Devine Scripture

1 Peter 4:13

What does 1 Peter 4:13 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Peter 4:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Peter 4:13 means

Rather than seeing suffering as strange, believers are to rejoice insofar as they share in Christ’s sufferings. Union with Christ means His path becomes ours: cross before glory. Present joy is grounded in future certainty—“that at the revelation of his glory” we will exult exceedingly. Suffering thus becomes a participation that points forward to Christ’s return and vindication. Joy here is not denial of pain but recognition of privilege and promise: to be counted worthy to suffer for His name, and to anticipate the overflowing joy when He is openly revealed. Our current trials will one day be eclipsed by His unveiled majesty.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But be glad that you are given a part in the pains of Christ; so that at the revelation of his glory you may have great joy.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but, according as ye have fellowship with the sufferings of the Christ, rejoice ye, that also in the revelation of his glory ye may rejoice--exulting;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But if you partake of the sufferings of Christ, rejoice that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but as ye have share in the sufferings of Christ, rejoice, that in the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exultation.

Context

Verse 13 answers the surprise of verse 12 with the command to rejoice, introducing a now-and-then perspective: joy now as sharers with Christ, and greater joy later at His revelation. This prepares for verse 14’s beatitude on being reproached for Christ’s name and for the necessary distinction in verse 15 between honorable and dishonorable suffering. The sequence builds a theology of suffering that is Christ-centered, eschatological, and ethically discerning.

v.12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you:

v.13This passage

v.14If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 4:17

    For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;

  • Luke 17:30

    after the same manner shall it be in the day that the Son of man is revealed.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:10

    always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body.

  • Romans 8:17

    and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.

  • Matthew 25:31

    But when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory:

  • Matthew 16:27

    For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then shall he render unto every man according to his deeds.

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