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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Peter 3:17 For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_peter/3-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/60_1Pe_03_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Peter 3:17 - Suffering for Righteousness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." /><script type="application/javascript" 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id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm" title="1 Peter 3:16">◄</a> 1 Peter 3:17 <a href="/1_peter/3-18.htm" title="1 Peter 3:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_peter/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_peter/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />For it is better, if it is God&#8217s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_peter/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_peter/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_peter/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_peter/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For <i>it is</i> better to suffer <i>for</i> doing good, if the will of God wills <i>it</i>, than doing evil,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_peter/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For <i>it is</i> better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_peter/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For <i>it is</i> better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_peter/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For it is better, if God should will it <i>so,</i> that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_peter/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_peter/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_peter/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing good rather than for doing wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_peter/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For it is better that you suffer [unjustly] for doing what is right, if that should be God’s will, than [to suffer justly] for doing wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_peter/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_peter/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God&#8217s will, than for doing evil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_peter/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_peter/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You are better off to obey God and suffer for doing right than to suffer for doing wrong. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_peter/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_peter/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />After all, if it is God's will, it's better to suffer for doing good than for doing wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_peter/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />For it is better to suffer for doing good, if this should be God's will, than for doing evil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_peter/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />After all, if it is the will of God, it is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_peter/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_peter/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For it is better to suffer for doing good, if God wills it, than for doing evil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_peter/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For it is better, if it is God's will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_peter/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For it is better, if the will of God is so, that ye suffer for well-doing, than for evil-doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_peter/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For it is better that you should suffer for doing right, if such be God's will, than for doing evil;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_peter/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For it is better, if it is God’s will, that you suffer for doing what is right than for doing evil. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_peter/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for if the will of God wills it, [it is] better to suffer doing good, than doing evil;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_peter/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For <i>it is</i> better to suffer <i>for</i> doing good, if the will of God wills <i>it</i>, than doing evil,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_peter/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for it is better doing good, if the will of God will it, to suffer, than doing evil;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_peter/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Fur better, doing good, if the will of God will, to suffer, than doing evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_peter/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For it is better doing well (if such be the will of God) to suffer, than doing ill. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_peter/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For it is better to suffer for doing good, if it is the will of God, than for doing evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_peter/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_peter/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_peter/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For it is better, if it is the will of God, that you suffer for good deeds, rather than for evil doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_peter/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For it is an advantage to you that when you are doing good works, you suffer evil, if it is thus the will of God, but not while you are doing evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_peter/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For it is better, if such be the will of God, that you suffer for doing good, than for doing evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_peter/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For it is better, doing good, if the will of the Lord should will it, to suffer, rather than doing evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_peter/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For it is better (if it be God鈥檚 will) to suffer as well doers than as evil doers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_peter/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for since it is the will of heaven you should suffer, it is better you should suffer for your virtue, than for any crimes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_peter/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For it is better that you should suffer for doing