Bible Strands
1 Peter 3:17
For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Peter addresses early Christians facing slander and persecution, placing this instruction between the call to maintain a clear conscience in 1 Peter 3:16 and the explanation of Christ’s atoning death in 1 Peter 3:18.
The words — The Greek κρεῖττον (kreitton) literally means “[it is] better,” while ἀγαθοποιοῦντας (agathopoiountas) translates to “doing good,” establishing a direct comparison between suffering for righteousness and suffering for wrongdoing.
The thread — This pattern of enduring persecution for righteousness appears in 1 Peter 3:14’s blessing for those who suffer for what is right, 1 Peter 4:19’s directive to entrust souls to God when suffering according to His will, and Jesus’ submission to the Father’s will in Matthew 26:39.
Why it lands — The text states that enduring suffering while doing good is preferable to any suffering that might result from sin, requiring a reader to consciously accept hardship as a consequence of obedience rather than avoid it through compromise.
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
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
Cross-references
- 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.”
- 1 Peter 4:19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
- Matthew 26:39 Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”
- Matthew 26:42 A second time He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done.”
- Acts 21:14 When he would not be dissuaded, we quieted down and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
- 1 Peter 2:15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.
- 1 Peter 2:20 How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
- 1 Peter 4:15 Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.