1 Peter 2:3
What does 1 Peter 2:3 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 2:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 2:3 means
Peter appeals to the believers’ own experience: they have “tasted” the Lord’s graciousness. This is not bare theory but a lived encounter with God’s kindness that awakens and sustains spiritual appetite. To taste is to personally know that the Lord is good—His forgiveness, patience, and help. That remembrance fuels the command of verse 2; those who have sampled such goodness naturally seek more. This verse shifts the focus from duty to delight: the Christian life grows not chiefly by grim resolve, but by returning again and again to the One whose character and promises have proven sweet and trustworthy in trial.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000if ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious:
KJV
King James Version · 1611If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901if ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If you have had a taste of the grace of the Lord:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862if so be ye did taste that the Lord <FI>is<Fi> gracious,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If so be you have tasted that the Lord is sweet.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890if indeed ye have tasted that the Lord [is] good.
Context
Verse 3 completes the opening triad: putting away corruptions (v.1), longing for pure nourishment (v.2), and remembering why we long (v.3). With the palate awakened to grace, the chapter now introduces the central image of Christ as the living Stone in verse 4. From that point, the focus widens from individual formation to the corporate temple and priesthood God is building, and to the honor and offense that Christ brings (vv. 4–8).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 63:5
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; And my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips;
- Psalms 9:10
And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee; For thou, Jehovah, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
- Zechariah 9:17
For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! grain shall make the young men flourish, and new wine the virgins.
- Song of Solomon 2:3
As the apple-tree among the trees of the wood, So is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, And his fruit was sweet to my taste.
- Hebrews 6:5
and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come,
- Psalms 24:8
Who is the King of glory? Jehovah strong and mighty, Jehovah mighty in battle.
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