1 Peter 3:10

Authorized King James Version

PDF

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Original Language Analysis

ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
θέλων he that will G2309
θέλων he that will
Strong's: G2309
Word #: 3 of 22
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ζωὴν life G2222
ζωὴν life
Strong's: G2222
Word #: 4 of 22
life (literally or figuratively)
ἀγαπᾶν love G25
ἀγαπᾶν love
Strong's: G25
Word #: 5 of 22
to love (in a social or moral sense)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 6 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἰδεῖν see G1492
ἰδεῖν see
Strong's: G1492
Word #: 7 of 22
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ἡμέρας days G2250
ἡμέρας days
Strong's: G2250
Word #: 8 of 22
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ἀγαθὰς good G18
ἀγαθὰς good
Strong's: G18
Word #: 9 of 22
"good" (in any sense, often as noun)
παυσάτω let him refrain G3973
παυσάτω let him refrain
Strong's: G3973
Word #: 10 of 22
to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e., restrain, quit, desist, come to an end
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γλῶσσαν tongue G1100
γλῶσσαν tongue
Strong's: G1100
Word #: 12 of 22
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
αὐτοῦ G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's: G846
Word #: 13 of 22
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
ἀπὸ from G575
ἀπὸ from
Strong's: G575
Word #: 14 of 22
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
κακοῦ evil G2556
κακοῦ evil
Strong's: G2556
Word #: 15 of 22
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 16 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χείλη lips G5491
χείλη lips
Strong's: G5491
Word #: 17 of 22
a lip (as a pouring place); figuratively, a margin (of water)
αὐτοῦ G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's: G846
Word #: 18 of 22
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
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 19 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ no G3361
μὴ no
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 20 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
λαλῆσαι that they speak G2980
λαλῆσαι that they speak
Strong's: G2980
Word #: 21 of 22
to talk, i.e., utter words
δόλον guile G1388
δόλον guile
Strong's: G1388
Word #: 22 of 22
a trick (bait), i.e., (figuratively) wile

Analysis & Commentary

Peter quotes Psalm 34:12-16 to ground his teaching in Scripture. "For he that will love life, and see good days" (ho gar thelōn zōēn agapan kai idein hēmeras agathas)—whoever desires fulfilling, blessed life. The requirements: "let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile" (pausatō tēn glōssan apo kakou kai cheilē tou mē lalēsai dolon). Control speech—avoid evil words, deceitful talk. Speech discipline is foundational to blessed life, indicating character's internal reality. Uncontrolled tongue reveals uncontrolled heart (James 3:1-12). Godly life requires guarding what comes from mouth.

Historical Context

David's Psalm 34 offered wisdom for blessed living—fearing God, controlling speech, pursuing peace. Peter applies this to persecuted Christians: even amid suffering, blessed life is possible through godly conduct, especially speech control. Ancient world recognized speech's power (Greek philosophers taught rhetoric) but often valued clever deception. Biblical wisdom values truthful, edifying speech. Early church emphasized speech discipline—teachers held to higher standard (James 3:1), gossip condemned, truthfulness required. This distinguished Christian community from cultures where deception and flattery were normal.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics