King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 2:22 Mean?

1 Peter 2:22 in the King James Version says “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Peter 2:22 · KJV


Context

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

24

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter emphasizes Christ's sinlessness as qualifying Him for substitutionary atonement. "Who did no sin" (hos hamartian ouk epoiēsen) echoes Isaiah 53:9. Christ committed no actual sin in deed. "Neither was guile found in his mouth" (oude heurethē dolos en tō stomati autou) extends sinlessness to speech—no deceit, cunning, or falsehood. Jesus was internally pure (no sinful nature) and externally blameless (no sinful actions or words). This qualified Him as perfect sacrifice (2:24) and exemplary model (2:21). Only the sinless One could bear others' sins; only the perfect life provides pattern for imitation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peter likely witnessed Jesus's trial and crucifixion. He personally observed Jesus's sinless conduct under extreme provocation—no retaliation, no cursing, no lies even when tortured. The quotation of Isaiah 53 shows early church's understanding that Messiah must be sinless to atone for sin. This distinguished Christianity from pagan hero-gods who shared human vices. Christ's absolute perfection—internal and external, thought and deed, word and action—qualified Him uniquely as Savior. Early church creeds emphasized Christ's sinlessness as essential doctrine (2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15, 1 John 3:5).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's complete sinlessness (in deed and word) qualify Him both as perfect sacrifice and perfect example?
  2. What encouragement does Christ's sinless perfection provide when you fail morally?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ὃς1 of 11

Who

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἁμαρτίαν2 of 11

sin

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

οὐκ3 of 11

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐποίησεν4 of 11

did

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

οὐδὲ5 of 11

neither

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

εὑρέθη6 of 11

found

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

δόλος7 of 11

was guile

G1388

a trick (bait), i.e., (figuratively) wile

ἐν8 of 11

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ9 of 11
G3588

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

στόματι10 of 11

mouth

G4750

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

αὐτοῦ11 of 11

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

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Peter 2:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study