1 Peter 3 16

1 Peter 3:16 kjv

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

1 Peter 3:16 nkjv

having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

1 Peter 3:16 niv

keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

1 Peter 3:16 esv

having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

1 Peter 3:16 nlt

But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

1 Peter 3 verses

1 Peter 3 16 Meaning

The verse encourages believers to maintain a morally pure and undefiled conscience. When this "good conscience" is paired with exemplary conduct in Christ, it becomes a powerful witness. If they are falsely accused or slandered by others, their genuinely good and Christ-like way of life will expose the accusers' falsehoods, leading to the public shame or embarrassment of those who maliciously malign their virtuous behavior. This outcome serves to vindicate the believers and glorify Christ through their steadfast character.

1 Peter 3 16 Context

First Peter Chapter 3 immediately follows Peter's instructions regarding submission to human authorities and slave-master relationships (2:13-25), emphasizing a similar spirit for wives in submission to husbands (3:1-6). Verses 8-12 pivot to a general call for unity, sympathy, brotherly love, and kindness among all believers, coupled with a directive to bless those who revile them, rather than return evil for evil. This prepares the groundwork for the core message of 3:13-17, which addresses the believer's response to suffering and persecution for righteousness' sake. Peter reassures them that true harm will not come to them if they are zealous for what is good. Instead, if they should suffer, it is for righteousness, aligning them with Christ's own suffering (3:18). Verse 16, therefore, provides practical guidance on how to respond when faced with such malice, stressing that an upright Christian life acts as its own defense and an eventual rebuke to the slanderers. The broader historical context is the early church facing suspicion, misunderstanding, and increasing persecution in the Roman Empire, often accused of social deviancy or disloyalty because of their distinct Christian way of life.

1 Peter 3 16 Word analysis

• Having (ἔχοντες - echontes): This is a present participle, signifying a continuous and active possession. It's not a passive state but implies deliberately holding onto or maintaining a good conscience.
• good (ἀγαθήν - agathēn): This denotes inherent moral goodness, uprightness, and beneficence. It's about genuine virtue, not just outward conformity.
• conscience (συνείδησιν - syneidēsin): The inner moral awareness, a knowing "with" oneself. It's the internal judge that bears witness to one's actions and intentions before God and others. A "good" conscience is one that is clean, free from guilt, and correctly attuned to God's will.
• so that (ἵνα - hina): A purpose clause. The maintenance of a good conscience is for the specific aim of shaming accusers.
• when you are slandered (ἐν ᾧ καταλαλοῦνται ὑμῶν - en hō katalalountai hymōn): This phrase describes the scenario. katalalountai is "to speak evil against, malign, calumniate." It refers to verbal attacks, false accusations, and character assassination. The passive voice indicates that the believers are the recipients of such slander.
• those who revile (οἱ ἐπηρεάζοντες - hoi epēreazontes): This term, epēreazontes, carries a stronger connotation than simply slandering. It means to abuse, insult, treat despitefully, or maliciously use. It suggests hostile, oppressive, and arrogant mistreatment. This points to antagonists who are not merely mistaken but have hostile intent.
• your good (τὴν ἀγαθὴν - tēn agathēn): Reinforces the moral quality of their behavior. It is genuinely good and virtuous.
• in Christ (ἐν Χριστῷ - en Christō): This pivotal phrase clarifies the nature and source of their "good behavior." It is not merely human ethics or social politeness, but behavior that is empowered, defined, and exemplified by Christ Himself, rooted in their union with Him. It is supernatural, distinct from the world's ways.
• behavior (ἀναστροφήν - anastrophēn): This refers to one's manner of life, conduct, or lifestyle. It encompasses the entirety of their walk and how they carry themselves in daily interactions.
• may be put to shame (καταισχυνθῶσιν - kataischynthōsin): This indicates humiliation, disgrace, or public embarrassment. The truth of the Christians' virtuous lives will expose the falsity and maliciousness of their accusers, causing the slanderers to be discredited and morally exposed. This can imply a spiritual conviction, leading them to feel the moral weight of their lies.

1 Peter 3 16 Bonus section

This verse subtly points to a form of spiritual warfare where the believer's transformed life is a weapon against the forces of darkness and falsehood. The "shame" that comes upon the accusers is not simply social embarrassment but can also be a spiritual undoing, as their schemes are exposed and their moral authority, if any, collapses. It showcases that God's plan for His people includes vindication even in this life, often through the very consistent, unblemished witness of their conduct. The Christian's call is not to refute every accusation with words, but to live a life that speaks for itself, allowing their actions "in Christ" to confound their adversaries and bring glory to God.

1 Peter 3 16 Commentary

First Peter 3:16 delivers a powerful principle for living righteously in a hostile world. It calls believers to proactive integrity by cultivating a "good conscience" and demonstrating "good behavior in Christ." The goodness of the conscience implies an inner life of purity and alignment with God's will, free from hypocrisy. This inner state is then expressed outwardly in a manner of life that truly reflects Christ's character, setting Christians apart.

The verse acknowledges the inevitability of slander and malicious attacks against those who live godly lives. However, it shifts the focus from avoiding slander to ensuring that when it occurs, the accusers are ultimately discredited. The profound truth is that a life demonstrably transformed by Christ serves as its own unanswerable defense. The contrast between the malicious accusations and the visible, verifiable "good behavior" becomes glaring, exposing the lies of the slanderers and bringing shame upon them. This shame is not a vengeful act but a natural consequence of their baseless antagonism being revealed by the light of truth in a Christian's consistent walk. The emphasis on "in Christ" highlights that this behavior is not merely self-effort, but a Spirit-empowered manifestation of their union with Jesus, which is what gives it its potent witness.

Practical examples include consistently showing love and respect in difficult relationships where one is unjustly targeted, diligently performing work duties even when exploited, or maintaining a spirit of joy and peace amidst hardship that might tempt others to bitterness. Such integrity speaks volumes.