Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

1 PETER 4:19KJV
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1 Peter 4:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 4:19 mean?

1 Peter 4:19 says that those who are suffering because they are following God's will should trust God to take care of their lives and continue to do what is right, because God is a trustworthy Creator. The verse encourages believers to keep doing good even when facing hardship, placing their confidence in God’s faithfulness.

Peter is writing to Christians who are experiencing persecution and hardship for their faith. He tells them that suffering for doing what is right is not meaningless, but something that happens under God’s watchful care. The verse reassures believers that God, as the Creator, is faithful and can be trusted with their lives, even in difficult times.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 4:19

  • "Commit the keeping" (παρατιθέσθω, paratithesthō) is a Greek word that means to entrust or hand over for safekeeping. Here, it suggests an active choice to place one’s life in God’s care, much like depositing something valuable with someone trustworthy.
  • "Souls" (ψυχάς, psychas) often refers to a person’s whole life or self, not just the inner spirit. This broad meaning emphasizes that believers are entrusting everything about themselves to God.
  • "Faithful" (πιστῷ, pistō) describes God as reliable and trustworthy, highlighting that God will not fail those who trust Him, especially in times of suffering.
  • "Creator" (κτίστῃ, ktistē) reminds readers that God is the one who made everything, so He has both the power and the care to look after those who belong to Him.

Why 1 Peter 4:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that suffering for doing good is not a sign of God’s absence, but can be part of His will, and believers are called to respond by trusting Him.
  • It emphasizes that faith is not passive; believers are encouraged to keep doing good ("in well doing") even when life is hard.
  • The verse connects the idea of God as Creator to His faithfulness, underlining that the One who made everything can be relied on to care for those who suffer for His sake.

Where else these words appear

“let” Greek G3908 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
  • Luke 9:16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
  • 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.

“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;

“will” Greek G2307 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  • Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
  • Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

“faithful” Greek G4103 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
  • Galatians 3:9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
  • 2 Timothy 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: