Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

1 PETER 4:16KJV
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1 Peter 4:16 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 4:16 mean?

1 Peter 4:16 says that if someone suffers because they are a Christian, they should not feel ashamed, but instead honor God in that situation. The verse encourages believers to see suffering for their faith not as a disgrace, but as an opportunity to give glory to God.

Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers, writes this letter to Christians facing hostility and mistreatment for their beliefs. The verse highlights that being called a “Christian” could bring trouble in that time, but Peter urges his readers to hold their heads high and use even suffering as a way to show God’s goodness.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 4:16

  • Χριστιανός (Christianos, “Christian”): This word was not always a compliment in the early church; it was sometimes used as a label of scorn. Peter’s use here shows that suffering “as a Christian” is specifically about being mistreated for following Jesus, not for any wrongdoing.
  • αἰσχύνω (aischynō, “ashamed”): The Greek here carries the sense of feeling disgrace or embarrassment. Peter is telling believers not to let society’s negative view make them feel dishonored.
  • δοξάζω (doxazō, “glorify”): This word means to honor or praise. Peter is saying that even in suffering, believers can bring honor to God by their response.

Why 1 Peter 4:16 matters

  • This verse makes clear that suffering for being a Christian is not something to hide or be embarrassed about, but rather a reason to honor God.
  • It helps readers understand that the early church faced real social pressure and even shame for following Jesus, yet Peter reframes that experience as something meaningful and valuable.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Peter encourages believers to expect hardship but to respond in a way that reflects their trust in God.

Where else these words appear

“Christian” Greek G5546 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
  • Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

“him” Greek G153 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 16:3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
  • Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

“behalf” Greek G3313 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Acts 5:2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

“glorify” Greek G1392 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • John 12:16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
  • Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.