1 Peter 4 13

1 Peter 4:13 kjv

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

1 Peter 4:13 nkjv

but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

1 Peter 4:13 niv

But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

1 Peter 4:13 esv

But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

1 Peter 4:13 nlt

Instead, be very glad ? for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

1 Peter 4 verses

1 Peter 4 13 Meaning

This verse exhorts believers to find joy in their present sufferings, understanding them not as mere misfortune, but as a participation in the experiences of Christ Himself. The call to rejoice is not a call for masochism, but an embrace of suffering endured for righteousness' sake, recognizing that such participation in Christ's journey guarantees a much greater, overflowing joy when Christ's glory is finally and fully revealed at His return. It links current hardship with future triumph and vindication.

1 Peter 4 13 Context

First Peter is addressed to believers "scattered" throughout Asia Minor (1 Pet 1:1), likely undergoing social ostracism and various forms of persecution due to their Christian faith. Chapter 4 begins by encouraging believers to arm themselves with the same mindset as Christ, being prepared to suffer in the flesh (4:1). It highlights that such suffering means breaking from a sinful past and living differently from the world, which naturally incurs hostility (4:2-4). Peter then addresses the theme of suffering more directly, stating that the "fiery ordeal" should not be surprising but understood as a participation in Christ's sufferings (4:12). Verse 13 directly follows this by calling for joy in these shared sufferings, pointing to the ultimate eschatological hope: Christ's glorious return and the believers' shared joy in it. The immediate context of verses 12-19 focuses on God's judgment beginning with His household and the blessedness of suffering "as a Christian."

1 Peter 4 13 Word analysis

• But: Greek: Alla (ἀλλὰ). A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a sharp contrast with the preceding thought (4:12: "do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal"). Instead of surprise or dismay, the correct response is joy.

• rejoice: Greek: chairete (χαίρετε). An imperative verb, commanding an attitude of joy. This is not a superficial happiness but a deep-seated spiritual joy, rooted in God's faithfulness and promises. It’s the same word used in the salutation of letters, often a standard greeting implying joy. Here it is an active command.

• insofar as: Greek: kathō (καθὸ). An adverb of degree or manner, meaning "according as," "just as," or "to the extent that." It precisely defines the condition and scope of the commanded joy—it is to the degree that one shares in Christ’s sufferings.

• you share in: Greek: koinōneite (κοινωνεῖτε). From koinōneō, meaning "to have a share in," "to participate in," "to be a partner with." This term is profoundly significant, denoting deep fellowship, partnership, and communion. It means more than simply experiencing a similar difficulty; it is an active participation and identification with Christ in His specific sufferings for righteousness' sake. It implies a living union.

• Christ's sufferings: Greek: tois tou Christou pathēmasin (τοῖς τοῦ Χριστοῦ παθήμασιν). Pathēmasin (sufferings) refers to what one experiences, endures, or undergoes, often painful. The genitive "of Christ" signifies not our suffering for Christ, but rather that our sufferings are, in some mystical and actual sense, identified with His own. They are the same kind of redemptive, purposeful sufferings for righteousness. Believers do not redeem others, but their suffering continues the presence and testimony of Christ in the world.

• that you may be glad: Greek: hina... charēte (ἵνα... χαρῆτε). Hina introduces a purpose clause. The present suffering is a means to a greater end—a future joy. Charēte is another form of the verb "to rejoice," expressing the anticipated overflowing joy. The double use of joy in the verse ("rejoice" now, "be glad" then) emphasizes both present duty and future reward.

• when his glory: Greek: en tē apokalypsei tēs doxēs autou (ἐν τῇ ἀποκαλύψει τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ). Doxēs autou (his glory) refers to the divine majesty, splendor, and inherent worth of Christ. It speaks of His fully revealed divine nature.

• is revealed: Greek: apokalypsei (ἀποκαλύψει). From apokalypsis, meaning "unveiling," "uncovering," "revelation." It signifies the climactic moment of Christ's Second Coming, where His full divine majesty, power, and glory, which were once hidden or dimly perceived, will be fully and publicly displayed for all to see. This revelation is the ultimate vindication for both Christ and those who suffer for Him.

• But rejoice insofar as you share in Christ's sufferings: This phrase connects present human experience to divine suffering, shifting the perspective from meaningless pain to meaningful participation. The "sharing" implies deep spiritual solidarity and an extension of Christ's redemptive work through His body, the Church. The "insofar as" highlights that the joy is directly proportional to this participation.

• that you may be glad when his glory is revealed: This emphasizes the eschatological dimension and ultimate hope. The present sufferings are temporary and instrumental, preparing believers for an immense and overflowing joy at Christ’s future, definitive triumph. The joy experienced now is a foretaste and a guarantee of the greater joy to come. It affirms the principle that suffering for Christ will be fully vindicated and rewarded in His glorious appearing.

1 Peter 4 13 Bonus section

The emphasis on koinōneite (sharing/participating) goes beyond mere intellectual assent; it speaks to a deep, transformative spiritual identification with Christ. This active partnership in suffering validates the genuineness of one's faith. This verse also implicitly stands as a polemic against any notion that true believers should be exempt from hardship or that suffering is a sign of divine disfavor. Instead, it positions suffering for Christ as a blessed path, aligned with Christ's own journey and leading to shared glory. The Greek use of apokalypsis points directly to the Christian doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ (Parousia) as the decisive moment of revelation and ultimate vindication, providing the ultimate motivation for present endurance.

1 Peter 4 13 Commentary

1 Peter 4:13 provides a profound theological lens through which Christians are to view suffering. It redefines hardship endured for Christ not as a burden to be resented, but as a privilege to be embraced. The suffering is not an end in itself but is inherently linked to Christ's own suffering and His eventual glory. By participating in Christ's pathēmasin, believers are deeply united with Him, mirroring His sacrificial path. This unity makes their suffering purposeful, preparing them for an unparalleled charēte (joy) at the apokalypsei tēs doxēs autou (revelation of His glory) during His second coming. The passage teaches that suffering for Christ is not a deviation from the Christian walk, but a confirmation of it, leading directly to future vindication and supreme joy in God’s presence. This truth encourages endurance, transforms present trials into future hope, and reminds believers of their ultimate destiny.