Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

1 PETER 5:9KJV
Know the Bible

1 Peter 5:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 5:9 mean?

1 Peter 5:9 urges believers to stand firm in their faith and resist the devil, knowing that Christians everywhere are facing similar struggles. The verse encourages readers to remember they are not alone in their hardships, as their fellow believers around the world are experiencing the same kinds of suffering.

Peter, writing to Christians scattered across Asia Minor who were facing persecution and trials, reminds them that steadfast resistance is possible through faith. He reassures them that their experiences are shared by the wider Christian community, offering comfort and a sense of solidarity in their difficulties.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 5:9

  • "Resist" (ἀντίστητε, antistēte) means to stand against or oppose. The Greek word carries the sense of actively taking a stand, not just passively enduring, which highlights the call to intentional and firm resistance.
  • "Stedfast" (στερεοὶ, stereoi) means firm or solid. This word emphasizes the need for unwavering firmness in faith, not being easily shaken by challenges.
  • "Afflictions" (παθήματα, pathēmata) refers to sufferings or hardships. The Greek term often points to difficult experiences, especially those connected with faith, showing that the struggles mentioned are real and significant.
  • "Accomplished" (ἐπιτελεῖσθαι, epiteleistai) means being completed or fulfilled. This word suggests that the sufferings are not random but are part of a process that is happening among all believers.

Why 1 Peter 5:9 matters

  • 1 Peter 5:9 clears up the idea that suffering for faith is unique to one person or group; it emphasizes that such hardships are a common experience for Christians everywhere.
  • The verse highlights the importance of community and shared experience, reminding believers that they are part of a larger family facing similar challenges.
  • This verse ties into the broader message of 1 Peter, which encourages perseverance and faithfulness in the face of trials, offering both challenge and comfort to those enduring hardship.

Where else these words appear

“brethren” Greek G81 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Peter 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

“stedfast” Greek G4731 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
  • Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
  • Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

“accomplished” Greek G2005 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 13:32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
  • Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

“resist” Greek G436 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
  • Acts 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer(for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
  • Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.