Bible Strands
1 Peter 3:14
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Peter writes to Christians facing potential persecution, positioning this instruction between the promise of divine protection in 3:13 and the command to sanctify Christ as Lord in 3:15. The audience is believers expected to endure hardship without panicking.
The words — δικαιοσύνην (dikaiosunēn) translates literally as righteousness, and μακάριοι (makarioi) means [you are] blessed. These terms define the condition and the resulting status of those who endure.
The thread — Enduring suffering for righteousness appears in 1 Peter 2:19, while the command to reject common fear parallels the instruction in Matthew 10:28. The blessing for persecution aligns with the declaration in Matthew 5:10.
Why it lands — The text states that suffering for what is right produces blessing and commands readers to reject worldly fear. It requires a reader to maintain steady faith and avoid panic when facing opposition.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
Cross-references
- Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
- 1 Peter 2:19 For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended.
- Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
- Isaiah 8:12 “Do not call conspiracy everything these people regard as conspiracy. Do not fear what they fear; do not live in dread.
- 2 Corinthians 12:10 That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
- 1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.
- Luke 6:22 Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man.
- James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
- Luke 12:4 I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.