New International VersionDo not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
New Living TranslationDon’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.
English Standard VersionDo not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
Berean Standard BibleDo 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.
Berean Literal Biblenot repaying evil for evil or insult for insult; but on the contrary blessing, because to this you were called, so that you should inherit blessing.
King James BibleNot rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
New King James Versionnot returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
New American Standard Biblenot returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you would inherit a blessing.
NASB 1995not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.
NASB 1977not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.
Legacy Standard Biblenot returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but giving a blessing instead, for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.
Amplified Bibleand never return evil for evil or insult for insult [avoid scolding, berating, and any kind of abuse], but on the contrary, give a blessing [pray for one another’s well-being, contentment, and protection]; for you have been called for this very purpose, that you might inherit a blessing [from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection].
Christian Standard Biblenot paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing.
Holman Christian Standard Biblenot paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you can inherit a blessing.
American Standard Versionnot rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Contemporary English VersionDon't be hateful and insult people just because they are hateful and insult you. Instead, treat everyone with kindness. You are God's chosen ones, and he will bless you. The Scriptures say,
English Revised Versionnot rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationDon't pay people back with evil for the evil they do to you, or ridicule those who ridicule you. Instead, bless them, because you were called to inherit a blessing.
Good News TranslationDo not pay back evil with evil or cursing with cursing; instead, pay back with a blessing, because a blessing is what God promised to give you when he called you.
International Standard VersionDo not pay others back evil for evil or insult for insult. Instead, keep blessing them, because you were called to inherit a blessing.
NET BibleDo not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing.
New Heart English Biblenot rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; because to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.
Webster's Bible TranslationNot rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but on the contrary, blessing; knowing that ye are called to this, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Weymouth New Testamentnot requiting evil with evil nor abuse with abuse, but, on the contrary, giving a blessing in return, because a blessing is what you have been called by God to inherit. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleDo not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, knowing that to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
World English Biblenot rendering evil for evil or insult for insult; but instead blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionnot giving back evil for evil, or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, blessing, having known that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing;
Berean Literal Biblenot repaying evil for evil or insult for insult; but on the contrary blessing, because to this you were called, so that you should inherit blessing.
Young's Literal Translation not 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;
Smith's Literal TranslationNot returning evil for evil, or railing for railing: and on the contrary prayer; knowing that to this were ye called, that ye might inherit praise. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNot rendering evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing: for unto this are you called, that you may inherit a blessing.
Catholic Public Domain Versionnot repaying evil with evil, nor slander with slander, but, to the contrary, repaying with blessings. For to this you have been called, so that you may possess the inheritance of a blessing.
New American BibleDo not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing.
New Revised Standard VersionDo not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNot rendering evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but instead of these, render blessing; for to this end you have been called, that you may inherit a blessing.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd you should not repay a person evil for evil, neither insults for insults; but to the contrary of these things, give blessings, for you are called to this, that you would inherit blessing. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentnot repaying evil for evil, nor reviling for reviling, but, on the other hand, blessing, since you know that for this end you were called, that you might inherit blessing.
Godbey New Testamentnot giving evil for evil, or railing for railing: but on the contrary blessing; because unto this you have been called, that you may inherit the blessing.
Haweis New Testamentnot returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; but, contrariwise, wishing men every blessing; knowing that hereunto ye have been called, that ye should inherit the divine benediction.
Mace New Testamentdon't return evil for evil, nor calumny for calumny; on the contrary, bestow your benedictions, considering that your vocation obliges you thereto, as a means to obtain the divine blessing.
Weymouth New Testamentnot requiting evil with evil nor abuse with abuse, but, on the contrary, giving a blessing in return, because a blessing is what you have been called by God to inherit.
Worrell New Testamentnot returning evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but, on the contrary, blessing; because to this end ye were called, that ye might inherit a blessing.
Worsley New Testamentnot returning evil for evil, or reproach for reproach: but on the contrary blessing even those that curse you: knowing ye are called unto this, that ye may obtain a blessing.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Turning from Evil8Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. 9Do not repayevilwithevilorinsultwithinsult,butwith blessing,becausetothisyou were calledso thatyou may inherita blessing.10For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.…
Cross References Matthew 5:44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Romans 12:17-21Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” ...
Luke 6:27-28But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Proverbs 20:22Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.
1 Thessalonians 5:15Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
Matthew 5:39-42But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; / if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; / and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. ...
Proverbs 25:21-22If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
Luke 6:35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
Ephesians 4:31-32Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. / Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
Colossians 3:13Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
James 1:19-20My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.
Genesis 50:20As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.
Exodus 23:4-5If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. / If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.
Leviticus 19:18Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
Deuteronomy 32:35Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.”
