Devine Scripture

1 Peter 2:19

What does 1 Peter 2:19 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Peter 2:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Peter 2:19 means

God counts it “acceptable” when a person, mindful of Him, endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. The key is conscience toward God—suffering borne out of loyalty to Him, not mere resignation. Such endurance entrusts the self to God’s character and timing. This is precious to Him because it reflects His own patience and displays trust in His righteous judgment. Unjust pain is not meaningless in God’s economy; He sees, approves, and uses it to shape Christlikeness and to bear witness to a different kingdom where justice fully prevails.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For this is acceptable, if for conscience toward God a man endureth griefs, suffering wrongfully.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For this is acceptable, if for conscience toward God a man endureth griefs, suffering wrongfully.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For it is a sign of grace if a man, desiring to do right in the eyes of God, undergoes pain as punishment for something which he has not done.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for this <FI>is<Fi> gracious, if because of conscience toward God any one doth endure sorrows, suffering unrighteously;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For this is thankworthy: if, for conscience towards God, a man endure sorrows, suffering wrongfully.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For this [is] acceptable, if one, for conscience sake towardsGod, endure griefs, suffering unjustly.

Context

Verse 19 articulates the principle that undergirds the call to servant submission in verse 18: God values patient endurance for His sake. Verse 20 will clarify the distinction between deserved and undeserved suffering and emphasize that only the latter meets with divine approval. These verses lay the moral groundwork for the Christ-centered rationale of verses 21–25, where Jesus’ own unjust suffering becomes both example and atonement.

v.18Servants, bein subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

v.19This passage

v.20For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Peter 3:14

    But even if ye should suffer for righteousness’ sake, blessed are ye: and fear not their fear, neither be troubled;

  • 1 Peter 2:20

    For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

  • Romans 13:5

    Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:1

    Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;

  • John 15:21

    But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.

  • Psalms 69:4

    They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head: They that would cut me off, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: That which I took not away I have to restore.

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