But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

1 PETER 3:14KJV
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1 Peter 3:14 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 3:14 mean?

1 Peter 3:14 says that if you suffer because you are doing what is right, you are blessed, and you should not be afraid or disturbed by those who threaten or try to intimidate you. The verse encourages believers to see suffering for righteousness as something that brings happiness, not fear.

Peter is writing to early Christians who were facing hostility and possible persecution for their faith. He tells them that suffering for doing good is not a sign of failure or something to be ashamed of, but rather a reason to consider themselves fortunate. The verse reassures readers that they do not need to be afraid of threats or trouble stirred up by others, because their suffering is for a good cause.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 3:14

  • "Happy" (μακάριοι, makarioi) is often translated "blessed" and carries the sense of being favored or fortunate, not just momentarily happy. Peter is saying that suffering for righteousness is actually a sign of God's favor.
  • "Afraid" (φοβηθῆτε, phobēthēte) comes from the root meaning "to fear" or "be terrified." Peter uses it to tell believers not to let fear control them, even when others try to scare them.
  • "Terror" (φόβος, phobos) is the same root as "afraid," but here it means the intimidation or threats coming from others. Peter is distinguishing between the fear others try to cause and the believer's response.
  • "Troubled" (ταραχθῆτε, tarachthēte) means to be shaken, disturbed, or thrown into confusion. Peter is urging believers to remain steady and not let external threats disturb their inner peace.

Why 1 Peter 3:14 matters

  • 1 Peter 3:14 clarifies that suffering for doing what is right is not a punishment or a sign that something is wrong, but can actually be a mark of being blessed.
  • The verse shifts the focus from fear of people to confidence in doing good, helping believers see that threats and intimidation do not have the final word.
  • This teaching connects to the larger theme of 1 Peter, where Peter encourages Christians to stand firm in their faith even when facing hardship, reminding them that their true security comes from God, not from avoiding trouble.

Where else these words appear

“troubled” Greek G5015 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
  • John 5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
  • John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

“if” Greek G1499 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 26:33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

“suffer” 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;

“terror” Greek G5401 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 14:26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
  • Acts 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.