King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 3:16 Mean?

1 Peter 3:16 in the King James Version says “Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

1 Peter 3:16 · KJV


Context

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.

17

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

18

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter commands respectful apologetics. "Having a good conscience" (syneidēsin echontes agathēn)—maintain clear conscience before God through righteous living. The purpose: "that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ" (hina en hō katalalousia hymōn hōs kakopoiōn kataischynthōsin hoi epēreazontes hymōn tēn agathēn en Christō anastrophēn). Accusers will be ashamed when godly conduct disproves slander. Good conscience provides confidence; godly lifestyle silences critics more effectively than arguments alone. Conduct and character validate verbal defense.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christians faced accusations of cannibalism (misunderstood communion), atheism (rejecting Roman gods), immorality, disloyalty. Peter's strategy: live so virtuously that accusations appear obviously false. Good conscience before God enables bold witness. Early apologists (Justin Martyr, Tertullian) combined reasoned arguments with moral conduct to defend Christianity. Their personal integrity and church's charity impressed observers and won converts. Modern application: Christian witness requires both verbal proclamation and moral credibility.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does maintaining 'good conscience' before God enable bold witness even when falsely accused?
  2. What role does godly conduct play alongside verbal defense of faith in effective witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
συνείδησιν1 of 19

conscience

G4893

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

ἔχοντες2 of 19

Having

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀγαθὴν3 of 19

a good

G18

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

ἵνα4 of 19

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐν5 of 19

in

G1722

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

6 of 19
G3739

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

καταλαλῶσιν7 of 19

they speak evil

G2635

to be a traducer, i.e., to slander

ὑμῶν8 of 19

of you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ὡς9 of 19

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

κακοποιων,10 of 19

of evildoers

G2555

a bad-doer; (specially), a criminal

καταισχυνθῶσιν11 of 19

they may be ashamed

G2617

to shame down, i.e., disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush

οἱ12 of 19
G3588

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

ἐπηρεάζοντες13 of 19

that falsely accuse

G1908

to insult, slander

ὑμῶν14 of 19

of you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

τὴν15 of 19
G3588

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

ἀγαθὴν16 of 19

a good

G18

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

ἐν17 of 19

in

G1722

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

Χριστῷ18 of 19

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἀναστροφήν19 of 19

conversation

G391

behavior


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 3:16 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 3:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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