8Finally, all of you: be single-minded, tender-hearted, brotherly, compassionate, humble— [3:9] not repaying evil for evil, or insult for insult, but on the contrary blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit blessing. [3:10] For whoever desires to love life and to see good days, let that person hold the tongue from evil and the lips from speaking deceit, [3:11] let that person turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it. [3:12] Because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears toward their petition, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. [3:13] And who is the one who will harm you if you become zealous for what is good?
1PE 3:8-13
Turning from Evil
In the world it was spoken into
In the Greco-Roman world, public honor and reputation were paramount, and insults were not merely personal slights but attacks on one’s social standing. Retaliation was expected to restore honor, often escalating conflict. The call to avoid repaying evil for evil or insult for insult would have been countercultural, challenging the honor-shame dynamics of the time. The emphasis on being (single-minded) and (tender-hearted) reflects a communal ethic rooted in unity and empathy, contrasting with the competitive individualism of Roman society. The term (humble) would have evoked associations with low social status, suggesting a deliberate rejection of status-seeking behavior. The exhortation to bless instead of curse aligns with Jewish covenantal ethics, echoing Psalm 34, which frames divine favor as contingent on righteous living. The promise of God’s attention to the righteous and opposition to evildoers would have reassured a marginalized community facing social hostility.
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How other translations render this
1PE 3:8
- KJV
- Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
- BSB
- Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.
- Koinōnos
- Finally, all of you: be single-minded, tender-hearted, brotherly, compassionate, humble—
1PE 3:9
- KJV
- Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
- BSB
- Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
- Koinōnos
- not repaying evil for evil, or insult for insult, but on the contrary blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit blessing.
1PE 3:10
- KJV
- For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
- BSB
- For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.
- Koinōnos
- For whoever desires to love life and to see good days, let that person hold the tongue from evil and the lips from speaking deceit,
1PE 3:11
- KJV
- Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
- BSB
- He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.
- Koinōnos
- let that person turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.
1PE 3:12
- KJV
- For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
- BSB
- For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
- Koinōnos
- Because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears toward their petition, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
1PE 3:13
- KJV
- And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
- BSB
- Who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good?
- Koinōnos
- And who is the one who will harm you if you become zealous for what is good?
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
1PE 3:8
- single-minded,:The word translated 'single-minded' describes a unity of thought and purpose, suggesting a deep agreement and shared outlook among individuals.
- tender-hearted,:The term translated 'tender-hearted' literally refers to having 'good intestines,' which in ancient thought was the seat of deep emotions like compassion and pity.
- humble,:The word translated 'humble' here carries the sense of being kindly disposed and friendly, emphasizing a welcoming and agreeable attitude towards others.
1PE 3:9
- insult:The word translated 'insult' refers to harsh verbal abuse, reviling, or railing against someone, often with the intent to shame or demean.