• "Servants, be subject to your masters": This opening command establishes the primary recipients and the core action. It mandates an attitude of respectful yielding within a specific societal hierarchy. It calls Christians to function responsibly within their societal roles, not challenging the structure itself, but demonstrating transformed hearts within it.
• "with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the overbearing": This phrase clarifies the manner and extent of the submission. The phrase "with all respect" defines the internal attitude, shifting the focus from grudging compliance to conscious reverence (fear of God). The distinction between "good and gentle" and "overbearing" highlights the radical and counter-cultural nature of the Christian calling, demanding a commitment to ethical living even under provocation and injustice. It shows that true Christian obedience is tested and refined precisely in difficult situations, transforming potential suffering into a platform for gospel witness.

1 Peter 2 18 Bonus section

This verse offers profound insights for all believers in modern contexts beyond literal servitude, particularly in workplaces or under difficult leadership. It teaches that one's Christian integrity is most evident not when conditions are ideal, but when they are unjust or oppressive. The emphasis on "with all respect" shifts the focus from external compulsion to an internal motivation of reverence for God, regardless of the quality of the earthly authority. This means maintaining a dignified and God-honoring demeanor, seeking to serve Christ even in mundane or trying tasks. It underlines that our primary audience is always God, and our ultimate freedom lies not in our external circumstances but in our relationship with Him.

1 Peter 2 18 Commentary

First Peter 2:18 calls Christian bondservants to an uncommon and challenging form of submission. It emphasizes that the posture of respectful deference is not conditioned by the master's character but rooted in reverence for God. While not condoning the institution of slavery, Peter offers a practical pathway for believers to live out their faith in potentially oppressive circumstances. By patiently enduring unfair treatment and demonstrating integrity even towards harsh masters, Christians display the transformative power of the Gospel and silence worldly critics who might accuse them of subversion. This reflects the suffering of Christ Himself, who bore unjust treatment with perfect patience and submission, setting the supreme example for all believers in facing adversity. This conduct serves as a powerful witness, revealing God's grace and Christ's lordship through the servant's faithful perseverance. This teaching can be applied today to various contexts of submission, such as employee-employer relationships or citizens to authorities, especially when leadership is challenging or unfair, provided such submission does not require violating God's direct commands.