1 Peter 4:16
What does 1 Peter 4:16 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 4:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 4:16 means
If suffering truly comes “as a Christian,” the believer must not be ashamed. The name that may be used as a slur becomes an honor. Instead of shrinking back, the sufferer should “glorify God in this name,” acknowledging that belonging to Christ is their highest identity. Shame is displaced by worship. Public scorn does not define them; God’s approval does. Bearing Christ’s name implies witness, integrity, and courage. In choosing to glorify God amid reproach, Christians declare that Jesus is worth more than comfort or reputation. Such steadfastness displays the reality of the gospel to a watching world and strengthens the church’s own resolve.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But if he undergoes punishment as a Christian, that is no shame to him; let him give glory to God in this name.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; and let him glorify God in this respect;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But, if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed: but let him glorify God in that name.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but if as a christian, let him not be ashamed, but glorifyGod in this name.
Context
After excluding suffering for wrongdoing (v. 15), verse 16 returns to honorable suffering and prescribes the proper response: reject shame and glorify God. This prepares the reader for the sober rationale that follows in verses 17–18, where Peter frames present trials within the larger scene of God’s judgment beginning with His people. The flow tightens the connection between present reproach and God’s purifying, evaluative work, then leads to the closing call to trustful perseverance in verse 19.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 1:12
For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day.
- Romans 5:2
through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
- 1 Peter 4:19
Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator.
- Acts 26:28
And Agrippa said unto Paul, With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian.
- Hebrews 12:2
looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- Isaiah 54:4
Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth; and the reproach of thy widowhood shalt thou remember no more.
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