King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 4:14 Mean?

1 Peter 4:14 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

1 Peter 4:14 · KJV


Context

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.

16

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter pronounces blessing on persecuted believers. God's Spirit rests upon persecuted believers with special presence. Suffering for Christ brings blessing unavailable in comfort.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peter pronounces blessing on sufferers. Promise of Spirit's special presence encouraged martyrs. Early church saw martyrdom as supreme witness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can persecution be blessed rather than tragic?
  2. What divine presence accompanies suffering for Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
εἰ1 of 26

If

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ὀνειδίζεσθε2 of 26

ye be reproached

G3679

to defame, i.e., rail at, chide, taunt

ἐν3 of 26

for

G1722

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

ὀνόματι4 of 26

the name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

Χριστοῦ5 of 26

of Christ

G5547

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

μακάριοι6 of 26

happy

G3107

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

ὅτι7 of 26

are ye for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τὸ8 of 26
G3588

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

τῆς9 of 26
G3588

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

δόξης10 of 26

of glory

G1391

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

καὶ11 of 26

and

G2532

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

τὸ12 of 26
G3588

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

τοῦ13 of 26
G3588

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

θεοῦ14 of 26

of God

G2316

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

πνεῦμα15 of 26

the spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἐφ'16 of 26

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ὑμᾶς17 of 26

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀναπαύεται18 of 26

resteth

G373

(reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh

κατὰ19 of 26

on

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

μὲν20 of 26
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

αὐτοὺς21 of 26

their part

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

βλασφημεῖται,22 of 26

he is evil spoken of

G987

to vilify; specially, to speak impiously

κατὰ23 of 26

on

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

δὲ24 of 26

but

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμᾶς25 of 26

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

δοξάζεται26 of 26

he is glorified

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)


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 4:14 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 4:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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