1 Peter Chapter 2 · Verse 22
Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Original Language Analysis
ὃς
Who
G3739
ὃς
Who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 11
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐποίησεν
did
G4160
ἐποίησεν
did
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
4 of 11
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 53:9And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.Hebrews 4:15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.1 John 3:5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.2 Corinthians 5:21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.Revelation 14:5And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.1 John 2:1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:Hebrews 9:28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.Luke 23:41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
Historical Context
Peter likely witnessed Jesus's trial and crucifixion. He personally observed Jesus's sinless conduct under extreme provocation—no retaliation, no cursing, no lies even when tortured. The quotation of Isaiah 53 shows early church's understanding that Messiah must be sinless to atone for sin. This distinguished Christianity from pagan hero-gods who shared human vices. Christ's absolute perfection—internal and external, thought and deed, word and action—qualified Him uniquely as Savior. Early church creeds emphasized Christ's sinlessness as essential doctrine (2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15, 1 John 3:5).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's complete sinlessness (in deed and word) qualify Him both as perfect sacrifice and perfect example?
- What encouragement does Christ's sinless perfection provide when you fail morally?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter emphasizes Christ's sinlessness as qualifying Him for substitutionary atonement. "Who did no sin" (hos hamartian ouk epoiēsen) echoes Isaiah 53:9. Christ committed no actual sin in deed. "Neither was guile found in his mouth" (oude heurethē dolos en tō stomati autou) extends sinlessness to speech—no deceit, cunning, or falsehood. Jesus was internally pure (no sinful nature) and externally blameless (no sinful actions or words). This qualified Him as perfect sacrifice (2:24) and exemplary model (2:21). Only the sinless One could bear others' sins; only the perfect life provides pattern for imitation.