1 Peter 2 20

1 Peter 2:20 kjv

For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

1 Peter 2:20 nkjv

For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.

1 Peter 2:20 niv

But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

1 Peter 2:20 esv

For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.

1 Peter 2:20 nlt

Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.

1 Peter 2 verses

1 Peter 2 20 Meaning

1 Peter 2:20 distinguishes between two types of suffering and their corresponding divine evaluation. It explains that there is no commendable recognition when one suffers punishment for their own wrongdoings, even if patiently endured. However, if a believer performs good and righteous deeds and then suffers as a result, patiently enduring such unjust hardship receives favor and approval from God. This highlights that it is the cause and manner of suffering, not merely the suffering itself, that holds spiritual merit in God's eyes.

1 Peter 2 20 Context

First Peter Chapter 2 centers on the identity and conduct of God's people in a hostile world. Verses 1-10 establish the believers as "living stones" in a spiritual house, a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation," called out of darkness into light. This spiritual identity serves as the foundation for their behavior. Verses 11-12 urge them to live honorably among pagans, abstaining from fleshly desires, so that their good deeds might lead others to glorify God.

This broad command transitions into specific applications of submission to authority from verse 13 onwards. Peter instructs believers to submit to human institutions like the government (vv. 13-17) and, particularly relevant to 2:20, servants to masters (vv. 18-20). The original audience likely included household servants (οἰκέται – oiketai), a broad category often encompassing slaves, bondservants, and household employees who, though integral, were vulnerable to mistreatment and arbitrary punishment. Verse 19 speaks of enduring sorrow while suffering unjustly "for conscience toward God," setting up the two contrasting scenarios presented in verse 20: suffering for one's own wrong vs. suffering for doing good. The purpose is not to condone unjust treatment, but to reveal how faithful endurance in such circumstances brings divine commendation. The verses immediately following (2:21-25) present Christ as the ultimate example of suffering innocently and patiently, demonstrating the ideal response that earns God's approval.

1 Peter 2 20 Word analysis

• For (γὰρ - gar): A connective particle indicating an explanation or reason for the preceding statement (1 Pet 2:19). It grounds the exhortation to patiently endure.

• what credit is it (ποῖον γὰρ κλέος - poion gar kleos): This is a rhetorical question meaning "there is no glory" or "no credit." Kleos refers to human renown, glory, or fame. Peter is stating that such suffering earns no praise or recognition from humans nor from God in this specific instance.

• if, when you sin (ἐὰν ἁμαρτάνοντες - ean hamartanontes): Hamartanontes means "committing sin" or "making a mistake." It refers to wrongdoing or fault for which one is genuinely responsible.

• and are beaten for it (καὶ κολαφιζόμενοι - kai kolaphizomenoi): Kolaphizomenoi describes being struck with fists or buffeted. It implies physical punishment, often severe and humiliating, indicating the suffering is a direct, deserved consequence of their sin.

• you endure patiently (ὑπομενεῖτε - hypomeneite): From hypomenō, meaning "to remain under," "to stand firm," "to endure," or "to persevere steadfastly." While patient endurance is generally good, when it's for deserved punishment, it offers no special merit.

• But if (ἀλλ' εἰ δὲ καὶ - all' ei de kai): A strong adversative conjunction introducing a sharp contrast. It signals the true scenario where divine favor is given.

• when you do good (ἀγαθοποιοῦντες - agathopoiountes): Agathopoiountes means "doing good," "acting virtuously," "acting nobly or righteously." This describes actions that align with God's will and moral law.

• and suffer for it (καὶ πάσχοντες - kai paschontes): Paschontes is a general term for "suffering," "experiencing," or "undergoing hardship." In this contrasting context, it implies suffering unjustly due to the good deeds done.

• you endure patiently (ὑπομενεῖτε - hypomeneite): The same verb for "endure patiently." The difference lies in the cause of suffering. Here, the patient endurance of unjust suffering is commendable.

• this is a credit in the sight of God (τοῦτο χάρις παρὰ Θεῷ - touto charis para Theō): This is the climax of the verse. Charis (grace, favor, kindness) here denotes divine approval, commendation, or spiritual merit. It means God looks favorably upon such endurance. It's not about earning salvation (which is charis by unmerited grace) but about God recognizing and valuing the believer's character and faithful response to suffering for righteousness. "In the sight of God" (para Theō) emphasizes that God's perspective is what truly matters, in contrast to human kleos (glory/praise).

• Words-group analysis:

  • "if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure patiently": This entire clause sets up a scenario of suffering for self-inflicted harm or wrongdoing. Even patient endurance in this situation brings no praise. It's simply accepting a consequence.
  • "But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure patiently": This clause provides the striking contrast. The cause of suffering changes from sin to righteousness, making the same act of patient endurance deeply significant and spiritually valuable.
  • "what credit is it... this is a credit in the sight of God": The juxtaposition highlights the difference between suffering that earns no "credit" (likely human glory, kleos) and suffering that earns "credit in the sight of God" (charis para Theō). This moves the ultimate evaluation from human opinion to divine judgment, where true worth lies.

1 Peter 2 20 Bonus section

This verse subtly underscores the importance of a Christian's witness to the world. When believers suffer for their misdeeds, it undermines their testimony and gives occasion for slander against Christ's name. However, when they suffer for doing good and respond with patient endurance rather than retaliation, it provides compelling evidence of their genuine faith and the transformative power of the Gospel. This serves as an indirect "polemic" against the pagan accusation that Christians were either rebellious (if they resisted authority) or simply getting what they deserved (if punished for alleged crimes). Peter clarifies that truly suffering "as a Christian" (as in 1 Pet 4:16) involves bearing unjust hardship, thereby discrediting false accusations and upholding the honor of Christ. This patient endurance, often quiet and unassuming, became a powerful means of spreading the faith in the early church.

1 Peter 2 20 Commentary

1 Peter 2:20 is a powerful distillation of Christian suffering. It doesn't romanticize suffering but critically assesses its spiritual value based on its source. Peter instructs believers, particularly those in vulnerable positions like household servants, that suffering for one's own wrong actions—no matter how stoically endured—holds no merit before God. It's simply the consequence of one's choices. This sets it apart from secular or philosophical views of endurance, where any stoic endurance might be praised.

The true commendation, the "credit in the sight of God" (or "grace from God" as charis can imply), is reserved for those who endure suffering precisely because they have done what is good and right. This type of suffering, endured patiently, reflects the character of Christ (as subsequent verses elaborate) and demonstrates a deep reliance on God's justice and ultimate vindication. It is not about earning salvation but about a Spirit-empowered response that glorifies God and reveals true faithfulness amidst adversity. It assures the believer that even when society fails to recognize or even condemns their righteous actions, God Himself is watching and will provide the ultimate affirmation and reward. This understanding transforms suffering from a meaningless ordeal into an opportunity for divine approval and a deeper participation in the life and suffering of Christ.