For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

1 PETER 3:12KJV
Know the Bible

1 Peter 3:12 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 3:12 mean?

1 Peter 3:12 says that God watches over those who do what is right and listens to their prayers, but He turns away from those who do evil. The verse draws a clear line between God’s care for the righteous and His opposition to those who choose wrongdoing.

Peter is writing to Christians facing hardship, reminding them that God is attentive to their lives. The verse reassures believers that their prayers are heard and that God is actively involved in their well-being, while also warning that God stands against evil actions.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 3:12

  • "Eyes" (ὀφθαλμοί, ophthalmoí): This word emphasizes God’s watchfulness and personal attention, not just a distant awareness.
  • "Over" (ἐπὶ, epi): This preposition can mean “upon” or “over,” suggesting God’s protective oversight, not just passive observation.
  • "Righteous" (δίκαιος, dikaios): This word refers to those who live in a way that aligns with God’s standards, not just people who are morally good by human measure.
  • "Face" (πρόσωπον, prosōpon): In Greek, this word often means presence or favor; here, God’s “face against” evildoers shows active opposition, not just disapproval.

Why 1 Peter 3:12 matters

  • 1 Peter 3:12 clarifies that God’s attention and care are not automatic for everyone but are closely connected to living rightly.
  • The verse reassures believers who may feel overlooked or unheard, especially in times of suffering, that God is attentive to their prayers.
  • This verse connects to Peter’s wider message about responding to evil with good, showing that God’s justice and care are always at work, even when circumstances are difficult.

Where else these words appear

“prayers” Greek G1162 · used in 17 verses

  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
  • Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

“ears” Greek G3775 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
  • Luke 1:44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
  • Romans 11:8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

“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.

“face” Greek G4383 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 20:21 And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:
  • 2 Corinthians 8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.