For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

1 PETER 2:19KJV
Know the Bible

1 Peter 2:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 2:19 mean?

1 Peter 2:19 says that it is commendable when someone endures pain or unfair treatment because they want to do what is right before God. The verse highlights that patiently suffering for the sake of a clear conscience toward God is something that is recognized as good.

Peter is writing to early Christians who were sometimes mistreated for their faith or for doing what was right. He encourages them that enduring such suffering—when it is undeserved and done out of respect for God—is not wasted, but is seen and valued by God. This sets up a theme in the letter about responding to injustice with patience and integrity.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 2:19

  • χάρις (charis, "thankworthy"): This word is often translated as "grace" or "favor," and here it means something that finds favor or is commendable in God's eyes. It shows that enduring suffering for the right reasons is not just tolerated, but actually valued.
  • συνείδησις (syneidēsis, "conscience"): This refers to an inner sense of what is right before God. The verse points out that the motivation matters—it's about enduring because of a desire to honor God, not just putting up with hardship for any reason.
  • πάσχω (paschō, "suffering"): The Greek word carries the idea of experiencing pain or hardship. The focus is on suffering that is not deserved, highlighting the unfairness of the situation.

Why 1 Peter 2:19 matters

  • 1 Peter 2:19 clarifies that not all suffering is equally meaningful; it is specifically suffering for the sake of conscience toward God that is described as commendable.
  • The verse emphasizes motivation—enduring hardship is not just about being tough, but about seeking to do right in God's eyes.
  • This verse connects to the broader message of 1 Peter, which encourages believers to respond to mistreatment with patience and trust in God, rather than retaliation.

Where else these words appear

“endure” Greek G5297 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
  • 2 Timothy 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

“grief” Greek G3077 · used in 14 verses

  • Luke 22:45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
  • John 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
  • 2 Corinthians 2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

“conscience” Greek G4893 · used in 30 verses

  • John 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
  • 1 Timothy 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

“suffering” Greek G3958 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • Acts 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
  • Hebrews 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;