1 Peter 3:11
Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
Original Language Analysis
ἐκκλινάτω
Let him eschew
G1578
ἐκκλινάτω
Let him eschew
Strong's:
G1578
Word #:
1 of 11
to deviate, i.e., (absolutely) to shun (literally or figuratively), or (relatively) to decline (from piety)
ἀπὸ
G575
ἀπὸ
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
2 of 11
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
κακοῦ
evil
G2556
κακοῦ
evil
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
3 of 11
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιησάτω
do
G4160
ποιησάτω
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
5 of 11
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ζητησάτω
let him seek
G2212
ζητησάτω
let him seek
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
7 of 11
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
εἰρήνην
peace
G1515
εἰρήνην
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
8 of 11
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 5:9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.Psalms 34:14Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.Hebrews 12:14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:Colossians 3:15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.Romans 14:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.Romans 14:19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.Romans 12:18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.Hebrews 13:16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.Psalms 37:27Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.Romans 8:6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Historical Context
In conflict-ridden world, peace is elusive, requiring intentional pursuit. Peter calls Christians to be peace-makers (echoing Matthew 5:9), actively working toward reconciliation and harmony. This applies personally (pursue peace in relationships) and corporately (work for church unity). Ancient world knew little peace—constant wars, factional conflicts, personal vendettas. Christian commitment to peace-making distinguished early church. This didn't mean pacifism in all situations but active pursuit of harmony, reconciliation, and unity wherever possible without compromising truth.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific steps can you take this week to actively 'pursue peace' in a conflicted relationship?
- How can you distinguish between pursuing peace and compromising truth or enabling evil?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter continues Psalm 34 quotation with ethical imperatives. "Let him eschew evil, and do good" (ekklinatō apo kakou kai poiēsatō agathon)—turn from evil, actively pursue good. Holiness is both negative (avoiding sin) and positive (doing righteousness). The focus: "let him seek peace, and ensue it" (zētēsatō eirēnēn kai diōxatō autēn). "Seek" (zētēsatō) means search for, pursue. "Ensue" (diōxatō) means chase after, pursue vigorously—same word used for persecution. Believers should pursue peace as energetically as enemies pursue them. This requires active effort, not passive waiting.