Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

1 PETER 2:17KJV
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1 Peter 2:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 2:17 mean?

1 Peter 2:17 calls for showing respect to everyone, loving fellow believers, holding God in reverent awe, and honoring those in authority. The verse gives four short instructions that cover how to treat all people, the Christian community, God, and leaders.

Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles, wrote this letter to Christians scattered throughout regions of the Roman Empire who were facing suspicion and hardship. In this verse, Peter summarizes how followers of Jesus should relate to others in society: with respect, love, reverence, and honor, even toward those outside their faith or in positions of power.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 2:17

  • Ἐντιμάω (timáō, "Honour"): This word means to value, respect, or show proper regard. Peter uses it both for “all men” and “the king,” showing that respect is due to every person, not just those in authority.
  • ἀγαπάω (agapáō, "Love"): This is the Greek word for self-giving, committed love. It is used here for “the brotherhood,” meaning fellow believers, highlighting a special bond within the Christian community.
  • φοβέομαι (phobéomai, "Fear"): This word means to hold in awe or reverence, not just to be afraid. When Peter says “Fear God,” he points to a deep respect and recognition of God’s authority.
  • βασιλεύς (basileús, "king"): This refers to the ruling authority, likely the Roman emperor at the time. Honoring the king does not mean agreeing with everything he does, but showing respect for the position.

Why 1 Peter 2:17 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Christians should only care for those within their group; instead, it calls for respect toward all people, regardless of background or belief.
  • The order of the commands shows that while all deserve respect, there is a unique, deeper love for fellow believers and a special reverence reserved for God alone.
  • In the wider context, Peter is encouraging Christians to live honorably among non-believers, even under difficult or unfair authorities, so that their conduct points others to God.

Where else these words appear

“brotherhood” Greek G81 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Peter 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

“Honour” Greek G5091 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
  • Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
  • John 8:49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.

“Fear” Greek G5399 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
  • Acts 13:16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

“king” Greek G935 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 1:6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
  • Luke 10:24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
  • Acts 26:2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: