1 Peter 3 8

1 Peter 3:8 kjv

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

1 Peter 3:8 nkjv

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

1 Peter 3:8 niv

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

1 Peter 3:8 esv

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

1 Peter 3:8 nlt

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

1 Peter 3 verses

1 Peter 3 8 Meaning

This verse serves as a concise summary and exhortation for the Christian community to exhibit five crucial virtues: unity in mind, sympathetic understanding, brotherly love, tenderheartedness, and humility. These qualities are presented as foundational for collective spiritual well-being, harmonious living, and effective witness amidst trials, serving as a climactic appeal to shared character after specific instructions on roles within the family and society. It underscores that all believers, regardless of their particular circumstances, are called to embody these Christ-like dispositions towards one another.

1 Peter 3 8 Context

1 Peter chapter 3 is part of a broader section (1 Peter 2:11 – 4:11) addressing Christian conduct within various social spheres, particularly for believers living as "sojourners and exiles" in a non-Christian world. Chapters 2 and 3 specifically outline responsibilities to governing authorities, employers, and within marriage. The preceding verses (3:1-7) give detailed instructions for wives submitting to their husbands and husbands honoring their wives, emphasizing that Christian character within the family can be a powerful testimony.

Verse 3:8, introduced by "Finally" (τέλος, telos), acts as a concluding summary and a transition. It broadens the scope from specific domestic relations to the entire Christian community, laying down foundational virtues for all believers. These qualities are crucial not only for internal church harmony but also for Christians to navigate suffering and external hostility, preparing them for the call to bless their persecutors (3:9) and live righteously in the face of judgment. The general exhortations here provide the spiritual disposition necessary for enduring persecution and effectively bearing witness to Christ in a challenging environment.

1 Peter 3 8 Word analysis

• Finally (Greek: Τὸ δὲ τέλος, To de telos): Literally "as for the end" or "the outcome." It signifies a conclusion or a summation, a final point in a series of instructions. It transitions from specific applications of Christ-like living to more general, foundational virtues for all believers within the community, setting the stage for subsequent teaching on responding to opposition. It emphasizes the importance of the following statements as essential.
• all of you (Greek: πάντες, pantes): This broad, inclusive term underscores that these qualities are not optional or applicable only to certain segments of the church. They are universal requirements for every single believer, regardless of status, gender, or position, signifying the communal nature of these virtues.
• be like-minded (Greek: ὁμόφρονες, homophrones): Derived from homos (same) and phren (mind/will/understanding). It denotes having the "same mind," implying unity in purpose, outlook, and fundamental agreement on spiritual principles. This isn't necessarily uniformity of opinion on every minor detail but a shared heart for Christ and His kingdom, a spiritual solidarity. It opposes division and self-interest.
• be sympathetic (Greek: συμπαθεῖς, sympatheis): From syn (with) and pathos (suffering/feeling). It means "to suffer with" or "feel with." It implies active identification with another person's emotions, whether joy or sorrow, and responsiveness to their state. It's empathy—a deep capacity to enter into another's experience, which is crucial for authentic community.
• love one another (Greek: φιλάδελφοι, philadelphoi): From philos (loving) and adelphos (brother/fellow). It directly translates to "brotherly love" or "loving of brethren." This specific type of love, phileo, describes the affectionate, familial bond that Christians, as spiritual siblings, should share. It goes beyond mere cordiality to deep kinship and care, characteristic of God's family.
• be compassionate (Greek: εὔσπλαγχνοι, eusplagchnoi): From eu (good/well) and splagchna (bowels/innermost parts). In ancient Greek thought, the splagchna were considered the seat of emotions like pity and compassion. So, "good bowels" or "tenderhearted" means having deep, internal feelings of mercy and tender affection that move one to action. It's a stronger term than "sympathetic," indicating a profound inward stirring that prompts a desire to alleviate suffering.
• and humble (Greek: ταπεινόφρονες, tapeinophrones): From tapeinos (lowly/humble) and phren (mind/understanding). It means "humble-minded" or having a "lowly estimation of oneself." This virtue runs counter to the natural human inclination for pride and self-exaltation. In Christian theology, humility involves recognizing one's dependence on God and serving others rather than seeking personal recognition or status. It is foundational for true unity and compassion.

Words-Group analysis:

• all of you, be like-minded: This phrase directly calls the entire Christian collective to seek and maintain unity of thought and purpose. It is a fundamental directive against discord, promoting cohesion in the body of Christ. This spiritual alignment fosters an environment where the other virtues can flourish.
• be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate: These three qualities form a cluster relating to empathetic and affectionate social engagement. "Sympathetic" relates to shared feelings; "love one another" signifies a deep, familial bond; and "compassionate" points to an active, tenderhearted concern. Together, they outline a comprehensive posture of selfless care and emotional connection within the community, fostering mutual support.
• and humble: Placed last, humility often acts as the root or enabler of the preceding virtues. Pride destroys unity, stifles sympathy, hinders love, and makes true compassion difficult. Therefore, a humble mind (not thinking more highly of oneself than one ought) is essential for practicing the other virtues and for maintaining harmonious relationships within the body of Christ.

1 Peter 3 8 Bonus section

This concise ethical summary in 1 Peter 3:8 is not merely a list of admirable traits but a crucial prerequisite for the behavior exhorted in the following verses (3:9 onwards), which involves returning good for evil and bearing suffering for righteousness' sake. One cannot genuinely "not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling" (3:9) without the foundation of inner humility, compassion, and a unified mindset towards fellow believers.

In the Greco-Roman world, humility was often considered a weakness or subservience, reserved for the lowest classes. Peter's emphasis on tapeinophrones directly challenges this societal norm, elevating it to a Christ-like virtue, as demonstrated in Philippians 2 where Christ "humbled himself" (Phil 2:8). Similarly, brotherly love (philadelphoi) distinguished Christian communities from general societal philanthropy, highlighting their unique family bond formed in Christ. The five imperatives form a coherent ethical package, fostering a counter-cultural community that truly lives as exiles and foreigners who belong to a different Kingdom, ultimately testifying to the love and character of God Himself.

1 Peter 3 8 Commentary

1 Peter 3:8 distills the essence of Christian communal life into five essential character traits. Peter calls for unity of purpose (like-mindedness) so believers can move forward together, undivided by personal agendas. This unity enables true empathy and solidarity (sympathetic), leading Christians to share in one another's joys and sorrows. Out of this shared experience grows authentic familial love (love one another), acknowledging fellow believers as spiritual siblings. This love finds its deepest expression in active compassion (compassionate), where tenderheartedness moves one to act for the welfare of others, alleviating their suffering. All these virtues are predicated on profound humility (humble), a humble spirit that subordinates self-interest to the needs and honor of others. These aren't merely suggestions but active commands that shape Christian identity and testimony, especially important for a community facing external pressures and persecution. Embracing these virtues collectively creates a robust, Christ-like community that can endure hardship and commend the gospel to a watching world, demonstrating the transforming power of God's grace.

Practical Examples:

• A church deciding on a new ministry project by seeking God's will together (like-minded).
• Members bringing meals to a family experiencing a loss (sympathetic/compassionate).
• Giving a portion of income or time to support a fellow believer in need (brotherly love/compassionate).
• Seeking to serve behind the scenes in church rather than vying for public recognition (humble).
• Listening intently to someone sharing a struggle, validating their feelings without judgment (sympathetic).