1 Peter 3:16

Authorized King James Version

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Word-by-Word Analysis

συνείδησιν

G4893

conscience

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

ἔχοντες

G2192

Having

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀγαθὴν

G18

a good

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ᾧ

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καταλαλῶσιν

G2635

they speak evil

to be a traducer, i.e., to slander

ὑμῶν

G5216

of you

of (from or concerning) you

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#10

κακοποιων,

G2555

of evildoers

a bad-doer; (specially), a criminal

#11

καταισχυνθῶσιν

G2617

they may be ashamed

to shame down, i.e., disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush

#12

οἱ

G3588

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

#13

ἐπηρεάζοντες

G1908

that falsely accuse

to insult, slander

#14

ὑμῶν

G5216

of you

of (from or concerning) you

#15

τὴν

G3588

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

#16

ἀγαθὴν

G18

a good

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

#17

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#18

Χριστῷ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#19

ἀναστροφήν

G391

conversation

behavior

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Peter. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Peter chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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Topics

Hope