King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 3:13 Mean?

1 Peter 3:13 in the King James Version says “And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?” — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?”

1 Peter 3:13 · KJV

Context

11

Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

12

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. against: Gr. upon

13

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

14

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: fear: or, reverence

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter asks rhetorical question about suffering for righteousness. "And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?" (kai tis ho kakōsōn hymas ean tou agathou zēlōtai genēsthe). "Followers" (zēlōtai) means zealous imitators, enthusiastic pursuers. The logic: generally speaking, those zealously doing good encounter less opposition than evildoers. Most people respect virtue even if they don't practice it. However, verse 14 acknowledges exceptions—sometimes righteous suffer. The point: zealous goodness normally provides some protection, though not absolute immunity from suffering.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter's question reflects general principle: societies usually reward virtue or at least tolerate it, making righteous less likely targets than criminals. However, this isn't absolute—Christians faced persecution precisely for righteousness. Peter balances realism (some suffer for righteousness, v.14) with encouragement (righteous living normally brings protection). Early church observed this dynamic: many Christians lived peaceably, respected by neighbors; others suffered violently. The difference often depended on local authorities' attitudes and accusations' credibility. Christian virtue sometimes won respect and protection, other times provoked persecution.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does zealous pursuit of good generally provide protection while not guaranteeing immunity from suffering?
  2. When have you observed that godly character earned respect even from those who don't share your faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Καὶ1 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

τίς2 of 10

“who”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ὁ3 of 10
G3588

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

κακώσων4 of 10

“is he that will harm”

G2559

to injure; figuratively, to exasperate

ὑμᾶς5 of 10

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐὰν6 of 10

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τοῦ7 of 10
G3588

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

ἀγαθοῦ8 of 10

“of that which is good”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

μιμηταὶ9 of 10

“followers”

G3402

an imitator

γένησθε10 of 10

“ye be”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

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 3:13 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 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 16:7Romans 8:281 Thessalonians 5:153 John 1:11Psalms 38:201 Corinthians 14:1

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