1 Peter 3:12
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οἵ
G3588
οἵ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοὶ
the eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμοὶ
the eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
3 of 18
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐπὶ
are over
G1909
ἐπὶ
are over
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
δικαίους
the righteous
G1342
δικαίους
the righteous
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
6 of 18
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῶν
his
G846
αὐτῶν
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
are open unto
G1519
εἰς
are open unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτῶν
his
G846
αὐτῶν
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πρόσωπον
the face
G4383
πρόσωπον
the face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
13 of 18
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
15 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐπὶ
are over
G1909
ἐπὶ
are over
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Cross References
John 9:31Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.Proverbs 15:29The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.Proverbs 15:3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.Proverbs 15:8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.2 Chronicles 7:15Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.2 Chronicles 16:9For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.James 5:16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.Psalms 65:2O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.Deuteronomy 11:12A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.Psalms 80:16It is burned with fire, it is cut down: they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.
Historical Context
This verse assured persecuted believers that God sees their righteous suffering and hears their prayers. Though enemies seemed triumphant, God would judge evildoers ultimately. The promise of divine attention (eyes over righteous, ears open to prayers) provided comfort—they weren't abandoned or forgotten. Conversely, evildoers' apparent success was temporary; God's face set against them guaranteed eventual judgment. Early church martyrs died confident God saw their faithfulness and heard their prayers, trusting ultimate vindication. This echoes Hebrews 11—faith sees what's invisible, trusts God's promises despite contrary appearances.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God's eyes are 'over' you and His ears 'open' to your prayers affect your confidence in difficult circumstances?
- Why should the truth that God's face is 'against evildoers' comfort the righteous and warn the wicked?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter concludes Psalm quotation with divine oversight. "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous" (hoti ophthalmoi kyriou epi dikaious)—God watches the righteous attentively, providentially caring for them. "And his ears are open unto their prayers" (kai ōta autou eis deēsin autōn)—God listens when righteous pray, hearing and answering. The contrast: "But the face of the Lord is against them that do evil" (prosōpon de kyriou epi poiountas kaka)—God opposes evildoers. His "face against" indicates judgment, not blessing. This provides motivation for godly living—God sees, hears, and responds to both righteousness and evil.