Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

1 PETER 3:11KJV
Know the Bible

1 Peter 3:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 3:11 mean?

1 Peter 3:11 urges a person to turn away from evil, actively do what is good, and to seek and pursue peace. The verse calls for a deliberate choice to avoid wrong, to practice goodness, and to make peace a priority in one’s actions.

Peter, writing to Christians facing challenges and sometimes hostility, is quoting from Psalm 34 to encourage a way of life that stands out for its goodness and peacefulness. The verse is part of a larger section where Peter explains how believers should respond to others, especially in difficult circumstances, by choosing actions that reflect God’s character.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 3:11

  • ἐκκλινάτω (ekklinátō, "eschew"): This word means to turn away or deliberately avoid. It carries the sense of a purposeful, active avoidance of evil, not just a passive disinterest.
  • διωξάτω (diōxátō, "ensue"): The Greek here means to pursue or chase after, often with energy and intention. Seeking peace is not just hoping for it, but actively working toward it.
  • κακόν (kakon, "evil") and ἀγαθόν (agathon, "good"): These words highlight a clear contrast between moral choices, emphasizing that the call is not just to avoid bad things but to positively do what is good.

Why 1 Peter 3:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that living rightly involves both avoiding harmful actions and intentionally doing good, not just one or the other.
  • The emphasis on seeking and pursuing peace shows that peace is not accidental; it requires effort and persistence, especially in the face of conflict.
  • In the wider context, Peter is encouraging believers to respond to hardship and mistreatment with actions that reflect Christ, setting a pattern for Christian conduct in a challenging world.

Where else these words appear

“eschew” Greek G1578 · used in 3 verses

  • Romans 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
  • Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

“ensue” Greek G1377 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Acts 22:7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
  • Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

“evil” Greek G2556 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 21:41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
  • Romans 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
  • Philippians 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

“peace” Greek G1515 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
  • Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.