1 Peter 2:15
What does 1 Peter 2:15 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 2:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 2:15 means
Doing good is God’s will because it silences the ignorance of foolish people. Accusations against Christians—common in Peter’s day—cannot endure when confronted with consistent, public goodness. The answer to slander is not loud self-justification but quiet fidelity to righteousness. Over time, patient obedience under authority and tangible service to neighbors expose prejudice as ignorance. God uses the beauty of a well-ordered life to close mouths and open hearts. This is not a strategy of people-pleasing, but a submission to God’s will, trusting that He vindicates His people as they persist in good works.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
KJV
King James Version · 1611For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Because it is God's pleasure that foolish and narrow-minded men may be put to shame by your good behaviour:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because, so is the will of God, doing good, to put to silence the ignorance of the foolish men;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For so is the will of God, that by doing well you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Because so is the will ofGod, that by well-doing ye put to silence the ignorance of senseless men;
Context
Verse 15 provides the theological reason for civic submission and honorable conduct outlined in verses 13–14. It bridges to verse 16, where Peter will clarify the inner posture of the obedient Christian—truly free, yet gladly bound as God’s servant. The combination of external conformity to good order and internal allegiance to God forms a compelling witness, which verse 17 will sum up in four concise duties.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:3
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye abstain from fornication;
- Titus 2:8
sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us.
- Galatians 3:1
O foolish Galatians, who did bewitch you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth crucified?
- Proverbs 9:6
Leave off, ye simple ones, and live; And walk in the way of understanding.
- 1 Peter 4:2
that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
- Job 2:10
But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
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