King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 3:9 Mean?

1 Peter 3:9 in the King James Version says “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, th...” — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Peter 3:9 · KJV

Context

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:

11

Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter addresses retaliation. "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing" (mē apodid ontes kakon anti kakou ē loidarian anti loidorias)—don't repay evil with evil or insult with insult. The command echoes Jesus (Matthew 5:38-42). The alternative: "but contrariwise blessing" (tounantion de eulogountes)—respond to evil and insults with blessing, prayer, well-wishing. The reason: "knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing" (eidotes hoti eis touto eklēthēte hina eulogian klēronomēsēte). Christians are called to bless rather than curse, promised that this behavior results in receiving blessing—from God and sometimes even from transformed enemies.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In honor-shame culture, retaliation for insults was expected—maintaining honor required responding to slights. Jesus and Peter radically challenge this, commanding blessing instead of revenge. This supernatural response distinguished Christians from surrounding culture. Early church's non-retaliatory response to persecution perplexed observers and sometimes shamed persecutors into repentance. The promise that blessing others results in receiving blessing demonstrates kingdom economics—giving produces receiving, loving enemies defeats them more effectively than revenge.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific situations tempt you toward retaliation rather than blessing, and how can you respond differently?
  2. How does knowing you're 'called' to bless (not curse) change your response to insults or mistreatment?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
μὴ1 of 20

“Not”

G3361

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

ἀποδιδόντες2 of 20

“rendering”

G591

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

κακοῦ3 of 20

“evil”

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

ἀντὶ4 of 20

“for”

G473

opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)

κακοῦ5 of 20

“evil”

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

ἢ6 of 20

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

λοιδορίας7 of 20

“railing”

G3059

slander or vituperation

ἀντὶ8 of 20

“for”

G473

opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)

λοιδορίας9 of 20

“railing”

G3059

slander or vituperation

τοὐναντίον10 of 20

“contrariwise”

G5121

on the contrary

δὲ11 of 20

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

εὐλογοῦντες12 of 20

“a blessing”

G2127

to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)

εἰδότες13 of 20

“knowing”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι14 of 20

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

εἰς15 of 20

“thereunto”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοῦτο16 of 20
G5124

that thing

ἐκλήθητε17 of 20

“called”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

ἵνα18 of 20

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

εὐλογίαν19 of 20

“blessing”

G2129

fine speaking, i.e., elegance of language; commendation ("eulogy"), i.e., (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication, consecr

κληρονομήσητε20 of 20

“ye should inherit”

G2816

to be an heir to (literally or figuratively)

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 3:9 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 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 12:17Proverbs 20:22Romans 12:14Romans 12:19-211 Thessalonians 5:15Luke 6:27-29

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