1 Peter 4 19

1 Peter 4:19 kjv

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

1 Peter 4:19 nkjv

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

1 Peter 4:19 niv

So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1 Peter 4:19 esv

Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

1 Peter 4:19 nlt

So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.

1 Peter 4 verses

1 Peter 4 19 Meaning

This verse serves as a powerful concluding exhortation for believers enduring suffering that aligns with God's sovereign will. It instructs them to actively commit their entire being—their lives, their inner person, their very essence—into the care of God. This act of trust is grounded in God's immutable character as both "faithful" (unwavering in His promises and care) and "Creator" (the supreme orchestrator and sustainer of all existence). Simultaneously, the command emphasizes that this entrustment is not passive resignation, but an active posture of continued obedience and righteous conduct amidst affliction, assuring that one's ultimate well-being is secure in divine hands.

1 Peter 4 19 Context

This verse brings Peter's comprehensive discussion on suffering, which began in chapter 4, verse 12, to a climax. The immediate preceding verses (4:12-18) instruct believers not to be surprised by "fiery trials" (v. 12) but to rejoice in their identification with Christ's sufferings (v. 13) and consider it a blessing to be reviled for the name of Christ (v. 14). Peter contrasts the temporary suffering of the righteous, through which God's judgment begins with His own household, with the ultimate ruin of the ungodly (v. 17-18). Within this framework, 1 Peter 4:19 serves as the practical imperative for believers, synthesizing the call to endure suffering, maintain righteousness, and cast all burdens upon the all-powerful and trustworthy God. Historically, the audience consisted of dispersed Christians in Asia Minor facing various forms of societal hostility, misunderstanding, and likely official persecution, making the themes of enduring suffering and entrusting one's life to God profoundly relevant.

1 Peter 4 19 Word analysis

• Therefore (ὥστε - hōste): This conjunctive particle signifies a logical conclusion or result drawn from the preceding statements. It marks a transition to the practical application of what has just been taught regarding the nature and purpose of suffering for Christ.
• let those who suffer (πάσχοντες - paschontes): A present participle, indicating ongoing or continuous suffering. The context from previous verses (e.g., 4:16, "suffer as a Christian") clarifies this refers to suffering not as an evildoer, but specifically for righteousness and their faith in Christ. It encompasses persecution, ostracism, or any trial endured because of one's allegiance to Christ.
• according to God's will (κατὰ θέλημα θεοῦ - kata thelēma theou): This phrase underscores the divine sovereignty and purpose in believers' suffering. It asserts that trials are not random occurrences but are permitted, and in some cases even ordained, by God's wise and holy will for a sanctifying purpose, to refine and test faith.
• entrust (παρατιθέσθωσαν - paratithesthōsan): This is an imperative verb, a command. It means to "deposit," "place alongside," "commend," or "give over into safekeeping." It conveys the idea of putting something valuable in another's trust, especially when it is beyond one's own power to protect it. It implies an active, conscious act of surrender and reliance.
• their souls (τὰς ψυχὰς - tas psychas): "Souls" here denotes not merely the spiritual part but the entirety of a person's life, their being, consciousness, and eternal existence. It signifies the very essence of who they are, emphasizing a total, deep entrustment of oneself.
• to a faithful Creator (πιστῷ κτίστῃ - pistō ktistē):
  • faithful (πιστῷ - pistō): Describes God's unchanging character of trustworthiness and reliability. He is true to His word, covenant, and promises. This attribute provides deep security for the one entrusting their all, assuring them that God will not fail them.
  • Creator (κτίστῃ - ktistē): Refers to God as the One who brought all things into existence out of nothing. This title emphasizes His absolute power, sovereignty, knowledge, and ownership over all creation. If He created all things, He surely can sustain, protect, and perfect those who are His. His power to create life also signifies His power to preserve and restore it.
• while doing good (ἐν ἀγαθοποιΐᾳ - en agathopoiia): Literally "in well-doing" or "in good deeds." This is a crucial qualifying phrase. It indicates that the entrustment of one's soul to God is not an excuse for passive resignation or cessation of good works. Instead, it is a call to actively continue in righteous living, integrity, and virtuous conduct, even in the midst of intense suffering. Good works become an outflow of the trusting heart and a witness to a watching world.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will": This establishes the specific audience and the nature of their suffering. It's not suffering due to one's own folly or sin, but suffering divinely permitted and aligned with God's overarching purpose for sanctification and redemptive ends. It acknowledges a painful reality, but imbues it with divine significance.
• "entrust their souls to a faithful Creator": This forms the central command and the anchor of security. It signifies a radical relinquishment of self-preservation to an omnipotent and morally perfect God. The combination of "faithful" (character) and "Creator" (power/authority) provides the perfect ground for such a profound act of trust.
• "while doing good": This accompanying phrase provides the practical manifestation of true spiritual trust. It's a demonstration that reliance on God does not lead to quietism but fuels continued active righteousness, showing that suffering does not negate the believer's call to reflect Christ-like character and behavior.

1 Peter 4 19 Bonus section

• The concept of "entrusting" or "committing" (παρατιθέσθωσαν) one's spirit or life is mirrored by Jesus' own words on the cross (Luke 23:46) and Stephen's as he was martyred (Acts 7:59), highlighting a profound pattern of godly response to ultimate suffering.
• By identifying God as the "Creator," Peter taps into fundamental Israelite theology which celebrates God's sovereignty and His continued involvement in sustaining and directing His creation, offering deep theological comfort to those feeling overwhelmed by external pressures.
• The phrase "according to God's will" alleviates the burden of understanding the precise reason for suffering, allowing believers to rest in God's wise sovereignty rather than searching for human explanations or blaming themselves.
• The emphasis on "doing good" prevents quietism or an inward-focused faith; it demonstrates that suffering should refine character and motivate even greater commitment to God-honoring conduct. This proactive goodness stands in stark contrast to the world's typical reactions to adversity.

1 Peter 4 19 Commentary

First Peter 4:19 acts as a beacon of instruction for believers grappling with purposeful suffering. It does not counsel escape from pain, but rather, radical, active reliance on God amidst it. The command to "entrust their souls" implies a complete surrender of one's very existence to God, confident that He is both capable and caring. This confidence stems from His twin attributes: He is "faithful," guaranteeing His unfailing love and promises, and He is "Creator," possessing ultimate power over all things, including the circumstances of suffering itself. This divine reality transforms suffering from meaningless affliction into a profound opportunity for deeper trust and refinement. Importantly, this surrender is not passive; it is accompanied by "doing good," a call to maintain righteous conduct and steadfast obedience even while under duress, testifying to an unwavering faith that finds its ultimate security in God's hands. For instance, a Christian falsely accused and imprisoned, rather than despairing or retaliating, entrusts their life to God, finding peace and continuing to demonstrate kindness and integrity, becoming a witness to fellow prisoners or guards.