Devine Scripture

1 Peter 2:21

What does 1 Peter 2:21 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Peter 2:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Peter 2:21 means

Believers are called to a life that may include unjust suffering because “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example.” His suffering was substitutionary—“for you”—and exemplary—“that ye should follow his steps.” The Christian path runs in His footprints: patient, trusting, non-retaliatory endurance under wrong. We are not asked to go where He did not go first. His cross both redeems and instructs. Seeing His love in suffering transforms how we face our own: not as meaningless fate, but as occasions to imitate the Master who turned pain into the stage for saving grace and faithful obedience.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

This is God's purpose for you: because Jesus himself underwent punishment for you, giving you an example, so that you might go in his footsteps:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for to this ye were called, because Christ also did suffer for you, leaving to you an example, that ye may follow his steps,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For unto this are you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow his steps.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For to this have ye been called; for Christ also has suffered for you, leaving you a model that ye should follow in his steps:

Context

Verse 21 begins the Christological heart of the chapter that grounds exhortation in gospel truth. It introduces the dual theme of Christ’s example and atonement, which verses 22–23 will unpack by highlighting His sinless speech and non-retaliation, and verse 24 will crown with His bearing of sins on the tree. Verse 25 will then conclude with shepherd imagery. The flow ensures that ethics are rooted in Christ’s person and work, not mere moral resolve.

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.

v.21This passage

v.22who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

Cross references

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

  • Ephesians 5:2

    and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell.

  • Matthew 11:29

    Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

  • Mark 8:34

    And he called unto him the multitude with his disciples, and said unto them, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

  • 2 Timothy 3:12

    Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:2

    For ye know what charge we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

  • Luke 24:26

    Behooved it not the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory?

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