1 Peter 3:8
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Original Language Analysis
Τὸ
G3588
Τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τέλος
G5056
τέλος
Strong's:
G5056
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel
συμπαθεῖς
having compassion one of another
G4835
συμπαθεῖς
having compassion one of another
Strong's:
G4835
Word #:
6 of 9
having a fellow-feeling ("sympathetic"), i.e., (by implication) mutually commiserative
Cross References
Romans 12:10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:James 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.Ephesians 4:2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;Zechariah 7:9Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:Colossians 3:12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;Matthew 18:33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?1 Corinthians 12:26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.Acts 4:32And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.1 John 3:14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
Historical Context
Early church comprised diverse members—Jews/Gentiles, slaves/free, rich/poor, men/women—creating potential for conflict. Peter's call to unity, compassion, and mutual love addressed real tensions. These virtues distinguished Christian communities from status-obsessed Roman society. The church's visible love attracted converts (John 13:35, 'by this shall all men know'). Early church fathers emphasized that Christian unity and mutual love demonstrated gospel's transforming power more effectively than apologetic arguments alone.
Questions for Reflection
- Which of these five virtues (unity, compassion, brotherly love, tender-heartedness, courtesy) most challenges your current relationships in church?
- How does Christian community's visible love and unity serve as evangelistic witness?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter summarizes mutual Christian conduct. "Finally, be ye all of one mind" (to de telos pantes homophrones)—unity in thought and purpose. "Having compassion one of another" (sympatheis)—sympathetic, sharing feelings. "Love as brethren" (philadelphoi)—brotherly affection for fellow Christians. "Be pitiful" (eusplanch noi)—tender-hearted, compassionate. "Be courteous" (philophrones)—friendly, kind-minded. These five qualities promote Christian community unity and love. This applies to all believers, not just married couples, creating harmonious Christian fellowship characterized by mutual love and sympathy.