1 Peter 2:12
Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Original Language Analysis
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνεσιν
the Gentiles
G1484
ἔθνεσιν
the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
6 of 26
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ἔχοντες
Having
G2192
ἔχοντες
Having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 26
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καλῶν
honest
G2570
καλῶν
honest
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
8 of 26
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
ᾧ
G3739
ᾧ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
14 of 26
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
16 of 26
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καλῶν
honest
G2570
καλῶν
honest
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
18 of 26
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
ἔργων
works
G2041
ἔργων
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
19 of 26
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
δοξάσωσιν
glorify
G1392
δοξάσωσιν
glorify
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
21 of 26
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
23 of 26
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
1 Peter 3:16Having 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.Matthew 5:16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.2 Corinthians 8:21Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.1 Thessalonians 4:12That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.1 Timothy 4:12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.James 3:13Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.Philippians 1:27Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;2 Corinthians 1:12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.2 Peter 3:11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,Romans 13:13Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Historical Context
Christians faced false accusations: atheism (rejecting pagan gods), cannibalism (misunderstanding communion), incest (calling each other 'brother' and 'sister'), disloyalty to Rome. Peter's instruction: let conduct disprove slander. 'Day of visitation' likely means when God visits hearts in salvation, though could refer to judgment day. Early apologists like Justin Martyr emphasized Christian morality to counter pagan accusations.
Questions for Reflection
- What false accusations or negative perceptions do unbelievers have about Christians, and how can your conduct disprove them?
- How can 'good works' done in Christ's name lead unbelievers to glorify God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Peter commands exemplary conduct among pagans. "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles" (tēn anastrophēn hymōn en tois ethnesin echontes kalēn)—maintain excellent behavior among unbelievers. The purpose: "that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation" (hina en hō katalalousia hymōn hōs kakopoiōn ek tōn kalōn ergōn epoopteuontes doxasōsi ton theon en hēmera episkopēs). Good works silence slander and may lead to conversion ("glorify God in day of visitation").