1 Peter 3:9
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Study Note
Study Note
The instruction 'not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing' grounds the non-retaliation ethic not merely in moral idealism but in vocational calling and inheritance. The instruction echoes Romans 12:17 ('recompense to no man evil for evil') and Matthew 5:44 ('bless them that curse you'), indicating that non-retaliation was a consistent apostolic ethical standard. The motivation — 'ye are thereunto called' — makes blessing-under-persecution the definition of Christian calling rather than a supererogatory counsel, rooting it in the imitation of Christ who blessed and did not curse. The citation of Psalm 34:12-16 in verses 10-12 grounds the ethic in wisdom tradition: the fear of the Lord leads to turning from evil and doing good, and God's eyes are on the righteous.
Other Translations
not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
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;
Not giving back evil for evil, or curse for curse, but in place of cursing, blessing; because this is the purpose of God for you that you may have a heritage of blessing.
Cross References
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For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, …
And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, …
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom …
And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or …
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, …
But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn …
Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things …