1 Peter 3:14

Authorized King James Version

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀλλ'

G235

But

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

καὶ

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πάσχοιτε

G3958

ye suffer

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

διὰ

G1223

for

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

δικαιοσύνην

G1343

righteousness' sake

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

μακάριοι

G3107

happy

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ

G1161

are ye and

but, and, etc

#10

φόβον

G5401

terror

alarm or fright

#11

αὐτῶν

G846

of their

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

#12

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#13

φοβηθῆτε

G5399

afraid

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

#14

μηδὲ

G3366

neither

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

#15

ταραχθῆτε

G5015

be troubled

to stir or agitate (roil water)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing righteousness contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Peter Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on righteousness address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding righteousness in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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Topics

Hope