1 Peter 3 14

1 Peter 3:14 kjv

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

1 Peter 3:14 nkjv

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."

1 Peter 3:14 niv

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened."

1 Peter 3:14 esv

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,

1 Peter 3:14 nlt

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats.

1 Peter 3 verses

1 Peter 3 14 Meaning

This verse teaches that believers who suffer for the sake of living righteously, in accordance with God's will and truth, are not to be pitied but are considered blessed by God. Furthermore, it commands them not to be intimidated or thrown into turmoil by the threats or actions of their persecutors, maintaining an inner peace despite outward hostility.

1 Peter 3 14 Context

This verse is embedded in a larger section (1 Pet 3:8-17) where Peter calls believers to a specific kind of conduct, especially when facing hostility. Following calls for unity, empathy, and humility among believers (1 Pet 3:8), Peter advises against returning evil for evil or insult for insult (1 Pet 3:9), echoing Proverbs 12:13 and 34:12-16. He grounds this counsel in the blessing promised to those who pursue good (1 Pet 3:9-12), reminding them that God's eyes are on the righteous but His face is against evildoers. Verse 14 directly addresses the potential negative outcome of doing good – suffering – but reframes it as a source of blessing. Historically, early Christians faced suspicion, slander, and social ostracism in the Roman Empire for their refusal to participate in pagan religious practices and imperial cults, their distinctive moral code, and their allegiance to Christ alone. Their "righteousness" often seemed offensive or subversive to the dominant culture. Peter's words provided comfort and a theological framework for enduring such opposition.

1 Peter 3 14 Word analysis

• But and if (εἰ καὶ - ei kai): A conditional particle meaning "even if," "if indeed," or "granting that." It anticipates a real possibility or even a probable scenario rather than a mere hypothetical one, implying that suffering for righteousness' sake is a distinct and common reality for believers.
• ye suffer (πάσχοιτε - paschoite): From the Greek verb paschō, meaning to experience, undergo, suffer, endure. It covers various forms of hardship, including physical, emotional, and social suffering, often related to persecution or tribulation. Peter uses this term frequently in his letter concerning Christ's suffering and the believer's participation in it.
• for righteousness' sake (διὰ δικαιοσύνην - dia dikaiosynēn): διὰ (dia): A preposition meaning "on account of," "because of," or "for the sake of." δικαιοσύνην (dikaiosynēn): From dikaiosynē, meaning righteousness, justice, uprightness, conformity to God's standard. This phrase is crucial as it distinguishes suffering due to one's own wrongdoing from suffering purely for living righteously, demonstrating one's loyalty to Christ and His ways.
• happy are ye (μακάριοι - makarioi): The Greek term makarios means "blessed," "fortunate," or "privileged." It describes a state of divine favor and well-being, independent of earthly circumstances. This term directly echoes the Beatitudes of Jesus (Matt 5:10), emphasizing a spiritual blessedness that comes from God, a joy and approval that transcends earthly sorrow.
• and be not afraid (μὴ φοβηθῆτε - mē phobēthēte): μὴ (mē): A negative particle used in prohibitions. φοβηθῆτε (phobēthēte): From phobeō, meaning to fear, be terrified, to dread. This is an imperative command to actively resist fear and dread.
• of their terror (τὸν φόβον αὐτῶν - ton phobon autōn): τὸν φόβον (ton phobon): The noun phobos refers to fear, dread, or that which causes fear (terror). Here, it specifically points to the attempts by opponents to instill fear or the threatening things they might do. It captures the psychological warfare employed by persecutors. αὐτῶν (autōn): The pronoun "their," referring to those who cause suffering.
• neither be troubled (μηδὲ ταραχθῆτε - mēde tarachthete): μηδὲ (mēde): Connects the negative commands, "and not" or "nor." ταραχθῆτε (tarachthete): From tarassō, meaning to disturb, agitate, disquiet, stir up, throw into confusion. This is a command against internal emotional distress, mental agitation, or panic, suggesting a call for inner composure and tranquility even amidst outward chaos.

• But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: This phrase establishes a paradoxical truth. Suffering is generally undesirable, but when it stems from allegiance to righteousness, it becomes a path to divine blessing. It redefines the perception of adversity for the believer, linking their experience directly to the Kingdom of God and the Beatitudes of Christ. This also serves as a polemic against common ancient pagan beliefs that suffering was a sign of divine disfavor; instead, for Christians, it could be a sign of divine approval.
• and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled: These two imperative commands reinforce each other, addressing both external intimidation and internal emotional response. "Be not afraid" refers to outward acts of intimidation or the specific threats posed, while "neither be troubled" points to maintaining an inner calmness and spiritual composure. The juxtaposition suggests a steadfast mind and heart unswayed by worldly pressures, directly drawing on Old Testament admonitions to fear the Lord alone (Isa 8:12-13).

1 Peter 3 14 Bonus section

The concept of fearing God more than man is central to 1 Peter 3:14. This verse functions as an ethical and theological polemic against pagan practices and common human responses. While many ancient societies would have seen suffering as a curse or a sign of divine displeasure, Peter asserts it as a blessing for the righteous. This challenges the worldly logic that views comfort as the highest good. Peter implicitly elevates the fear of the Lord (referenced directly in the surrounding verses and echoing Isa 8:13, which is implicitly connected to 1 Pet 3:14 via some manuscript traditions or thematic links) as the true antidote to the fear of man. It fosters Christian resilience, understanding that faithful obedience to God may result in temporal suffering but leads to eternal blessing, shifting the believer's perspective from transient discomfort to enduring joy and approval from God.

1 Peter 3 14 Commentary

Peter's admonition in 1 Peter 3:14 provides profound spiritual reassurance and guidance to believers facing adversity. He affirms that suffering, when it arises not from one's own sin or error but from living in alignment with God's righteousness, is a privileged state. This "blessedness" (μακάριοι - makarioi) is not a worldly happiness but a divine approbation, a deep spiritual well-being given by God, reminiscent of Jesus' beatitudes for those persecuted for righteousness. The verse then delivers two strong imperatives: "be not afraid of their terror" and "neither be troubled." This calls believers to maintain an inner fortitude and peace that transcends their external circumstances. It means refusing to let the intimidating tactics of opponents or the physical threats they pose lead to outward panic or inward agitation. This unshakeable peace stems from a confidence in God's sovereignty and presence, echoing Old Testament commands to fear God alone, not human threats. In essence, Peter encourages a resilient spirit, grounded in divine favor, that empowers believers to face hostility with serenity, knowing their ultimate blessedness is secure in Christ.