1 Peter 3:9

Authorized King James Version

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Word-by-Word Analysis

μὴ

G3361

Not

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

ἀποδιδόντες

G591

rendering

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

κακοῦ

G2556

evil

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

ἀντὶ

G473

for

opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)

κακοῦ

G2556

evil

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

λοιδορίας

G3059

railing

slander or vituperation

ἀντὶ

G473

for

opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)

λοιδορίας

G3059

railing

slander or vituperation

#10

τοὐναντίον

G5121

contrariwise

on the contrary

#11

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#12

εὐλογοῦντες

G2127

a blessing

to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)

#13

εἰδότες

G1492

knowing

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#14

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#15

εἰς

G1519

thereunto

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#16

τοῦτο

G5124

that thing

#17

ἐκλήθητε

G2564

called

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

#18

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#19

εὐλογίαν

G2129

blessing

fine speaking, i.e., elegance of language; commendation ("eulogy"), i.e., (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication, consecr

#20

κληρονομήσητε

G2816

ye should inherit

to be an heir to (literally or figuratively)

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 divine revelation 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

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 understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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