King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 3:8 Mean?

1 Peter 3:8 in the King James Version says “Finally , be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: love as: ... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Finally , be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: love as: or, loving to the

1 Peter 3:8 · KJV


Context

6

Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. daughters: Gr. children

7

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

8

Finally , be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: love as: or, loving to the

9

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

10

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter summarizes mutual Christian conduct. "Finally, be ye all of one mind" (to de telos pantes homophrones)—unity in thought and purpose. "Having compassion one of another" (sympatheis)—sympathetic, sharing feelings. "Love as brethren" (philadelphoi)—brotherly affection for fellow Christians. "Be pitiful" (eusplanch noi)—tender-hearted, compassionate. "Be courteous" (philophrones)—friendly, kind-minded. These five qualities promote Christian community unity and love. This applies to all believers, not just married couples, creating harmonious Christian fellowship characterized by mutual love and sympathy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early church comprised diverse members—Jews/Gentiles, slaves/free, rich/poor, men/women—creating potential for conflict. Peter's call to unity, compassion, and mutual love addressed real tensions. These virtues distinguished Christian communities from status-obsessed Roman society. The church's visible love attracted converts (John 13:35, 'by this shall all men know'). Early church fathers emphasized that Christian unity and mutual love demonstrated gospel's transforming power more effectively than apologetic arguments alone.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which of these five virtues (unity, compassion, brotherly love, tender-heartedness, courtesy) most challenges your current relationships in church?
  2. How does Christian community's visible love and unity serve as evangelistic witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
Τὸ1 of 9
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 9

Finally

G1161

but, and, etc

τέλος3 of 9
G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

πάντες4 of 9

be ye all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὁμόφρονες5 of 9

of one mind

G3675

like-minded, i.e., harmonious

συμπαθεῖς6 of 9

having compassion one of another

G4835

having a fellow-feeling ("sympathetic"), i.e., (by implication) mutually commiserative

φιλάδελφοι7 of 9

love as brethren

G5361

fond of brethren, i.e., fraternal

εὔσπλαγχνοι8 of 9

be pitiful

G2155

well compassioned, i.e., sympathetic

φιλόφρονες·9 of 9

be courteous

G5391

friendly of mind, i.e., kind


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 3:8 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 3:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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