1 Peter 2:23
What does 1 Peter 2:23 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 2:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 2:23 means
When Christ was reviled, He did not answer in kind; when He suffered, He did not threaten. Instead, He entrusted Himself to the One who judges righteously. This is the heart of Christian patience—refusing to repay evil for evil because we hand our case to God’s just tribunal. Jesus’ silence was not weakness but faith. He believed the Father would set things right in His time. For believers, this means we can endure slander and injury without vengeance, confident that ultimate justice does not rest in our hands but in God’s perfect judgment.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949To sharp words he gave no sharp answer; when he was undergoing pain, no angry word came from his lips; but he put himself into the hands of the judge of righteousness:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862who being reviled--was not reviling again, suffering--was not threatening, and was committing himself to Him who is judging righteously,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who, when he was reviled, did not revile: when he suffered, he threatened not, but delivered himself to him that judged him unjustly.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890who, [when] reviled, reviled not again; [when] suffering, threatened not; but gave [himself] over into the hands of him who judges righteously;
Context
Verse 23 develops Christ’s example by describing His non-retaliation and His active trust in God’s justice. This leads directly to verse 24, which explains the redemptive purpose of His suffering: He bore our sins to free us for righteousness. The flow moves from example to efficacy—Christ’s conduct is not merely instructive; it achieved salvation, empowering the very righteousness we are called to live.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 12:3
For consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls.
- Acts 9:1
But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
- Luke 23:34
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.
- Psalms 37:5
Commit thy way unto Jehovah; Trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass.
- Psalms 96:13
Before Jehovah; for he cometh, For he cometh to judge the earth: He will judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with his truth.
- Acts 4:29
And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness,
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