King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 4:13 Mean?

1 Peter 4:13 in the King James Version says “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

1 Peter 4:13 · KJV


Context

11

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

12

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

14

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

15

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This remarkable verse commands joy amid suffering by connecting present trials to future glory. The imperative "rejoice" (chairete, χαίρετε) is stunning—not merely "endure" but actively celebrate. The causal phrase "inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings" (kathō koinōneite tois tou Christou pathēmasin, καθὸ κοινωνεῖτε τοῖς τοῦ Χριστοῦ παθήμασιν) employs koinōneite (fellowship, partnership, participation) indicating genuine sharing in Christ's own sufferings—not identical (Christ's atoning suffering was unique) but analogous: suffering for righteousness, bearing reproach for His name, facing world's hatred. This participation isn't punishment but privilege, forging deeper union with Christ and conformity to His image (Philippians 3:10). The purpose clause "that, when his glory shall be revealed" (hina kai en tē apokalypsei tēs doxēs autou, ἵνα καὶ ἐν τῇ ἀποκαλύψει τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ) looks forward to Christ's second coming when hidden realities become visible. The phrase "ye may be glad also with exceeding joy" (charēte agalliōmenoi, χαρῆτε ἀγαλλιώμενοι) intensifies joy—not mild contentment but ecstatic celebration. Present suffering correlates with future joy: those who share Christ's reproach will share His glory (Romans 8:17). This eschatological perspective transforms suffering from meaningless tragedy to meaningful participation in God's redemptive purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter writes to Christians facing mockery, economic loss, imprisonment, and martyrdom for faith. Roman culture valued honor and despised shame—public disgrace for Christian confession felt devastating. Peter radically reinterprets shame: suffering for Christ isn't disgrace but honor, not loss but investment yielding eternal dividends. This countercultural perspective sustained persecuted believers through centuries of opposition. The phrase "when his glory shall be revealed" anticipates Christ's parousia (second coming), transforming suffering from ultimate reality to temporary circumstance. Early Christian martyrs exhibited inexplicable joy facing death—perplexing Roman observers—because they believed present suffering guaranteed future glory. Church father Ignatius of Antioch, martyred c. AD 110, wrote to churches, "I am God's wheat, and I am being ground by the teeth of wild beasts so that I may prove to be pure bread," exemplifying joyful embrace of suffering as participation in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding your suffering as 'participation in Christ's sufferings' rather than divine punishment or abandonment change your emotional response to trials?
  2. In what ways can you cultivate joy now by focusing on future glory to be revealed at Christ's return, and how does this eternal perspective affect daily decisions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 18

But

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

καθὸ2 of 18

inasmuch as

G2526

according to which thing, i.e., precisely as, in proportion as

κοινωνεῖτε3 of 18

ye are partakers

G2841

to share with others (objectively or subjectively)

τοῖς4 of 18
G3588

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

τοῦ5 of 18
G3588

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

Χριστοῦ6 of 18

of Christ's

G5547

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

παθήμασιν7 of 18

sufferings

G3804

something undergone, i.e., hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence

χαρῆτε8 of 18

rejoice

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

ἵνα9 of 18

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καὶ10 of 18

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐν11 of 18

when

G1722

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

τῇ12 of 18
G3588

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

ἀποκαλύψει13 of 18

shall be revealed

G602

disclosure

τῆς14 of 18
G3588

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

δόξης15 of 18

glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

αὐτοῦ16 of 18

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

χαρῆτε17 of 18

rejoice

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

ἀγαλλιώμενοι18 of 18

with exceeding joy

G21

properly, to jump for joy, i.e., exult


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 4:13 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 4:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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