King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 2:23 Mean?

1 Peter 2:23 in the King James Version says “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judg...” — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

1 Peter 2:23 · KJV

Context

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

25

For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Read 1 Peter 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter describes Christ's response to injustice, providing pattern for believers. "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again" (hos loidoroumenos ouk anteloidorei)—when verbally abused, didn't return abuse. "When he suffered, he threatened not" (paschōn ouk ēpeilei)—during torture, made no threats of vengeance. Instead: "but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" (paredidou de tō krinonti dikaiōs)—entrusted His case to God who judges justly. Christ didn't seek self-vindication but trusted Father's righteous judgment. This exemplifies trust in God's justice amid human injustice, refusing retaliation while confident in ultimate divine vindication.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus's trial involved false testimony, mockery, physical abuse, and crucifixion. Throughout, He maintained dignified silence or spoke truth without threatening captors (Matthew 26-27). This fulfilled Isaiah 53:7 ("He was oppressed... yet he opened not his mouth"). Peter personally observed this, having denied Christ while Jesus faced accusers. Christ's non-retaliation provided model for persecuted believers: trust God's justice rather than seeking personal revenge. Early church's non-violent response to persecution (refusing to fight back while maintaining faith) eventually won Roman respect and legal protection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's example of non-retaliation while trusting God's judgment challenge your response to unjust treatment?
  2. What does it mean practically to 'commit yourself' to God who judges righteously when facing injustice?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ὃς1 of 12

“Who”

G3739

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

λοιδορούμενος2 of 12

“when he was reviled”

G3058

to reproach, i.e., vilify

οὐκ3 of 12

“not”

G3756

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

ἀντελοιδόρει4 of 12

“again”

G486

to rail in reply

πάσχων5 of 12

“when he suffered”

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

οὐκ6 of 12

“not”

G3756

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

ἠπείλει7 of 12

“he threatened”

G546

to menace; by implication, to forbid

παρεδίδου8 of 12

“committed”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

δὲ9 of 12

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

τῷ10 of 12
G3588

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

κρίνοντι11 of 12

“himself to him that judgeth”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

δικαίως·12 of 12

“righteously”

G1346

equitably

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 2:23 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 2:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 53:71 Peter 4:19Hebrews 12:3Psalms 37:5Acts 4:29Acts 8:32-35

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Peter 2 with CommentaryAll 1 Peter ChaptersComplete 1 Peter QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes