King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 3:17 Mean?

1 Peter 3:17 in the King James Version says “For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Peter 3:17 · KJV

Context

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:

19

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter weighs different types of suffering. "For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing" (kreitton gar agathopoiountas, ei theloi to thelēma tou theou, paschein ē kakopoiountas). The conditional "if the will of God be so" (ei theloi to thelēma tou theou) acknowledges God's sovereignty—He permits some believers to suffer, others to be spared. When suffering comes, better to suffer for righteousness than sin. Suffering for good has purpose and reward; suffering for evil brings shame and judgment. This provides perspective: not all suffering is equal morally or eschatologically.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter distinguishes between redemptive suffering (for righteousness) and consequential suffering (for sin). This helped believers evaluate persecution—was it for Christ or their own failures? True persecution brings blessing (3:14); deserved punishment brings no credit (2:20). Early church martyrs carefully distinguished: dying for refusing emperor worship brought glory; dying for actual crimes brought no honor. This sobered Christians to maintain moral integrity—making persecution about Christ, not personal failures. Modern application: Christians should ensure suffering stems from gospel faithfulness, not foolishness or sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you ensure suffering you experience stems from godly living rather than your own sin or foolishness?
  2. What does 'if the will of God be so' teach about God's sovereignty over who suffers and who doesn't?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
κρεῖττον1 of 12

“it is better”

G2909

stronger, i.e., (figuratively) better, i.e., nobler

γὰρ2 of 12

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἀγαθοποιοῦντας3 of 12

“for well doing”

G15

to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)

εἰ4 of 12

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

θέλει5 of 12

“be so”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

τὸ6 of 12
G3588

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

θέλημα7 of 12

“the will”

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

τοῦ8 of 12
G3588

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

θεοῦ9 of 12

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

πάσχειν10 of 12

“that ye suffer”

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

ἢ11 of 12

“than”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

κακοποιοῦντας12 of 12

“for evil doing”

G2554

to be a bad-doer, i.e., (objectively) to injure, or (genitive) to sin

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

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Peter 3:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 3:141 Peter 4:19Matthew 26:39Acts 21:141 Peter 2:15Matthew 26:42

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