But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

1 PETER 4:13KJV
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1 Peter 4:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 4:13 mean?

1 Peter 4:13 encourages believers to find joy when they share in the sufferings of Christ, because when Christ’s glory is revealed, they will also experience great joy. The verse connects present hardships with a future hope of sharing in Christ’s victory and honor.

Peter is writing to Christians facing persecution and hardship for their faith. He tells them that their suffering links them with Jesus, who also suffered, and that this connection is something to rejoice about, not just endure. The promise is that when Jesus is revealed in glory, those who have suffered with him will celebrate with overwhelming happiness.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 4:13

  • "Partakers" (κοινωνέω, koinōneō): This word means to share or participate in something together. Here, it emphasizes that believers are not just observers but active participants in the same kind of suffering Jesus experienced.
  • "Rejoice" (χαίρω, chairō): The Greek word used here is not just about feeling happy, but about a deep, active joy that persists even in hard times. Peter repeats this word, showing that joy is both for now (in suffering) and for the future (when Christ is revealed).
  • "Revealed" (ἀποκάλυψις, apokalypsis): This word refers to something being uncovered or made fully known. In this context, it points to the future moment when Christ’s true glory will be seen by all, making present suffering worthwhile.

Why 1 Peter 4:13 matters

  • 1 Peter 4:13 clarifies that Christian suffering is not pointless or random, but is closely connected to Jesus’ own experience and future glory.
  • The verse highlights that joy is possible even in suffering, because believers look forward to a promised future with Christ.
  • This verse ties present trials to a bigger story, helping readers see their hardships as meaningful and temporary in light of what is to come.

Where else these words appear

“as” Greek G2526 · used in 3 verses

  • Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

“partakers” Greek G2841 · used in 8 verses

  • Romans 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
  • Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
  • 1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

“joy” Greek G21 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  • John 5:35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
  • Acts 16:34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

“sufferings” Greek G3804 · used in 16 verses

  • Romans 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
  • Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
  • Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.