King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 2:22 Mean?

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

Context

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

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

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

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

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. on: or, to

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **Who did no sin.**—This verse is not to be taken by itself, but in the closest conjunction with the following. It is not the sinlessness of Christ by itself that is here set as an example before the servants, but His sinlessness in combination with His ill-treatment, or rather, His meekness under the combination. St. Peter again adapts the words of Isaiah (Isaiah 53:9) to his purpose. The word there was one of violent transgression; St. Peter substitutes the simple word which he had used in 1Peter 2:20, “fault”—“who never made a fault”—such as household servants were often committing—“neither was guile found in His mouth”—again referring to what was common with servants—petty acts of dishonesty, and petty deceits to screen themselves from punishment. One thing which lends special point to the allusion to Isaiah’s prophecy is that Israel is in that passage spoken of under the title of God’s “servant,” a thought familiar to St. Peter long ago in connection with Christ. (See Note on Acts 3:13.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 2:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.