Amplified Bible
1 Peter 3:13
13Now who is there to hurt you if you become enthusiastic for what is good?
1 Peter 3:13 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
- New International Version (NIV)Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?
- English Standard Version (ESV)Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?
- New King James Version (NKJV)And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?
Context of 1 Peter 3:13
11He must turn away from wickedness and do what is right. He must search for peace [with God, with self, with others] and pursue it eagerly [actively—not merely desiring it]. 12For the eyes of the Lord are [looking favorably] upon the righteous (the upright), And His ears are attentive to their prayer (eager to answer), But the face of the Lord is against those who practice evil.” Now who is there to hurt you if you become enthusiastic for what is good? 14But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness [though it is not certain that you will], you are still blessed [happy, to be admired and favored by God]. Do not be afraid of their intimidating threats, nor be troubled or disturbed [by their opposition]. 15But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect.
Read all of 1 Peter 31 Peter 3:13 word by word
Καὶ τίς ὁ κακώσων ὑμᾶς, ἐὰν τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ ζηλωταὶ γένησθε;Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for 1 Peter 3:13
- Proverbs 16:7When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
- Romans 8:28And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.
- Romans 13:3For [civil] authorities are not a source of fear for [people of] good behavior, but for [those who do] evil. Do you want to be unafraid of authority? Do what is good and you will receive approval and commendation.
- Psalms 38:20They repay evil for good, they attack and try to kill me, Because I follow what is good.
- Proverbs 15:9The way [of life] of the wicked is hateful and exceedingly offensive to the Lord, But He loves one who pursues righteousness [personal integrity, moral courage and honorable character].
- 1 Corinthians 14:1Pursue [this] love [with eagerness, make it your goal], yet earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual gifts [to be used by believers for the benefit of the church], but especially that you may prophesy [to foretell the future, to speak a new message from God to the people].
- Ephesians 5:1Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];
- 1 Thessalonians 5:15See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek that which is good for one another and for all people.
- 1 Timothy 5:10and has a reputation for good deeds; [she is eligible] if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the feet of the saints (God’s people), if she has assisted the distressed, and has devoted herself to doing good in every way.
- 3 John 1:11Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but [imitate] what is good. The one who practices good [exhibiting godly character, moral courage and personal integrity] is of God; the one who practices [or permits or tolerates] evil has not seen God [he has no personal experience with Him and does not know Him at all].
Commentaries on 1 Peter 3:13
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 13Who is he that will harm you - Is it possible that a man can be wretched who has God for his friend? "All the devices which the devil or wicked men work against such must be brought to naught, and by the providence of his goodness be dispersed." If ye be followers, etc. - · If ye be imitators of the good One, i.e. of God. ̔ , the good One, is one of God's prime epithets, see Matthew 19:17, and Satan is distinguished by the reverse, ̔ , the Evil one…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 13And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? - This question is meant to imply, that as a general thing they need apprehend no evil if they lead an upright and benevolent life. The idea is, that God would in general protect them, though the next verse shows that the apostle did not mean to teach that there would be absolute security, for it is implied there that they might be called to suffer for righteousness” sake. While…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 8-13Verses 8-13 Though Christians cannot always be exactly of the same mind, yet they should have compassion one of another, and love as brethren. If any man desires to live comfortably on earth, or to possess eternal life in heaven, he must bridle his tongue from wicked, abusive, or deceitful words. He must forsake and keep far from evil actions, do all the good he can, and seek peace with all men. For God, all-wise and every where present, watches over the…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 13In general, people do not want to harm someone who is doing good. However, Christians sometimes suffer even when they do good (3:14; see 1:6; 4:12–19).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1313. who ... will harm you--This fearless confidence in God's protection from harm, Christ, the Head, in His sufferings realized; so His members. if ye be--Greek, "if ye have become." followers--The oldest manuscripts read "emulous," "zealous of" (Tit 2:14). good--The contrast in Greek is, "Who will do you evil, if ye be zealous of good?"Read the comment
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on 1 Peter 3
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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