1 Peter 3:14
What does 1 Peter 3:14 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 3:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 3:14 means
Even if you suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. God’s approval and future reward outweigh present loss. Therefore, do not share the fears that dominate unbelieving society or be unsettled by threats. Courage here is not bravado but a settled confidence in God. Fear is displaced by a greater reverence for Him. This verse calls believers to interpret suffering through the lens of divine favor. When mistreated for righteousness, they are not abandoned but honored by God. Such assurance steadies the heart, guards against panic, and prepares the way for measured, gracious witness. The worst others can do cannot cancel the blessing God bestows on those who are faithful.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But even if ye should suffer for righteousness’ sake, blessed are ye: and fear not their fear, neither be troubled;
KJV
King James Version · 1611But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But even if ye should suffer for righteousness’ sake, blessed are ye: and fear not their fear, neither be troubled;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But you are happy if you undergo pain because of righteousness; have no part in their fear and do not be troubled;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but if ye also should suffer because of righteousness, happy <FI>are ye<Fi> ! and of their fear be not afraid, nor be troubled,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But if also you suffer any thing for justice' sake, blessed are ye. And be not afraid of their fear: and be not troubled.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But if also ye should suffer for righteousness' sake, blessed [are ye]; but be not afraid of their fear, neither be troubled;
Context
Following the question of verse 13, Peter recognizes that harm may still occur to the righteous. Verse 14 reframes such suffering as blessed and forbids the paralyzing fear that often accompanies persecution. This leads directly into the heart of the passage (verses 15–16): setting apart Christ as Lord inwardly and being ready to articulate the hope within, with gentleness and reverence, while maintaining a good conscience. Verse 17 will then state that, if suffering must happen, it is better to suffer for good than evil, laying immediate groundwork for the Christ-centered example in verses 18–22.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 10:31
Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
- John 14:1
Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me.
- Luke 12:4
And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
- Isaiah 51:12
I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou art afraid of man that shall die, and of the son of man that shall be made as grass;
- Acts 18:9
And the Lord said unto Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak and hold not thy peace:
- John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
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