Treasury of Scripture Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that you are thereunto called, that you should inherit a blessing. rendering. 1 Peter 2:20-23 For what gloryis it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and sufferfor it, ye take it patiently, thisis acceptable with God… Proverbs 17:13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. Proverbs 20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil;but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee. called. 1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settleyou. See on Romans 8:28,30 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according tohis purpose… that. Matthew 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Mark 10:17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? Jump to Previous AbuseBlessBlessingContrariwiseContraryCurseCursingEvilInheritInsteadInsultObtainOthersPurposeRailingRenderingRepayRequitingReturningRevilingThereuntoJump to Next AbuseBlessBlessingContrariwiseContraryCurseCursingEvilInheritInsteadInsultObtainOthersPurposeRailingRenderingRepayRequitingReturningRevilingThereunto1 Peter 3 1.He teaches the duty of wives and husbands to each other;8.exhorting all men to unity and love;14.and to suffer persecution.19.He declares also the benefits of Christ toward the old world.Do not repay evil with evilThis phrase emphasizes the Christian principle of non-retaliation. In the context of the early church, believers often faced persecution and hostility. The instruction not to repay evil with evil echoes Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount ( Matthew 5:38-39), where He advocates turning the other cheek. This principle is rooted in the understanding that vengeance belongs to God ( Romans 12:19) and that believers are called to a higher standard of conduct, reflecting the character of Christ, who did not retaliate when He suffered ( 1 Peter 2:23). or insult with insult
The call to refrain from responding to insults with insults aligns with the broader biblical teaching on controlling one's tongue (James 3:9-10). In the Greco-Roman world, honor and shame were significant cultural values, and insults could provoke strong reactions. However, Christians are encouraged to break this cycle of verbal retaliation, demonstrating the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This approach is consistent withProverbs 15:1, which highlights the power of a gentle answer to turn away wrath. but with blessing
Instead of responding negatively, believers are instructed to respond with blessing. This reflects the radical nature of Christian love, which seeks the good of others, even those who are adversaries. Jesus exemplified this on the cross, praying for those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). The call to bless others, including enemies, is a practical outworking of the command to love one's neighbor (Matthew 5:44). It also serves as a witness to the transformative power of the gospel, which enables believers to act contrary to human nature. because to this you were called
The phrase underscores the divine calling of believers to live out these principles. This calling is not merely a suggestion but an integral part of the Christian identity and mission. It reflects the broader biblical theme of being set apart for God's purposes (1 Peter 2:9). The calling to bless others, even in the face of hostility, is part of the believer's vocation to be a light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16) and to reflect the character of Christ. so that you may inherit a blessing
The promise of inheriting a blessing serves as motivation and assurance for believers. This inheritance is both present and future, encompassing the spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3) and the ultimate hope of eternal life (1 Peter 1:4). The concept of inheritance is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it often referred to the Promised Land. In the New Testament, it takes on a spiritual dimension, signifying the fullness of salvation and the believer's eternal reward. This promise encourages believers to persevere in doing good, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Persons / Places / Events 1. PeterThe apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage and instruct believers facing persecution. 2. Recipients of the EpistleThe letter is addressed to the "elect exiles" scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, regions in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). 3. Persecution of Early ChristiansThe context of the letter involves the early Christians facing hostility and persecution for their faith. Teaching Points Responding with BlessingAs Christians, we are called to a higher standard of conduct, responding to hostility with kindness and blessing. This reflects the character of Christ and serves as a powerful witness to others. The Call to Inherit a BlessingOur calling involves not only enduring suffering but also inheriting a blessing. This future promise should motivate us to live righteously and with hope. The Power of Non-RetaliationBy choosing not to retaliate, we break the cycle of evil and open the door for God's transformative work in our lives and the lives of others. Living Counter-CulturallyIn a world that often values revenge and retribution, Christians are called to live counter-culturally, demonstrating the love and grace of God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Peter 3:9?
2.How can we practically "repay evil with blessing" in our daily interactions?
3.What does 1 Peter 3:9 teach about responding to personal offenses?
4.How does 1 Peter 3:9 connect with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:44?
5.Why is it important to "inherit a blessing" by following 1 Peter 3:9?
6.How can we cultivate a mindset of blessing others despite wrongdoing against us?
7.How does 1 Peter 3:9 challenge the concept of justice and retribution?
8.What historical context influenced the message of 1 Peter 3:9?
9.How does 1 Peter 3:9 align with Jesus' teachings on forgiveness?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Peter 3?
11.How can we live peacefully with everyone?
12.Should you repay evil with evil?
13.Should you repay evil with evil?
