King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 3:17 Mean?

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

Context

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

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.

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

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:

By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **For it is better.**—There is a kind of ironical suppression in this comparison. **If the will of God be so.**—A strikingly reverent phrase in the original, *If the will of God should will it.* This is, of course, to be taken only with the word “suffer,” which itself means, as in 1Peter 3:14, to suffer *capitally.* St. Peter is thinking of the legal process of 1Peter 3:15-16, coming to a verdict of “guilty.” He was himself daily expecting such a death. **For well doing.**—Better, perhaps, *as well doers.* It does not necessarily mean, in the Greek, that the well doing was the *reason* of the suffering, but simply that it accompanied it.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 3:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.