1 Peter 3 12

1 Peter 3:12 kjv

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

1 Peter 3:12 nkjv

For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil."

1 Peter 3:12 niv

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

1 Peter 3:12 esv

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

1 Peter 3:12 nlt

The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right,
and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the LORD turns his face
against those who do evil."

1 Peter 3 verses

1 Peter 3 12 Meaning

1 Peter 3:12 states that God's unwavering attention and care are upon those who live righteously, and He is receptive to their earnest prayers. Conversely, the verse declares that God's resolute opposition and judgment are directed against those who persistently engage in evil, indicating His active disapproval and future condemnation of their wicked deeds. This verse serves as a foundational reason for the preceding exhortations to live godly lives, especially in the face of suffering.

1 Peter 3 12 Context

This verse, 1 Peter 3:12, functions as the theological bedrock for the preceding exhortations given in 1 Peter 3:8-11. Peter calls all believers to a unified spirit, sympathy, brotherly love, tender heart, and humility (v. 8). He then explicitly instructs them not to repay evil with evil or reviling with reviling, but rather to bless (v. 9a), grounding this command in the calling to inherit a blessing (v. 9b). Verse 10 and 11 further elaborate by directly quoting Psalm 34:12-16, emphasizing abstaining from evil, pursuing peace, and doing good as marks of one who desires life and sees good days. Verse 12 then completes this thought, stating "For..."—thus providing the ultimate reason for living such a righteous and responsive life: God Himself is actively involved, watching and listening to the righteous, but opposing the wicked. The broader context of 1 Peter encourages believers living in a hostile pagan society to maintain good conduct and witness for Christ, even in suffering. Peter assures them that their upright behavior does not go unnoticed or unrewarded by God, nor does the wickedness of their persecutors escape divine scrutiny and judgment.

1 Peter 3 12 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): This conjunction links the present verse directly to the preceding exhortation (1 Pet 3:10-11). It introduces the divine rationale or motivation behind the command to seek good, peace, and abstain from evil. It shows that the call to righteous living is not arbitrary but rooted in God's character and active engagement with humanity.
• the eyes (οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ - hoi ophthalmoi): Not literal physical eyes, but a powerful anthropomorphism representing God's omnipresent, perfect knowledge and watchful discernment. It signifies His constant attention and keen observation of all things, particularly human conduct. In ancient cultures, eyes often symbolized insight, wisdom, and active vigilance.
• of the Lord (Κυρίου - Kyriou): Refers to God, Yahweh/Jehovah, as in the Old Testament original (Psalm 34:15). It highlights His supreme authority, sovereignty, and covenant relationship as the God who actively governs and judges His creation.
• are on (ἐπὶ - epi): Denotes position, direction, or application. Here, it indicates focused attention or being directed towards, emphasizing God's direct and purposeful watchfulness over.
• the righteous (δικαίους - dikaious): From δίκαιος (dikaios), meaning just, righteous, conforming to divine law. These are individuals whose lives are characterized by ethical and moral rectitude, flowing from a right relationship with God by faith. They strive to obey His will, despite imperfection. It contrasts sharply with those "who do evil."
• and his ears (καὶ ὦτα αὐτοῦ - kai ōta autou): Another anthropomorphism paralleling "eyes," symbolizing God's attentive listening and readiness to hear. It signifies His receptiveness and responsiveness to those who cry out to Him.
• are open to (εἰς - eis with accusative; indicates direction/purpose, often implying responsiveness): While eis typically means "into" or "for," in this context with "ears" and "prayer," it strongly conveys the idea of receptivity and availability to the petition. It’s not just "hearing" but "hearing effectively."
• their prayer (δέησιν αὐτῶν - deēsin autōn): Deēsis (δέησις) specifically denotes a petition or supplication, a heartfelt appeal to God for specific needs or requests, especially during times of difficulty or distress. It suggests a yearning and dependence on God.
• but (δὲ - de): A strong adversative conjunction, introducing a direct contrast and highlighting the stark difference in God's disposition towards the two groups.
• his face (πρόσωπον Κυρίου - prosōpon Kyriou): Yet another anthropomorphism. In Scripture, God's "face" (פָּנִים - panim in Hebrew, or prosopon in Greek) can denote His presence (Ps 4:6), favor (Num 6:25), or wrath/opposition (Lev 17:10). Here, given the context of being "against those who do evil," it signifies His active, resolute, and unwavering displeasure and judgment. It means He has turned His attention to actively oppose them.
• is against (ἐπὶ - epi with accusative): Reinforces the direct opposition. God’s focus is now punitive or judgmental.
• those who do evil (ποιoῦντας κακά - poiountas kaka): Refers to those who habitually practice wickedness or make evil their way of life. It implies active engagement in unrighteousness, as opposed to occasional failings. This refers to a consistent pattern of defiant rebellion against God's standards.