right, if such be God's will, than for doing evil;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_peter/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For it <i>is</i> better, if the will of God should will <i>it</i>, that ye suffer <i>for</i> well-doing, than <i>for</i> evil-doing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_peter/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For <i>it is</i> better (if it be the will of God) to suffer <i>for</i> doing good than <i>for</i> doing evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_peter/3-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1h9-AlUcaGE?start=646" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_peter/3.htm">Suffering for Righteousness</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/2909.htm" title="2909: kreitton (Adj-NNS-C) -- Stronger, more excellent. Comparative of a derivative of kratos; stronger, i.e. better, i.e. Nobler.">it is better,</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: theloi (V-POA-3S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">it is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God’s</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2307.htm" title="2307: thelēma (N-NNS) -- An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination.">will,</a> <a href="/greek/3958.htm" title="3958: paschein (V-PNA) -- I am acted upon in a certain way, either good or bad; I experience ill treatment, suffer. ">to suffer</a> <a href="/greek/15.htm" title="15: agathopoiountas (V-PPA-AMP) -- To do that which is good. From agathopoios; to be a well-doer.">for doing good</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">than</a> <a href="/greek/2554.htm" title="2554: kakopoiountas (V-PPA-AMP) -- To do harm, do wrong, do evil, commit sin. From kakopoios; to be a bad-doer, i.e. to injure, or to sin.">for doing evil.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">18</span>For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-20.htm">1 Peter 2:20</a></span><br />How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Matthew 5:10-12</a></span><br />Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Romans 8:17-18</a></span><br />And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. / I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-12.htm">2 Timothy 3:12</a></span><br />Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-12.htm">James 1:12</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-3.htm">Hebrews 12:3-4</a></span><br />Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. / In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-29.htm">Philippians 1:29</a></span><br />For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-41.htm">Acts 5:41</a></span><br />The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">2 Corinthians 4:17</a></span><br />For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-20</a></span><br />If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/5-3.htm">Romans 5:3-5</a></span><br />Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope. / And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/1-5.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:5</a></span><br />All this is clear evidence of God’s righteous judgment. And so you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3-5</a></span><br />He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-19.htm">Psalm 34:19</a></span><br />Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-11.htm">Proverbs 3:11-12</a></span><br />My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; / for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For it is better, if the will of God be so, that you suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.</p><p class="hdg">if.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/4-19.htm">1 Peter 4:19</a></b></br> Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls <i>to him</i> in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/26-39.htm">Matthew 26:39,42</a></b></br> And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou <i>wilt</i>… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/21-14.htm">Acts 21:14</a></b></br> And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.</p><p class="hdg">suffer.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/3-14.htm">1 Peter 3:14</a></b></br> But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy <i>are ye</i>: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/3-16.htm">Better</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">Evildoers</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Evil-Doing</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-7.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-14.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-19.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-14.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-14.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-14.htm">Undergo</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-15.htm">Well-Doing</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_peter/2-21.htm">Better</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-2.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-13.htm">Evildoers</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-13.htm">Evil-Doing</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-20.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-21.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_john/4-18.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-1.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-2.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-22.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-1.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm">Undergo</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-19.htm">Well-Doing</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-13.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">1 Peter 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">He teaches the duty of wives and husbands to each other;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_peter/3-8.htm">exhorting all men to unity and love;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_peter/3-14.htm">and to suffer persecution.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_peter/3-19.htm">He declares also the benefits of Christ toward the old world.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/1_peter/3.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>For it is better</b><br />The phrase "for it is better" suggests a comparison and a choice between two paths. The Greek word used here is "κρεῖττον" (kreitton), which implies a more advantageous or beneficial option. In the context of Christian suffering, this phrase encourages believers to choose the path of righteousness, even when it leads to suffering. Historically, early Christians faced persecution, and this exhortation would have been a source of comfort and guidance, reminding them that their suffering had a purpose and was preferable to the consequences of sin.