King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 2:20 Mean?

1 Peter 2:20 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Peter 2:20 · KJV


Context

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

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

21

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: for us: some read, for you

22

Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter distinguishes between deserved and undeserved suffering. "For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently?" (poion gar kleos ei hamartanontes kai kolaphizomenoi hypomeneite). No credit for patiently enduring punishment you deserved. "But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God" (all' ei agathopoiountes kai paschontes hypomeneite, touto charis para theō). Undeserved suffering, patiently borne, finds divine approval. The key: suffering must be "when ye do well" (agathopoiountes)—for righteousness, not foolishness or sin. Suffering for Christ's sake brings divine commendation; suffering for stupidity brings no reward.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peter guards against misunderstanding: not all suffering is virtuous. Criminals punished for crimes gain no spiritual credit by accepting sentence patiently. Only suffering for doing good—obeying God, maintaining integrity, refusing to compromise faith—merits divine approval. This distinction prevented Christians from embracing suffering masochistically or equating all hardship with persecution. Early church recognized difference between suffering for Christ (blessing) and suffering for foolishness (discipline). Martyrs were honored because they died for faith, not because they sought death recklessly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you distinguish between suffering for righteousness (which God commends) and suffering due to your own sin or foolishness?
  2. What does it mean practically to 'do well' and suffer for it, rather than suffering deserved consequences?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ποῖον1 of 18

what

G4169

individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one

γὰρ2 of 18

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

κλέος3 of 18

glory

G2811

renown (as if being called)

εἰ4 of 18

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἁμαρτάνοντες5 of 18

for your faults

G264

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

καὶ6 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κολαφιζόμενοι7 of 18

ye be buffeted

G2852

to rap with the fist

ὑπομενεῖτε8 of 18

for it ye take it patiently

G5278

to stay under (behind), i.e., remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e., bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere

ἀλλ'9 of 18

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

εἰ10 of 18

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἀγαθοποιοῦντες11 of 18

when ye do well

G15

to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)

καὶ12 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πάσχοντες13 of 18

suffer

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

ὑπομενεῖτε14 of 18

for it ye take it patiently

G5278

to stay under (behind), i.e., remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e., bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere

τοῦτο15 of 18

this

G5124

that thing

χάρις16 of 18

is acceptable

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

παρὰ17 of 18

with

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

θεῷ18 of 18

God

G2316

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


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 2:20 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 2:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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