Words-group Analysis:

• "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer": This phrase encapsulates God's loving, protective vigilance over His faithful children. It offers immense assurance to the suffering righteous, signifying divine awareness, sympathy, and active intervention. Their prayers are not ignored; they are heard and acted upon. It highlights the direct, intimate relationship God has with His obedient followers.
• "but his face is against those who do evil": This sharply contrasting phrase reveals God's unyielding intolerance for wickedness. It signifies active divine opposition, impending judgment, and removal of His favor and blessing. It is a powerful warning that evil does not go unpunished and serves as a deterrent to sin, assuring believers that ultimately justice will prevail. It emphasizes God's holiness and His commitment to moral order.

1 Peter 3 12 Bonus section

The choice to quote Psalm 34:15-16 by Peter is highly significant. Psalm 34 is often seen as a psalm of deliverance and trust in God, specifically relevant to one who has been through hardship but found God faithful. By applying this Old Testament promise to his New Testament audience, Peter highlights the continuity of God's character and His unchanging principles of justice and righteousness across both testaments. The sufferings of the Christians in Asia Minor mirrored in some ways the experiences of the Psalmist (David). The Psalm itself calls people to "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Ps 34:8) and concludes by affirming that "The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned" (Ps 34:22), powerfully resonating with Peter's message of salvation through Christ and suffering for righteousness. The use of "Lord" (Kyriou) in Greek, reflecting the Hebrew YHWH, reinforces the idea of God's unchanging nature and sovereign rule.

1 Peter 3 12 Commentary

1 Peter 3:12 provides the ultimate divine motivation for the righteous conduct urged upon believers facing hostility and suffering. Peter draws directly from Psalm 34:15-16, a passage familiar to his Jewish and Gentile Christian audience, underscoring the timeless nature of God's character and covenant promises.

This verse first offers profound assurance to those who strive to live righteously. Even when misunderstood, persecuted, or seemingly overlooked by human systems, "the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous." This means God sees their trials, knows their integrity, and observes every act of faith and patience. This omnipresent gaze is not one of condemnation for the righteous but of tender, watchful care and divine approval. Concomitantly, "His ears are open to their prayer." This assures believers that their fervent appeals, petitions made in distress, and cries for help do not fall on deaf ears. God actively listens and is prepared to respond to His faithful children, affirming the power and privilege of prayer for the righteous.

Conversely, the second part of the verse delivers a stern warning and a powerful promise of justice for the righteous who are suffering under unrighteous hands: "but his face is against those who do evil." God's "face against" signifies His firm opposition, righteous indignation, and impending judgment. Unlike His compassionate gaze on the righteous, His face towards the wicked is one of wrath and resolved punishment. This provides solace for the suffering, reminding them that their adversaries will ultimately face divine retribution. It encourages them to not take revenge themselves but to trust God for ultimate vindication, knowing that evil does not escape His holy justice.

This verse, therefore, acts as both an encouragement and a sober reminder: living righteously garners divine favor and access to God's ear, while practicing wickedness incurs divine wrath and opposition. It underlines the sovereignty of God as the ultimate arbiter of justice in a world where good often suffers and evil seems to prosper temporarily. It validates the pursuit of goodness even amidst adversity, because God is meticulously observant and actively involved in the affairs of humanity, meting out His just recompense.