King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 4:16 Mean?

1 Peter 4:16 in the King James Version says “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Peter 4:16 · KJV

Context

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.

17

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

18

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Read 1 Peter 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter encourages suffering for Christian identity. Don't feel disgraced about Christian identity. Suffering for Christ glorifies God more than comfort.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Believers embraced Christian as identity marker. Early martyrs boldly confessed Christian identity. Modern application: openly identify with Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can suffering for Christian identity glorify God?
  2. What does glorifying God through persecution mean?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
εἰ1 of 14

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 14

“Yet”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὡς3 of 14

“any man suffer as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

Χριστιανός4 of 14

“a Christian”

G5546

a christian, i.e., follower of christ

μὴ5 of 14

“not”

G3361

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

αἰσχυνέσθω6 of 14

“be ashamed”

G153

to feel shame (for oneself)

δοξαζέτω7 of 14

“let him glorify”

G1392

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

δὲ8 of 14

“Yet”

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸν9 of 14
G3588

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

θεὸν10 of 14

“God”

G2316

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

ἐν11 of 14

“on”

G1722

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

τῷ12 of 14
G3588

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

μέρει13 of 14

“behalf”

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

τούτῳ14 of 14

“this”

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

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 4:16 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 4:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 3:17-18Philippians 1:291 Peter 4:19James 1:2-42 Timothy 1:12Acts 5:41

Test Your Knowledge

1 Peter 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Peter Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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