Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

1 PETER 2:18KJV
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1 Peter 2:18 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 2:18 mean?

1 Peter 2:18 instructs servants to submit respectfully to their masters, not just to those who are kind and gentle but also to those who are harsh or unreasonable. The verse calls for this respectful attitude regardless of the character of the master.

Peter is writing to early Christian communities, many of whom included household servants or slaves. The instruction addresses a real-life situation where some believers had difficult masters. The verse emphasizes that respectful conduct is expected even in unfair circumstances, reflecting a broader call in this letter to live honorably in all relationships.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 2:18

  • "Servants" (οἰκέτης, oiketēs) refers specifically to household servants or slaves, not just workers in general. This highlights that Peter is speaking to people in a particular social role with little power.
  • "Subject" (ὑποτάσσω, hypotassō) means to place oneself under the authority of another, often understood as a voluntary attitude of cooperation or respect.
  • "Froward" (σκολιός, skolios) describes someone who is crooked, unfair, or harsh. The use of this word shows that the instruction applies even when the master is unjust, not only when they are reasonable.

Why 1 Peter 2:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Christian conduct is not dependent on how others behave; respect is to be shown even to those who are difficult or unjust.
  • The instruction fits into a larger section where Peter encourages believers to live honorably among non-Christians, showing that faith shapes behavior in every area of life.
  • Understanding the specific words Peter uses helps modern readers see the real challenges faced by early Christians and the radical nature of the call to respectful conduct in all circumstances.

Where else these words appear

“froward” Greek G4646 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 3:5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
  • Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

“Servants” Greek G3610 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  • Acts 10:7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
  • Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

“gentle” Greek G1933 · used in 5 verses

  • Philippians 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
  • 1 Timothy 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
  • Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

“masters” Greek G1203 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
  • 1 Timothy 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
  • 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.