1 Peter 3 9

1 Peter 3:9 kjv

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 3:9 nkjv

not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 3:9 niv

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 3:9 esv

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

1 Peter 3:9 nlt

Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

1 Peter 3 verses

1 Peter 3 9 Meaning

First Peter 3:9 calls believers to a radical, counter-cultural response when faced with harm or verbal abuse. Instead of retaliating with evil for evil, or insult for insult, followers of Christ are commanded to bless their aggressors. This command is not an optional suggestion but a fundamental aspect of their divine calling, with the promise that such obedience will result in the inheritance of God's blessing. It represents an active demonstration of Christian character and faith, trusting God with ultimate justice.

1 Peter 3 9 Context

First Peter chapter 3 follows significant sections instructing believers on submitting to earthly authorities, including civil rulers, masters, and husbands. It specifically addresses how Christians, particularly those experiencing societal mistreatment or verbal abuse as a consequence of their faith, should respond. The immediate context of verse 9 begins with a call for all believers to be unified, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble (1 Pet 3:8). This verse then provides the practical, ethical response to the kind of suffering and opposition detailed earlier in the epistle, especially the verbal abuse or "insults" frequently hurled at believers. It serves as a summation and direct application of Christ's non-retaliatory suffering example in 1 Peter 2:21-23. Peter writes to Christians scattered in Asia Minor (1 Pet 1:1), who were likely facing persecution and ostracism, urging them to maintain their distinct identity in Christ, even in adversity.

1 Peter 3 9 Word analysis

• Do not repay (μὴ ἀποδιδόντες - mē apodidontes): This is a strong negative command in the present participle, indicating a continuous action to cease or avoid. "Apodidontes" means to "give back" or "render" what is due. The instruction is against responding in kind.
• evil (κακὸν - kakon): Refers to what is bad, harmful, or morally wrong. It encompasses both injury and wickedness.
• with evil (ἀντὶ κακοῦ - anti kakou): "Anti" means "in place of," signifying a direct tit-for-tat retaliation. The phrase explicitly forbids reciprocating harm with harm.
• or insult (ἢ λοιδορίαν - ē loidorian): "Loidoria" refers to abusive speech, railing, reviling, or verbal abuse. This specifically addresses the common form of persecution believers faced, beyond physical harm.
• with insult (ἀντὶ λοιδορίας - anti loidorias): Similar to the preceding phrase, it forbids answering verbal abuse with more verbal abuse.
• On the contrary (ἀλλὰ τοὐναντίον - alla tounantion): "Alla" introduces a strong contrast, demanding an entirely opposite action. "Tounantion" means "on the contrary," emphasizing the radical shift required from human nature.
• bless (εὐλογοῦντες - eulogountes): A present participle, meaning "speaking well of" or "invoking God's favor upon." It is an active, positive act, asking God to bring good upon the one who has inflicted evil or insult. This goes far beyond mere non-retaliation; it is an act of proactive love and goodwill.
• because to this you were called (ὅτι εἰς τοῦτο ἐκλήθητε - hoti eis touto eklēthēthe): "Called" (eklēthēthe) signifies a divine, purposeful invitation and calling into a specific way of life, becoming part of their identity as followers of Christ. It implies a divine election and purpose for their behavior. This calling defines their spiritual journey and mission.
• so that you may inherit a blessing (ἵνα εὐλογίαν κληρονομήσητε - hina eulogian klēronomēsēte): "Hina" introduces a purpose clause. "Inherit" (klēronomēsēte) speaks of receiving something as an heir, implying it's a guaranteed promise to those who live in accordance with God's will. The "blessing" (eulogian) refers to divine favor, spiritual good, and all that God bestows on His children, encompassing both present spiritual benefits and future eternal rewards.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult": This establishes the core negative command, addressing both harmful actions and harmful words. It forbids the cycle of retaliatory behavior that is natural to fallen human inclination. It sets a boundary on how Christians should NOT respond.
• "but on the contrary, bless": This pivots sharply to the positive, demanding an active and supernaturally empowered response. It moves beyond passive non-retaliation to proactive benevolence, rooted in the character of God Himself, who blesses those who revile Him.
• "because to this you were called": This grounds the command in the theological reality of their new identity in Christ. Their transformed status means a transformed conduct. It's not a mere suggestion but an inherent requirement of their divine calling and participation in the kingdom of God.
• "so that you may inherit a blessing": This provides the powerful motivation and divine promise. Their obedience is not merit-based earning but a faithful living out of their calling, which God, in His grace, promises to reward with a rich inheritance of His own blessings, echoing the Abrahamic covenant of blessing for being a blessing.

1 Peter 3 9 Bonus section

The command to "bless" is active and transformative, not merely passive forbearance. It means to genuinely wish well and to pray for God's good upon the person who has done evil. This reflects God's character and also potentially transforms the situation or the hearts involved. It implies that true blessing, particularly spiritual blessing, originates from God. When believers bless others, they act as conduits for God's divine favor. This specific call to active blessing highlights a distinction from other ancient ethical codes that might advocate for non-retaliation but rarely extend to active benevolence toward adversaries. This concept is revolutionary, not merely avoiding sin but actively demonstrating virtue. Furthermore, the "blessing" one is called to inherit can be seen as the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises, a participation in God's very life and joy, a much greater return than any earthly retribution could offer.

1 Peter 3 9 Commentary

First Peter 3:9 encapsulates a fundamental ethic of Christian living: to respond to hostility and mistreatment not with reciprocal harm, but with deliberate blessing. This command is counter-intuitive and transcends human nature, requiring a spiritual transformation. It is rooted in the divine calling believers have received—they are called to reflect the character of God and Christ, who Himself endured insult without retaliation (1 Pet 2:23) and whose very nature is to bless. The promise of inheriting a blessing serves as both a powerful motivation and an assurance that God will not leave acts of selfless love unrewarded. This blessing is not a worldly gain but encompasses profound spiritual favor, peace, and ultimate eternal reward, which is an inherited privilege by grace, not an earned wage. The verse challenges believers to break cycles of malice and strife by demonstrating Christ-like love, thereby manifesting God's kingdom on earth.