King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 2:17 Mean?

1 Peter 2:17 in the King James Version says “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Honour all: or, Esteem all” — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Honour all: or, Esteem all”

1 Peter 2:17 · KJV

LoveFear & Courage

Context

15

For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

16

As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. using: Gr. having

17

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Honour all: or, Esteem all

18

Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

19

For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. thankworthy: or, thank

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter gives four rapid-fire imperatives governing Christian relationships. "Honour all men" (pantas timēsate)—respect every person as God's image-bearer, regardless of status. "Love the brotherhood" (tēn adelphotēta agapate)—special affection for fellow believers, the church family. "Fear God" (ton theon phobeisthe)—reverential awe for the Almighty, not servile terror. "Honour the king" (ton basilea timate)—respect governing authority. These commands create ordered priorities: universal respect, special love for Christians, ultimate fear of God, proper honor for rulers. God alone receives "fear"; humans (even kings) receive "honor."

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Historical & Cultural Context

Under Nero's persecution, honoring the emperor seemed impossible. Yet Peter commands it—not worship (reserved for God) but civil respect for office. The distinction between "honor" (king) and "fear" (God) maintains proper hierarchy—God supreme, king subordinate. This protected early church from accusations of sedition while refusing idolatrous emperor worship. Church fathers distinguished: Christians honor emperor as human authority but refuse to worship him as deity. When Rome demanded worship, Christians chose martyrdom over compromise.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain proper priority between loving Christians, respecting all humans, and fearing God alone?
  2. What's the difference between honoring governmental authority and giving ultimate allegiance to God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
πάντας1 of 11

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τιμᾶτε2 of 11

“Honour”

G5091

to prize, i.e., fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere

τὴν3 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφότητα4 of 11

“the brotherhood”

G81

brotherhood (properly, the feeling of brotherliness), i.e., the (christian) fraternity

ἀγαπᾶτε5 of 11

“men Love”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

τὸν6 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεὸν7 of 11

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

φοβεῖσθε8 of 11

“Fear”

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

τὸν9 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλέα10 of 11

“the king”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

τιμᾶτε11 of 11

“Honour”

G5091

to prize, i.e., fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Peter. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Peter 2:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Peter 2:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 24:21Romans 12:10Romans 13:71 Peter 5:5Philippians 2:3Hebrews 13:1

Test Your Knowledge

1 Peter 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Peter Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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