14.What did Jesus mean by blessing those who curse?What Does 1 Peter 3:9 Mean Do not repay evil with evil• Peter echoes the Lord’s teaching that retaliation has no place in the believer’s life. “Repay no one evil for evil” (Romans 12:17). • Jesus modeled this at the cross: “When He suffered, He made no threats” (1 Peter 2:23). • Trusting God’s justice frees us from vengeance: “Do not say, ‘I will avenge this evil!’ Wait on the LORD” (Proverbs 20:22). • Instead of mirroring the world’s cruelty, we mirror Christ’s mercy, believing that God “will repay each according to his deeds” (Romans 2:6).
or insult with insult• Words can wound as deeply as deeds. Christ warns that abusive speech places one “in danger of the fire of hell” (Matthew 5:22). • James reminds us that blessing God while cursing people “ought not be so” (James 3:9-10). • A gentle answer “turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1); heated comebacks only feed conflict (Proverbs 26:20-21). • Even under ridicule, Jesus “did not retaliate; when He suffered, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23).
but with blessing• The alternative to revenge is proactive kindness: “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:28). • Paul echoes this: “Bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14). • Blessing includes sincere words, prayer, and tangible help (Matthew 5:44;Acts 7:60). • Doing good to enemies displays the Father’s character, “for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35).
because to this you were called• This lifestyle is not optional; it is woven into our calling. “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps” (1 Peter 2:21). • We walk “worthy of the calling” (Ephesians 4:1) by clothing ourselves “with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12-14). • Loving the unlovely is a key apologetic: “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
so that you may inherit a blessing• God ties obedience to reward. Jesus said, “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12). • The “inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4) awaits those who persevere. • Sow peace, reap blessing: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap” (Galatians 6:9). • The blessing begins now—peace of heart, power in witness—and culminates in eternity, when the meek “will inherit the earth” (Psalm 37:11).
summaryPeter’s command is simple yet radical: refuse retaliation, trade insults for intercession, because God has called His people to reflect Christ’s grace. As we meet hostility with blessing, we align with our calling and position ourselves to receive the rich, present and eternal blessing God delights to give His obedient children. (9) Not rendering.--So far St. Peter has been speaking of internal conduct. The two last adjectives, however, lead gradually into the wider field of conduct, and probably now he is thinking solely of relation to the adverse world. Among the Christians surely there would be no "evil" or "railing" to provoke a retort! "Evil," in act; "railing," in word. (See 1Peter 2:23, and Romans 12:17.) But contrariwise blessing.--No doubt a reminiscence of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:44). The word "blessing" here is not substantive, but a participle, opposed to "rendering:" "not rendering them evil or railing, but on the contrary blessing them." Though the word is chosen as the exact opposite of the badlanguage used against the Christians, "blessing" may perhaps involve the opposite of unkindaction as well. It is used for the conferring ofbenefits: (1) spiritual, inActs 3:26;Galatians 3:8; (2) material, in2Corinthians 9:5, (Comp.2Kings 5:15;Joel 2:14 :Haggai 2:19.) . . . Verse 9. - Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing. St. Peter. like St. Paul ( Romans 12:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:15), repeats his Master's teaching in the sermon on the mount ( Matthew 5:39). He forbids revenge in word, as well as in deed. But contrariwise blessing. The word "blessing" is not the substantive, but the participle ( εὐλογοῦντες), and thus corresponds with the participle "rendering" (comp. Matthew 5:44, "Bless them that curse you"). Knowingthat ye are thereunto called; rather , as in the Revised Version, for hereunto were ye called. The word "knowing" is omitted in the best manuscripts (comp. 1 Peter 2:21). Some commentators take these words with the preceding: "Ye were called to bless others, that so ye may inherit a blessing." But, on the whole, it seems better to connect them with the following clause: That ye should inherit a blessing. Christians bless others, not in order that they should inherit a blessing, but because it is God's will and their duty; and that duty follows from the fact that God has made them inheritors of his blessing. "Benedictionem aeternam," says Bengel, "cujus primitias jam nunc pit habent." God has blessed them; therefore they must bless others.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Do not repayἀποδιδόντες(apodidontes)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 591:From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc.evilκακὸν(kakon)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2556:Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.withἀντὶ(anti)Preposition
Strong's 473:A primary particle; opposite, i.e. Instead or because of.evilκακοῦ(kakou)Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2556:Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.orἢ(ē)Conjunction
Strong's 2228:Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.insultλοιδορίαν(loidorian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3059:Reviling, abuse. From loidoros; slander or vituperation.withἀντὶ(anti)Preposition
Strong's 473:A primary particle; opposite, i.e. Instead or because of.insult,λοιδορίας(loidorias)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3059:Reviling, abuse. From loidoros; slander or vituperation.butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.with blessing,εὐλογοῦντες(eulogountes)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2127:(lit: I speak well of) I bless; pass: I am blessed. From a compound of eu and logos; to speak well of, i.e. to bless.becauseὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.toεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.thisτοῦτο(touto)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.you were calledἐκλήθητε(eklēthēte)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2564:(a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.so thatἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.you may inheritκληρονομήσητε(klēronomēsēte)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2816:To inherit, obtain (possess) by inheritance, acquire. From kleronomos; to be an heir to.a blessing.εὐλογίαν(eulogian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2129:Adulation, praise, blessing, gift.
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NT Letters: 1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil or reviling (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet) |
