1 Peter 3:14
But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
But
G235
ἀλλ'
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάσχοιτε
ye suffer
G3958
πάσχοιτε
ye suffer
Strong's:
G3958
Word #:
4 of 15
to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
5 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
δικαιοσύνην
righteousness' sake
G1343
δικαιοσύνην
righteousness' sake
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
6 of 15
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
of their
G846
αὐτῶν
of their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 15
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
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
φοβηθῆτε
afraid
G5399
φοβηθῆτε
afraid
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
13 of 15
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
Cross References
Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.2 Corinthians 12:10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.James 1:12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.Mark 10:29And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,Mark 8:35For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.Matthew 16:25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.Matthew 19:29And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.John 14:1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.John 14:27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.Isaiah 51:12I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;
Historical Context
First-century Christians faced real persecution—arrest, torture, execution. Peter's assurance that suffering for righteousness brings blessing seemed paradoxical but echoed Jesus's teaching. This wasn't masochism but eschatological perspective—present suffering yields eternal glory (Romans 8:18). The command not to fear quoted Isaiah's warning to Judah facing Assyrian invasion—trust God, not earthly powers. Early church martyrs exemplified this courage, dying joyfully because they believed Jesus's beatitude and expected heavenly reward. Their fearless deaths confounded Roman authorities and attracted converts impressed by supernatural courage.
Questions for Reflection
- How can righteous suffering be 'blessed' rather than merely tragic, and what eternal perspective enables this view?
- What does it mean practically to 'not fear their terror' when facing persecution or severe opposition?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter acknowledges righteous suffering's reality. "But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye" (all' ei kai paschoite dia dikaiosynēn, makarioi). The conditional "if" acknowledges possibility, not certainty. Suffering "for righteousness' sake" means persecution for godly living and Christian faith. The surprising verdict: "happy" (makarioi, blessed)—echoing Jesus's beatitude (Matthew 5:10, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake"). Righteous suffering brings divine blessing, though painful presently. The command: "and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled" (ton de phobon autōn mē phobēthēte mēde tarachthēte), quoting Isaiah 8:12. Don't fear persecutors' threats or be disturbed by intimidation. Trust God, not human power.