Bible/1 Peter/3

1 Peter 3:17

3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

KJV

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For it is better, if it is God’s will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil.

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that you suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

What does 1 Peter 3:17 mean?

1 Peter 3:17 is a verse in the book of 1 Peter, in the New Testament. In the original Greek, key words include γάρ (gar), κρείττων κρείσσων (kreitton), εἰ (ei). It connects to 12 cross-referenced passages elsewhere in Scripture.

Greek interlinear

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Forγάρgar/gar/G1063a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
it
is
better,κρείττων κρείσσωνkreitton/krite'-tohn/G2909comparative of a derivative of 2904; stronger, i.e. (figuratively) better, i.e. nobler:--best, better.
ifεἰei/i/G1487a primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.:--forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether. Often used in connection or composition with other particles, especially as in 1489, 1490, 1499, 1508, 1509, 1512, 1513, 1536, 1537. See also 1437.
the
willθέλημαthelema/thel'-ay-mah/G2307from the prolonged form of 2309; a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination:-- desire, pleasure, will.
of
Godθεόςtheos/theh'-os/G2316of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
be
so,G2309
that
ye
sufferπάσχω,pavscw"3958 pascho {pas'-kho} 包括 (patho {path'-o} 和 pentho {pen'-tho})G3958patho path'-o, and pentho pen'-tho, used only in certain tenses for it apparently a primary verb; to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful):--feel, passion, suffer, vex.
for
well
doing,ἀγαθοποιέωagathopoieo/ag-ath-op-oy-eh'-o/G15from 17; to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty):--(when) do good (well).
thane/ay/G2228a primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than:--and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea. Often used in connection with other particles. Compare especially 2235, 2260, 2273.
for
evil
doing.κακοποιέωkakopoieo/kak-op-oy-eh'-o/G2554from 2555; to be a bad-doer, i.e. (objectively) to injure, or (genitive) to sin:--do(ing) evil.

Commentary on 1 Peter 3:17

HENRY_FULL · 1 Peter 3:17
Wherein the apostle describes the duties of husbands and wives one to another, beginning with the duty of the wife, ver. 1-7 . He exhorts Christians to unity, love, compassion, peace, and patience under sufferings; to oppose the slanders of their enemies, not by returning evil for evil, or railing for railing, but by blessing; by a ready account of their faith and hope, and by keeping a good conscience, ver. 8-17 . To encourage them to this, he proposes the example of Christ, who suffered, the just for the unjust, but yet punished the old world for their disobedience, and saved the few who were faithful in the days of Noah, ver. 18, to the end . Duti

Cross-references

Related passages from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Ephesians 6:5

Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

Philippians 1:27

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Philippians 3:20

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: conversation: or, we live or conduct ourselves as citizens of heaven, or, for obtaining heaven

Colossians 3:22

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1 Peter 1:15

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

1 Peter 2:12

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. whereas: or, wherein

1 Peter 3:5

For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

1 Peter 3:6

Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. daughters: Gr. children

1 Peter 3:15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: fear: or, reverence

1 Peter 3:16

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

2 Peter 3:11

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

Topics

ExampleJesus, The Christ

Verses like this

Other verses that share key original-language words with 1 Peter 3:17.

Matthew 19:17

And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

Matthew 4:6

And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

1 Peter 2:20

For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. acceptable: or, thank

Matthew 11:14

And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.

Matthew 12:28

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

Matthew 12:7

But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

Matthew 17:12

But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.

Matthew 17:4

Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

Frequently asked questions

What does 1 Peter 3:17 say?

1 Peter 3:17 (King James Version) reads: "For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing."

Is 1 Peter 3:17 in the Old or New Testament?

1 Peter 3:17 is in the New Testament of the Bible, in the book of 1 Peter.

Reflect

As you read 1 Peter 3:17, what is one truth here you can carry into today?

Plan a sermon or study on 1 Peter 3:17
3:16Read all of 1 Peter 33:18