Devine Scripture

1 Peter 3:17

What does 1 Peter 3:17 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Peter 3:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Peter 3:17 means

Suffering is not inherently virtuous, but if God permits it, it is better to bear it for doing good than for doing evil. This simple maxim steadies judgment under pressure. If pain comes for righteousness, it aligns you with God’s will and serves His purposes; if it comes for wrongdoing, it is deserved and dishonoring. Peter thus calls believers to live so that, should trials arrive, they clearly suffer as doers of good. This perspective keeps conscience clear, narrows the path of avoidable trouble, and prepares the heart to receive suffering as an offering to God rather than a reproach. The comparative “better” weighs eternal values against temporary costs.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because if it is God's purpose for you to undergo pain, it is better to do so for well-doing than for evil-doing.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for <FI>it is<Fi> better doing good, if the will of God will it, to suffer, than doing evil;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For it is better doing well (if such be the will of God) to suffer than doing ill.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For [it is] better, if the will ofGod should will it, to suffer [as] well-doers than [as] evildoers;

Context

This concluding line of the exhortation (verses 13–17) sums up the teaching on suffering for righteousness. It bridges to the gospel foundation in verse 18: Christ also suffered, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God. From there, Peter will unfold difficult but hope-filled themes—Christ’s proclamation to spirits in prison (verses 19–20), the typological connection to baptism (verse 21), and Christ’s exaltation over all powers (verse 22)—all to assure believers that righteous suffering is meaningful and leads to glory.

v.16having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ.

v.17This passage

v.18Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

Cross references

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

  • Acts 21:14

    And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

  • 1 Peter 4:15

    For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men’s matters:

  • 1 Peter 3:14

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

  • Matthew 26:42

    Again a second time he went away, and prayed, saying, My Father, if this cannot pass away, except I drink it, thy will be done.

  • 1 Peter 2:20

    For 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.

  • 1 Peter 2:15

    For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

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 3:17.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary