1 Peter 2:1
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
Wherefore
G3767
οὖν
Wherefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 14
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
κακίαν
malice
G2549
κακίαν
malice
Strong's:
G2549
Word #:
4 of 14
badness, i.e., (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑποκρίσεις
hypocrisies
G5272
ὑποκρίσεις
hypocrisies
Strong's:
G5272
Word #:
9 of 14
acting under a feigned part, i.e., (figuratively) deceit ("hypocrisy")
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Ephesians 4:31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:James 1:21Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.James 4:11Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.1 Peter 3:10For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,1 Timothy 3:11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.1 Peter 4:4Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:Psalms 32:2Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.Psalms 34:13Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.James 5:9Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
Historical Context
In first-century church, diverse backgrounds (Jewish/Gentile, slave/free, rich/poor) created potential for malice, envy, and slander. Peter demands complete purging of community-destroying vices. The metaphor of laying aside garments suggests these behaviors characterized old life but are incompatible with new birth. Early church discipline addressed such sins seriously to preserve unity and witness. Church fathers emphasized that regeneration produces moral transformation—profession without lifestyle change indicated false faith.
Questions for Reflection
- Which of these five vices (malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy, slander) most challenges you, and what concrete steps will you take to 'lay it aside'?
- How do these specific sins damage Christian community, and how does their absence promote unity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter transitions from indicative (born again by God's word) to imperative (live accordingly). The command: "laying aside" (apothemenoi) uses aorist participle indicating decisive action—strip off completely like removing filthy garments. Five vices to discard: "all malice" (pasan kakian)—general wickedness, ill-will; "all guile" (panta dolon)—deceit, treachery; "hypocrisies" (hypokriseious)—pretense, playing roles; "envies" (phthonous)—resentment at others' blessings; "all evil speakings" (pasas katalallas)—slander, malicious gossip. The comprehensive "all" (pasan/panta/pasas) excludes partial obedience—complete removal required. These sins poison community life, contradicting the fervent love commanded (1:22).