1 Peter 3:17
WEB
For it is better, if it is God’s will, that you suffer for doing what is right than for doing evil.
BSB
For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
KJV
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
Matthew Henry
Greek interlinear
G2909
best, better
Derivation: comparative of a derivative of G2904;
stronger, i.e. (figuratively) better, i.e. nobler
KJV: best, better.
See also: G2904.
G1063
and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet
Derivation: a primary particle;
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
G15
(when) do good (well)
Derivation: from G17;
to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)
KJV: (when) do good (well).
See also: G17.
G1487
forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether
Derivation: a primary particle of conditionality;
if, whether, that, etc.
KJV: forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether.
Often used in connection or composition with other particles, especially as in G1489, G1490, G1499, G1508, G1509, G1512, G1513, G1536, G1537. See also G1437.
See also: G1489, G1490, G1499, G1508, G1509, G1512, G1513, G1536, G1537, G1437.
G2309
desire, be disposed (forward), intend, list, love, mean, please, have rather, (be) will (have, -ling, - ling(-ly))
or ἐθέλω , in certain tenses θελέω , and ἐθελέω , which are otherwise obsolete
Derivation: apparently strengthened from the alternate form of G138;
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas G1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations), i.e. choose or prefer (literally or figuratively); by implication, to wish, i.e. be inclined to (sometimes adverbially, gladly); impersonally for the future tense, to be about to; by Hebraism, to delight in
KJV: desire, be disposed (forward), intend, list, love, mean, please, have rather, (be) will (have, -ling, - ling(-ly)).
See also: G138, G1014.
G3588
the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc
, including the feminine ἡ , and the neuter τό in all their inflections;
Derivation: the definite article;
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
G2307
desire, pleasure, will
Derivation: from the prolonged form of G2309;
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
KJV: desire, pleasure, will.
See also: G2309.
G2316
X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward)
Derivation: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with G3588) the supreme Divinity;
figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
See also: G3588.
G3958
feel, passion, suffer, vex
, including the forms πάθω , and πένθω , used only in certain tenses for it
Derivation: apparently a primary verb;
to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)
KJV: feel, passion, suffer, vex.
G2228
and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea
Derivation: a primary particle of distinction between two connected terms;
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
KJV: and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea.
Often used in connection with other particles. Compare especially G2235, G2260, G2273.
See also: G2235, G2260, G2273.
G2554
do(ing) evil
Derivation: from G2555;
to be a bad-doer, i.e. (objectively) to injure, or (genitive) to sin
KJV: do(ing) evil.
See also: G2555.
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Verses 16–17
1 Peter 3:16–17
The confession of a Christian's faith cannot credibly be supported but by the two means here specified - a good conscience and a good conversation. conscience is good when it does its office well, when it is kept pure and uncorrupt, and clear from guilt; then it will justify you, though men accuse you. A good conversation in Christ is a holy life, according to the doctrine and example of Christ. "Look well to your conscience, and to your conversation; and then, though men speak evil of you, and falsely accuse you as evil-doers, you will clear yourselves, and bring them to shame. Perhaps you may think it hard to suffer for well-doing, for keeping a good conscience and a good conversation; but be not discouraged, for it is better for you, though worse for your enemies, that you suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing." Learn, 1. The most conscientious persons cannot escape the censures and slanders of evil men; they will speak evil of them, as of evil-doers, and charge them with crimes which their very souls abhor: Christ and his apostles were so used. 2. A good conscience and a good conversation are the best means to secure a good name; these give a solid reputation and a lasting one. 3. False accusation generally turns to the accuser's shame, by discovering at last the accuser's indiscretion, injustice, falsehood, and uncharitableness. 4. It is sometimes the will of God that good people should suffer for well-doing, for their honesty and for their faith. 5. As well-doing sometimes exposes a good man to suffering, so evil-doing will not exempt an evil man from it. The apostle supposes here that a man may suffer for both. If the sufferings of good people for well-doing be so severe, what will the sufferings of wicked people be for evil-doing? It is a sad condition which that person is in upon whom sin and suffering meet together at the same time; sin makes sufferings to be extreme, unprofitable, comfortless, and destructive.