1 Peter 3:9
What does 1 Peter 3:9 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 3:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 3:9 means
Christians are not to mirror hostility. When wronged or insulted, they are to bless in return. This is not weakness but a conscious alignment with God’s call and promise. Believers were “called” to this very path so that they might “inherit a blessing.” To bless those who harm us is to act from the future we have received in Christ, not from the injury of the moment. It entrusts justice to God and frees the tongue for grace. This ethic echoes the way of Jesus and makes the gospel visible. It also protects the heart: refusing retaliation keeps bitterness from taking root and positions us to experience the favor God reserves for those who walk in His ways.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Not giving back evil for evil, or curse for curse, but in place of cursing, blessing; because this is the purpose of God for you that you may have a heritage of blessing.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862not giving back evil for evil, or railing for railing, and on the contrary, blessing, having known that to this ye were called, that a blessing ye may inherit;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not rendering evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing: for unto this are you called, that you may inherit a blessing.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but on the contrary, blessing [others], because ye have been called to this, that ye should inherit blessing.
Context
After listing communal virtues (verse 8), Peter addresses how to respond to hostility (verse 9). The call to bless instead of repay is then undergirded by Scripture in verses 10–12, which show that righteous speech and peacemaking align with God’s attentive favor and His opposition to evil. The logic is: adopt these practices because they fit the blessed life God promises. This prepares for the transition in verses 13–17 to the theme of suffering for righteousness and how to hold fast without fear, sanctifying Christ as Lord and bearing witness with gentleness and respect (verses 15–16).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 12:17
Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.
- Ephesians 4:32
and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.
- Matthew 5:39
but I say unto you, Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
- 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.
- Proverbs 20:22
Say not thou, I will recompense evil: Wait for Jehovah, and he will save thee.
- Luke 6:27
But I say unto you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you,
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