King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 2:21 Mean?

1 Peter 2:21 in the King James Version says “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his ... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Peter 2:21 · KJV


Context

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:

23

Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: himself: or, his cause


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse establishes suffering as integral to Christian calling, not an aberration. "For even hereunto were ye called" (eis touto gar eklēthēte, εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ ἐκλήθητε) shockingly declares that believers are called not only to salvation but to suffering—God's sovereign purpose includes redemptive suffering as part of Christian vocation. The explanatory particle "because" (hoti, ὅτι) introduces Christ as both ground and pattern for this calling. "Christ also suffered for us" (Christos epathen hyper hymōn, Χριστὸς ἔπαθεν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν) employs the preposition hyper (for, on behalf of) indicating substitutionary suffering—Christ suffered in our place, bearing consequences we deserved. But He also suffered "leaving us an example" (hypolimpanōn hymin hypogrammon, ὑπολιμπάνων ὑμῖν ὑπογραμμόν), where hypogrammon refers to a writing master's perfect letters that students trace to learn proper form. Christ's suffering provides the template believers are to imitate. The purpose clause "that ye should follow his steps" (hina epakolouthēsēte tois ichnesin autou, ἵνα ἐπακολουθήσητε τοῖς ἴχνεσιν αὐτοῦ) uses ichnesin (footprints/tracks), calling believers to walk precisely where Christ walked—the path of righteous suffering. This doesn't mean earning salvation through suffering but responding to unjust treatment as Christ did: with patient endurance, trust in God, and absence of retaliation (vv. 22-23).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter addresses Christian slaves (2:18-25) suffering under harsh masters, but principles apply to all believers facing unjust treatment. In Roman society, slaves had no legal rights—masters could beat, abuse, or kill them with impunity. Christian slaves faced particular vulnerability: refusing to participate in household idol worship or immoral activities brought severe punishment. Peter doesn't condemn slavery (a revolutionary social upheaval beyond the early church's capacity) but transforms slaves' suffering by connecting it to Christ's redemptive pattern. This gave profound dignity to society's most despised class—their unjust suffering, when borne Christianly, participated in Christ's own suffering and advanced God's kingdom purposes. Early church historians note Christianity's appeal to slaves and lower classes precisely because it honored suffering rather than dismissing it, offering hope and meaning in circumstances others deemed meaningless.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding suffering as part of your Christian calling (not divine abandonment or punishment) change your response to unjust treatment?
  2. In what specific situations is God calling you to 'follow Christ's steps' by responding to injustice with patient endurance rather than retaliation or bitterness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
εἰς1 of 18

even

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοῦτο2 of 18

hereunto

G5124

that thing

γὰρ3 of 18

For

G1063

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

ἐκλήθητε4 of 18

were ye called

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

ὅτι5 of 18

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καὶ6 of 18

also

G2532

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

Χριστὸς7 of 18

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἔπαθεν8 of 18

suffered

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

ὑπὲρ9 of 18

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ἡμῶν10 of 18

us

G2257

of (or from) us

ἡμῖν11 of 18

us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

ὑπολιμπάνων12 of 18

leaving

G5277

to leave behind, i.e., bequeath

ὑπογραμμὸν13 of 18

an example

G5261

an underwriting, i.e., copy for imitation (figuratively)

ἵνα14 of 18

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐπακολουθήσητε15 of 18

ye should follow

G1872

to accompany

τοῖς16 of 18
G3588

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

ἴχνεσιν17 of 18

steps

G2487

a track (figuratively)

αὐτοῦ18 of 18

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


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 2:21 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 2:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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