Devine Scripture

1 Peter 3:13

What does 1 Peter 3:13 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Peter 3:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Peter 3:13 means

Peter poses a rhetorical question: generally, who will harm you if you are eager to do good? By and large, zeal for goodness disarms hostility and gains respect. Yet the question also implies that harm may still come. The point is not a guarantee of safety but a principle: a life committed to good tends to protect and commend itself. Believers are to be known for zeal, not mere avoidance of evil. Such zeal looks like proactive kindness, honesty, and service. Even in a hostile society, this posture limits unnecessary conflict. And if suffering still occurs, it will be clearly for righteousness’ sake—not for wrongdoing—thus serving as a powerful testimony that the hope within is real.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be zealous of that which is good?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be zealous of that which is good?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Who will do you any damage if you keep your minds fixed on what is good?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and who <FI>is<Fi> he who will be doing you evil, if of Him who is good ye may become imitators?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And who is he that can hurt you, if you be zealous of good?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And who shall injure you if ye have become imitators of that which [is] good?

Context

Having grounded his ethic in Scripture (verses 10–12), Peter turns to the practical question of harm and suffering. Verse 13 highlights the general benefit of zeal for good, while verse 14 acknowledges the exception—suffering for righteousness may still come, yet it is blessed. Verses 15–16 will instruct believers on the heart posture and speech needed in such moments: sanctify Christ as Lord, be ready to give a reason for your hope, and do so with gentleness and reverence, maintaining a good conscience. Verse 17 will summarize the preference for suffering for good rather than evil if God so wills.

v.12For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And his ears unto their supplication: But the face of the Lord is upon them that do evil.

v.13This passage

v.14But even if ye should suffer for righteousness’ sake, blessed are ye: and fear not their fear, neither be troubled;

Cross references

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:15

    See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.

  • Romans 8:28

    And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.

  • Romans 13:3

    For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same:

  • 1 Corinthians 14:1

    Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritualgifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

  • Ephesians 5:1

    Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children;

  • Proverbs 15:9

    The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Peter 3

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Peter 3.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 1 Peter 3:13.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary