1 Peter 2:17
Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
Original Language Analysis
τιμᾶτε
Honour
G5091
τιμᾶτε
Honour
Strong's:
G5091
Word #:
2 of 11
to prize, i.e., fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφότητα
the brotherhood
G81
ἀδελφότητα
the brotherhood
Strong's:
G81
Word #:
4 of 11
brotherhood (properly, the feeling of brotherliness), i.e., the (christian) fraternity
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 11
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
φοβεῖσθε
Fear
G5399
φοβεῖσθε
Fear
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
8 of 11
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Proverbs 24:21My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:Romans 12:10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;Romans 13:7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.Hebrews 13:1Let brotherly love continue.Philippians 2:3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.Exodus 20:12Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:Ecclesiastes 8:2I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Historical Context
Under Nero's persecution, honoring the emperor seemed impossible. Yet Peter commands it—not worship (reserved for God) but civil respect for office. The distinction between "honor" (king) and "fear" (God) maintains proper hierarchy—God supreme, king subordinate. This protected early church from accusations of sedition while refusing idolatrous emperor worship. Church fathers distinguished: Christians honor emperor as human authority but refuse to worship him as deity. When Rome demanded worship, Christians chose martyrdom over compromise.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain proper priority between loving Christians, respecting all humans, and fearing God alone?
- What's the difference between honoring governmental authority and giving ultimate allegiance to God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter gives four rapid-fire imperatives governing Christian relationships. "Honour all men" (pantas timēsate)—respect every person as God's image-bearer, regardless of status. "Love the brotherhood" (tēn adelphotēta agapate)—special affection for fellow believers, the church family. "Fear God" (ton theon phobeisthe)—reverential awe for the Almighty, not servile terror. "Honour the king" (ton basilea timate)—respect governing authority. These commands create ordered priorities: universal respect, special love for Christians, ultimate fear of God, proper honor for rulers. God alone receives "fear"; humans (even kings) receive "honor."