Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

1 PETER 2:23KJV
Know the Bible

1 Peter 2:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 2:23 mean?

1 Peter 2:23 describes how Jesus, when insulted and mistreated, did not retaliate or threaten in return, but instead entrusted himself to God, who judges justly. The verse highlights Jesus’ patient endurance and trust in God’s fair judgment, even in the face of suffering and injustice.

Peter is writing to Christians who are facing hardship and encouraging them by pointing to Jesus’ example. The verse shows that Jesus did not respond to verbal abuse or suffering with anger or threats, but relied on God to handle justice. This sets a pattern for believers to follow in difficult situations.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 2:23

  • "Reviled" (λοιδορέω, loidoreō): This word means to heap insults or abuse on someone. The verse emphasizes that Jesus did not return insults when he was insulted, showing restraint and dignity.
  • "Committed" (παραδίδωμι, paradidōmi): This word means to hand over or entrust. The verse uses it to show that Jesus actively placed his situation into God’s hands, rather than trying to control the outcome himself.
  • "Judgeth" (κρίνω, krinō) and "righteously" (δικαίως, dikaiōs): Together, these words stress that God’s judgment is fair and just. Jesus’ trust was not in human justice, but in God’s perfect justice.

Why 1 Peter 2:23 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that responding to mistreatment with anger or retaliation is justified; it points to Jesus’ example of restraint.
  • The focus on God as the righteous judge reminds readers that ultimate justice belongs to God, not to human systems or personal revenge.
  • In the wider context, Peter is encouraging believers to endure suffering with the same attitude as Jesus, trusting God’s justice rather than seeking their own.

Where else these words appear

“threatened” Greek G546 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 4:17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

“reviled” Greek G3058 · used in 4 verses

  • John 9:28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.
  • Acts 23:4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?
  • 1 Corinthians 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

“righteously” Greek G1346 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

“suffered” 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;