King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 3:14 Mean?

1 Peter 3:14 in the King James Version says “But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;” — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Peter 3:14 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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

16

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Read 1 Peter 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter acknowledges righteous suffering's reality. "But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye" (all' ei kai paschoite dia dikaiosynēn, makarioi). The conditional "if" acknowledges possibility, not certainty. Suffering "for righteousness' sake" means persecution for godly living and Christian faith. The surprising verdict: "happy" (makarioi, blessed)—echoing Jesus's beatitude (Matthew 5:10, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake"). Righteous suffering brings divine blessing, though painful presently. The command: "and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled" (ton de phobon autōn mē phobēthēte mēde tarachthēte), quoting Isaiah 8:12. Don't fear persecutors' threats or be disturbed by intimidation. Trust God, not human power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Christians faced real persecution—arrest, torture, execution. Peter's assurance that suffering for righteousness brings blessing seemed paradoxical but echoed Jesus's teaching. This wasn't masochism but eschatological perspective—present suffering yields eternal glory (Romans 8:18). The command not to fear quoted Isaiah's warning to Judah facing Assyrian invasion—trust God, not earthly powers. Early church martyrs exemplified this courage, dying joyfully because they believed Jesus's beatitude and expected heavenly reward. Their fearless deaths confounded Roman authorities and attracted converts impressed by supernatural courage.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can righteous suffering be 'blessed' rather than merely tragic, and what eternal perspective enables this view?
  2. What does it mean practically to 'not fear their terror' when facing persecution or severe opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἀλλ'1 of 15

“But”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

εἰ2 of 15
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

καὶ3 of 15
G2532

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

πάσχοιτε4 of 15

“ye suffer”

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

διὰ5 of 15

“for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

δικαιοσύνην6 of 15

“righteousness' sake”

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

μακάριοι7 of 15

“happy”

G3107

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

τὸν8 of 15
G3588

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

δὲ9 of 15

“are ye and”

G1161

but, and, etc

φόβον10 of 15

“terror”

G5401

alarm or fright

αὐτῶν11 of 15

“of their”

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

μὴ12 of 15

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

φοβηθῆτε13 of 15

“afraid”

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

μηδὲ14 of 15

“neither”

G3366

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

ταραχθῆτε15 of 15

“be troubled”

G5015

to stir or agitate (roil water)

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 3:14 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 3:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 10:281 Peter 2:19-20Matthew 5:10-12Isaiah 41:10-14Isaiah 8:12-132 Corinthians 12:10

Test Your Knowledge

1 Peter 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Peter Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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