1 Peter 3 13

1 Peter 3:13 kjv

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

1 Peter 3:13 nkjv

And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?

1 Peter 3:13 niv

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?

1 Peter 3:13 esv

Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?

1 Peter 3:13 nlt

Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?

1 Peter 3 verses

1 Peter 3 13 Meaning

This verse acts as a profound rhetorical question, designed to reassure believers that no one can inflict ultimate, lasting harm upon them if they are truly fervent in pursuing what is intrinsically good and pleasing to God. It posits a divine protective oversight, asserting that sincere dedication to righteous living serves as a safeguard against malicious intent, implying that God Himself ensures the ultimate well-being and security of His devoted followers.

1 Peter 3 13 Context

First Peter is an epistle written to Christian believers in Asia Minor who were dispersed and facing various forms of suffering and persecution, living as "elect exiles" (1 Pet 1:1). Throughout the letter, Peter encourages them to live holy lives, stand firm in their faith, and respond righteously even amidst adversity.

Chapter 3 specifically addresses the importance of submission and love within various relationships—wives to husbands, husbands to wives, and generally among all believers (1 Pet 3:1-9). Following a general exhortation to "love life and see good days" by refraining from evil, seeking peace, and living with a clear conscience (1 Pet 3:10-12), verse 13 transitions to providing comfort and assurance concerning external threats. It sets the stage for discussing suffering for righteousness (1 Pet 3:14) and the importance of being ready to defend one's hope in Christ (1 Pet 3:15-16), contrasting worldly hostility with divine favor. The historical context indicates that early Christians were often misunderstood, maligned, and persecuted for their faith, for rejecting pagan deities and practices, and for their perceived social isolation. This verse offers a powerful antidote to fear in such an environment.

1 Peter 3 13 Word Analysis

• And who: (καὶ τίς - kai tis) This phrase initiates a rhetorical question in Greek, carrying the strong implication that the answer is "no one." It emphasizes the utter futility of any attempt to genuinely harm a person living righteously under God's favor.
• is he that will harm: (ὁ κακώσων - ho kakōson)
  • harm: (κακώσων - kakōson, from the verb kakoō) This word signifies more than mere annoyance or inconvenience; it means to ill-treat, afflict, injure, or cause deep suffering. It often implies a malevolent intent or effect that genuinely threatens one's well-being or standing. The future participle ("will harm") denotes a definitive, certain action. Peter acknowledges that Christians do suffer physically (e.g., 1 Pet 4:12), but the "harm" here refers to a lasting, ultimate, or spiritual detriment that could derail one's faith or separate one from God's blessings.
• you: (ὑμᾶς - hymas) Refers to the collective body of believers, the recipients of Peter's letter, underscoring that this protection is promised to those within the covenant community of Christ.
• if ye be followers/zealous: (ἐὰν ζηλωταὶ γένησθε - ean zēlōtai genēsthe)
  • if: (ἐὰν - ean) This conjunction introduces a conditional clause, making the divine protection contingent upon a specific behavior or disposition.
  • followers/zealous: (ζηλωταὶ - zēlōtai, from zēlōtēs) This noun describes someone who is zealous, eager, devoted, or an ardent follower. It conveys more than just intellectual agreement or passive acceptance; it implies an active, passionate, and energetic pursuit or imitation. It means to be ardently enthusiastic and committed to the cause of "the good," mirroring the fervent commitment seen in Jewish zealots for the law (though without the negative connotations of violence or exclusivism here). The use of this term emphasizes a proactive commitment to goodness.
  • ye be: (γένησθε - genēsthe) From ginomai, "to become," indicating a state that one actively enters into or continuously lives within. It's not just a momentary feeling but a settled disposition and pattern of life.
• of that which is good: (τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ - tou agathou)
  • good: (ἀγαθοῦ - agathou, from agathos) This refers to that which is inherently, intrinsically, or morally good, often used in a transcendent sense. It's not just "beneficial" or "advantageous," but refers to God's standard of moral excellence, His will, and actions that align with His righteous character. It is the "good" that flows from God Himself (Jas 1:17). The definite article "the" (τοῦ) implies a specific and ultimate good, understood in light of God's character and commandments.
• Word Group Analysis:
  • "Who is he that will harm you": This entire phrase, structured as a rhetorical question, aims to instill courage and abolish fear in the face of perceived threats. It functions as a declarative statement of divine promise: "No one will harm you." The implied "no one" refers to an ultimate, lasting harm to one's soul, destiny, or spiritual standing before God, even if temporary physical or social suffering occurs. It underlines the sovereignty of God over all human malice.
  • "if ye be zealous for what is good": This conditional clause defines the specific stance that draws God's protection. It's not passive goodness, but an active, eager, and committed pursuit of moral excellence and righteousness that aligns with God's will. This zealous pursuit reflects a heart transformed by God's grace and truly submitted to His Lordship, marking believers out as distinctly different from the world.

1 Peter 3 13 Bonus section

The emphasis on being "zealous" (zēlōtai) for "the good" (tou agathou) is crucial. This isn't about being perfectly good, which is impossible, but about a direction of one's life—a persistent, earnest inclination towards righteousness and away from evil. This zeal for God's good reflects a regenerate heart. The verse does not imply that outward persecutors will necessarily cease their efforts; rather, it suggests that their efforts will ultimately be rendered futile in achieving their intended true harm against the believer, especially in an eternal sense. The question is therefore a rhetorical one of assurance rather than a literal query about who would attack. It reassures believers of divine oversight that transcends immediate earthly struggles.

1 Peter 3 13 Commentary

1 Peter 3:13 offers profound comfort and reassurance to believers facing external hostility. Peter poses a rhetorical question, confidently declaring that ultimate harm cannot come to those who are genuinely fervent in pursuing goodness. The "harm" Peter refers to is not merely physical suffering or inconvenience, which Christians do indeed experience, but a deeper, lasting damage—a harm that would undermine their faith, their relationship with God, or their eternal salvation. God's protective hand is asserted as inviolable for His children who actively strive for righteousness.

The key condition is to be "zealous for what is good." This isn't passive virtue, but an active, enthusiastic, and diligent pursuit of a life that aligns with God's inherent goodness. It speaks to a transformative work within the believer, resulting in outward actions that reflect God's character. Such a lifestyle places believers directly under God's benevolent watch and care. This does not exempt them from trials, insults, or even persecution, as Peter himself acknowledges elsewhere (1 Pet 4:12), but it assures them that no earthly adversary can thwart God's ultimate plan for them or separate them from His love. The Lord, being sovereign, either deflects, restrains, or even permits suffering for His higher, purifying purposes, ensuring that any perceived harm is ultimately turned for their eternal good (Rom 8:28). Thus, the verse underscores the unshakeable security of the righteous, finding their ultimate defense in God's protective power and unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

Practical Usages:

• Assurance in Adversity: When facing criticism, unjust treatment, or opposition for your faith, this verse reminds you that ultimate victory belongs to God and those aligned with Him.
• Motivation for Righteousness: It encourages a proactive pursuit of "good"—defined by God—as this commitment is linked to divine favor and protection.
• Perspective on Suffering: It helps differentiate between temporary hardships and true, soul-damaging harm, enabling believers to endure temporal suffering with spiritual fortitude.