For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

1 PETER 3:17KJV
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1 Peter 3:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 3:17 mean?

1 Peter 3:17 says that if it is God’s will for someone to suffer, it is better to suffer because they have done what is right rather than because they have done something wrong. The verse highlights that suffering for good actions is preferable to suffering for wrongdoing.

Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers, is writing to early Christians who were facing hostility and unfair treatment. He encourages them to keep doing good, even if it leads to hardship, because suffering for doing the right thing has a different meaning and value than suffering as a result of bad actions.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 3:17

  • "Better" (κρεῖττον, kreitton): This word means something more noble or preferable. Peter is not just saying it is less bad, but that it is a higher, more honorable path to suffer for doing good.
  • "Will" (θέλημα, thelēma): This refers to God’s purpose or desire. The verse recognizes that suffering is not always random; sometimes it happens within God’s larger plan.
  • "Suffer" (πάσχω, paschō): The Greek word here covers all kinds of hardship or pain, not just physical suffering. It includes any kind of difficulty that comes from doing what is right.

Why 1 Peter 3:17 matters

  • 1 Peter 3:17 clears up the idea that all suffering is the same; it distinguishes between suffering for good and suffering for evil, giving dignity to those who endure hardship for doing what is right.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Peter encourages Christians to respond to mistreatment with gentleness and integrity, following the example of Jesus.
  • This verse helps readers see that facing unfair treatment for good actions is not a sign of failure or abandonment by God, but can be part of a faithful life.

Where else these words appear

“doing” Greek G2554 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 3:4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
  • Luke 6:9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?
  • 3 John 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

“doing” Greek G15 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 3:4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
  • Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
  • 1 Peter 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

“better” Greek G2909 · used in 17 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
  • Hebrews 7:7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
  • Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

“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;