1 Peter 4 16

1 Peter 4:16 kjv

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

1 Peter 4:16 nkjv

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

1 Peter 4:16 niv

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

1 Peter 4:16 esv

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

1 Peter 4:16 nlt

But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!

1 Peter 4 verses

1 Peter 4 16 Meaning

First Peter 4:16 asserts that if believers endure suffering not for wrongdoing but specifically for their identity as a follower of Christ, they should not feel disgraced. Instead, their suffering should be a catalyst to honor and praise God for bestowing upon them such a distinct and meaningful name and calling. It transforms potential shame into a point of divine glorification.

1 Peter 4 16 Context

First Peter is written to Christian believers, often described as "exiles of the Dispersion," living in various provinces of Asia Minor. This suggests they were scattered and facing various forms of social ostracization, slander, and perhaps local, episodic persecution due to their refusal to conform to prevailing pagan religious and social norms. The broader theme of the epistle is to encourage believers to live holy lives (1 Pet 1:15-16) and maintain hope amidst suffering (1 Pet 1:3-9), looking forward to Christ's return.

Within Chapter 4, Peter addresses how Christians are to live in light of Christ's suffering (1 Pet 4:1-2) and the coming judgment, which he says "begins with the household of God" (1 Pet 4:17). The verses preceding 4:16 emphasize the radical departure from sinful lifestyles (1 Pet 4:3-4) and the impending "end of all things" (1 Pet 4:7). Importantly, Peter makes a crucial distinction in 1 Pet 4:15, urging believers not to suffer "as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler," contrasting this with the suffering mentioned in 4:16—suffering specifically "as a Christian." The historical context hints at social contempt, verbal abuse, and possibly physical violence directed at those bearing the name of "Christian," who were often maligned as atheists (for not worshipping state gods), cannibals (misinterpreting communion), or immoral (due to private gatherings). Peter provides instruction for endurance and proper response to such unwarranted hardship.

1 Peter 4 16 Word analysis

• "Yet if anyone": Greek: Eἰ δὲ ὡς (Ei de hōs) - Introduces a specific conditional clause. The "yet" (δέ, de) contrasts with the negative suffering scenarios in the preceding verse (1 Pet 4:15), drawing a clear distinction.
• "suffers": Greek: πάσχει (paschei) - Present tense, indicating ongoing or habitual suffering. This term broadly means to experience, endure, suffer, or undergo something. It echoes the concept of Christ's suffering earlier in the letter (1 Pet 2:21, 3:18, 4:1). It highlights that suffering is an expected part of the Christian life.
• "as a Christian": Greek: Χριστιανὸς (Christianos) - This term was likely coined by outsiders in Antioch (Acts 11:26), potentially as a derogatory or distinguishing label for followers of Christ. Peter's use here, however, elevates it, treating it not as an insult but as an honorable designation. It signifies suffering specifically due to one's alignment, association, and faith in Jesus Christ, and not for any other reason. It indicates belonging and identification with Christ.
• "let him not be ashamed": Greek: μὴ αἰσχυνέσθω (mē aischunestō) - A strong negative imperative. In Greco-Roman culture, shame (αἰσχύνη, aischunē) was a powerful motivator; being shamed could ruin one's social standing. Peter commands believers to resist this societal pressure. To be "unashamed" meant defiance against the social norms that demanded conformity, valuing spiritual honor over worldly reputation. This aligns with Christ's willingness to endure shame (Heb 12:2).
• "but let him glorify God": Greek: δοξαζέτω δὲ τὸν Θεὸν (doxazetō de ton Theon) - Another strong imperative. Instead of succumbing to shame, the suffering Christian is commanded to do the opposite: bring glory to God. To glorify God means to acknowledge His excellence, declare His praise, reflect His character, and attribute honor to Him through one's actions, even—and especially—in adverse circumstances. It shifts the focus from the personal experience of suffering to God's divine purpose and power displayed through the suffering.
• "in that name": Greek: ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ (en tō onomati toutō) - "That name" most likely refers to the name of "Christian," which encapsulates one's identity as a follower of Christ and is inherently linked to the Name of Christ itself. The "name" is more than just a label; it embodies identity, character, authority, and belonging. To suffer "in that name" means suffering because one bears the name of Christian, thus aligning with Christ Himself. Glorifying God "in that name" implies that the very identity that causes suffering becomes the vehicle for God's glory.

Words-Group Analysis

• "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian": This phrase directly addresses the specific cause of suffering—one's Christian identity. It stands in contrast to 1 Peter 4:15, drawing a sharp boundary between suffering justly for wrong deeds and suffering unjustly for righteousness' sake. It indicates that Christian suffering is not incidental but directly related to bearing the "name."
• "let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God": This is a direct command regarding the appropriate response to suffering for Christ. It contrasts two antithetical attitudes: shame versus glorification. The former is a human, culturally influenced response; the latter is a divine, faith-driven response. This emphasizes that suffering for faith should not diminish a believer’s sense of worth or faith, but rather elevate their praise and commitment to God.
• "in that name": This concluding phrase grounds the glorification in the very identity that occasions the suffering. The suffering itself, by virtue of being tied to the "Christian" name (and by extension, Christ's name), becomes an occasion for God to receive honor. It underscores the profound theological significance of bearing the "name" of Christ.

1 Peter 4 16 Bonus section

The concept of suffering as a means to glorify God is a consistent theme throughout 1 Peter, connecting to the broader theological motif of Christ's own suffering leading to His exaltation. Believers are called to walk in Christ's steps, implying that just as His suffering brought glory to the Father and resulted in His triumph, so too can the suffering of His followers contribute to God's glory and ultimately lead to their own future glory. This verse subtly contrasts with pagan beliefs where suffering or misfortune could be seen as a sign of divine disfavor or human sin; instead, for Christians, it can be a mark of divine favor and participation in a greater salvific narrative. This "name" (Christian) becomes a banner under which God's faithfulness is proclaimed even amidst tribulation, strengthening communal identity and resolve.

1 Peter 4 16 Commentary

First Peter 4:16 serves as a powerful call for believers to reframe their perspective on suffering when it arises directly from their commitment to Christ. Rather than seeing such hardship as a source of disgrace or humiliation, Peter compels them to embrace it as an honor. The designation "Christian," originally perhaps an outsider's epithet, is transformed by Peter into a badge of honor, signifying profound identity with Christ. This suffering is not a mark of personal failure but an affirmation of their true allegiance. To "not be ashamed" means to boldly own this identity, defying societal pressure to conform or deny one's faith. This counter-cultural stance finds its ultimate expression in "glorifying God," turning the very act of suffering into an act of worship. This glorification occurs "in that name"—meaning by virtue of their identity as Christians, their suffering becomes a witness to God's power and faithfulness. The suffering thus testifies not to their weakness, but to God's strength working through them. It teaches resilience and confidence in divine purposes even amidst trials, highlighting that suffering for Christ is a privilege that showcases His worth and attracts divine honor.