1 Peter 3:8
What does 1 Peter 3:8 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 3:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 3:8 means
Peter summarizes the Christian social ethic: be of one mind, sympathetic, loving as family, tenderhearted, and humble. Unity does not erase differences, but it does require a shared gospel mindset. Sympathy and tenderheartedness feel others’ pains; brotherly love treats fellow believers as kin. Humility undergirds all, refusing pride that fractures fellowship. This cluster of virtues makes the church a refuge in a hostile world and a credible witness to Christ’s grace. In communities marked by suspicion and insult, such dispositions shine. They do not arise from mere niceness but from new birth and the example of Christ, who is gentle and lowly. Practicing them prepares believers to respond well when mistreated.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Finally, be ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Finally, be ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Last of all, see that you are all in agreement; feeling for one another, loving one another like brothers, full of pity, without pride:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And finally, being all of one mind, having fellow-feeling, loving as brethren, compassionate, courteous,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And in fine, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, being lovers of the brotherhood, merciful, modest, humble:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Finally, [be] all of one mind, sympathising, full of brotherly love, tender hearted, humble minded;
Context
Having addressed households (verses 1–7), Peter now exhorts the entire community. Verse 8 launches a list of virtues that foster harmony and resilience under pressure. This prepares for the explicit call in verse 9 not to repay evil but to bless, and for the Scripture support that follows (verses 10–12). The flow moves from the church’s inner life (how we treat one another) to its posture toward opponents (how we respond to evil and reviling), all under the assurance that God sees, hears, and judges righteously. This sets the stage for the section on suffering for righteousness (verses 13–17).
v.7Ye husbands, in like manner, dwell withyour wivesaccording to knowledge, giving honor unto the woman, as unto the weaker vessel, as being also joint-heirs of the grace of life; to the end that your prayers be not hindered.
v.8This passage
v.9not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 4:32
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and not oneof themsaid that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
- 1 Peter 1:22
Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently:
- Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
- Romans 12:15
Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.
- 1 Peter 2:17
Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
- Matthew 18:33
shouldest not thou also have had mercy on thy fellow-servant, even as I had mercy on thee?
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.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Body Image
Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and these scriptures help us to see ourselves through His eyes.
Topic
Bible Verses About Loving Enemies
The Bible calls believers to a radical love that extends even to those who mistreat or oppose them
What the Bible says about…