<p><b>if it is God’s will</b><br />This phrase acknowledges the sovereignty of God in the lives of believers. The Greek word "θέλημα" (thelēma) refers to God's will or desire. This highlights the Christian belief that nothing happens outside of God's divine plan. The early church understood suffering as part of God's will, a concept that provided them with strength and hope. It reassures believers that their trials are not random but are allowed by God for a greater purpose, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of trusting in God's plan.<p><b>to suffer for doing good</b><br />"Suffer for doing good" emphasizes the noble and righteous path of enduring hardship for the sake of righteousness. The Greek word "πάσχειν" (paschein) means to suffer or endure pain. This suffering is not in vain but is a testament to one's faith and commitment to Christ. Historically, Christians were often misunderstood and maligned, yet their steadfastness in doing good, despite persecution, served as a powerful witness to their faith. This phrase encourages believers to remain steadfast in their good works, trusting that their suffering is meaningful.<p><b>than for doing evil</b><br />The contrast "than for doing evil" serves as a moral and ethical guideline for Christians. The Greek word "κακοποιεῖν" (kakopoiein) means to do evil or harm. This part of the verse underscores the futility and negative consequences of suffering due to one's own wrongdoing. It serves as a warning and a call to live a life of integrity and righteousness. In the historical context, this would have been a reminder to the early church to maintain their moral standards, even under pressure, as suffering for wrongdoing brings no glory to God and no benefit to the believer.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_peter/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">For it is better.</span>--There is a kind of ironical suppression in this comparison.<p><span class= "bld">If the will of God be so.</span>--A strikingly reverent phrase in the original, <span class= "ital">If the will of God should will it.</span> This is, of course, to be taken only with the word "suffer," which itself means, as in <a href="/1_peter/3-14.htm" title="But and if you suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are you: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;">1Peter 3:14</a>, to suffer <span class= "ital">capitally.</span> St. Peter is thinking of the legal process of <a href="/context/1_peter/3-15.htm" title="But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:">1Peter 3:15-16</a>, coming to a verdict of "guilty." He was himself daily expecting such a death.<p><span class= "bld">For well doing.</span>--Better, perhaps, <span class= "ital">as well doers.</span> It does not necessarily mean, in the Greek, that the well doing was the <span class= "ital">reason</span> of the suffering, but simply that it accompanied it.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_peter/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For it is better</span>. St. Peter meets the common objection that suffering could be borne more easily if it were deserved; the Christian must take the cross, if it comes, as from God, sent for his good (comp. <a href="/1_peter/2-19.htm">1 Peter 2:19, 20</a>). <span class="cmt_word">If the will of God be</span> <span class="cmt_word">so;</span> literally, <span class="accented">if the will of God should so will.</span> <span class="greek">Θέλημα</span> denotes the will in itself; <span class="greek">θέλειν</span>, its active operation (Wirier, 3:65. <span class="greek">β</span>). <span class="cmt_word">That ye suffer for well-doing, than for evil-doing</span>. The construction is participial, as in <a href="/1_peter/2-20.htm">1 Peter 2:20</a>. As there, the participle expresses, not merely the circumstances, but the cause of the suffering; they would have to suffer, not simply while they were doing well, but because they did Well. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_peter/3-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[it is] better,</span><br /><span class="grk">κρεῖττον</span> <span class="translit">(kreitton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular - Comparative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2909.htm">Strong's 2909: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stronger, more excellent. Comparative of a derivative of kratos; stronger, i.e. better, i.e. Nobler.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰ</span> <span class="translit">(ei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[it is]</span><br /><span class="grk">θέλοι</span> <span class="translit">(theloi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Optative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> </span><span class="str2">To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">God’s</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will,</span><br /><span class="grk">θέλημα</span> <span class="translit">(thelēma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2307.htm">Strong's 2307: </a> </span><span class="str2">An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to suffer</span><br /><span class="grk">πάσχειν</span> <span class="translit">(paschein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3958.htm">Strong's 3958: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am acted upon in a certain way, either good or bad; I experience ill treatment, suffer. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[for] doing good</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγαθοποιοῦντας</span> <span class="translit">(agathopoiountas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_15.htm">Strong's 15: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do that which is good. From agathopoios; to be a well-doer.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than</span><br /><span class="grk">ἢ</span> <span class="translit">(ē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> </span><span class="str2">Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for doing evil.</span><br /><span class="grk">κακοποιοῦντας</span> <span class="translit">(kakopoiountas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2554.htm">Strong's 2554: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do harm, do wrong, do evil, commit sin. From kakopoios; to be a bad-doer, i.e. to injure, or to sin.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_peter/3-17.htm">1 Peter 3:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_peter/3-17.htm">1 Peter 3:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_peter/3-17.htm">1 Peter 3:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_peter/3-17.htm">1 Peter 3:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_peter/3-17.htm">1 Peter 3:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_peter/3-17.htm">1 Peter 3:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_peter/3-17.htm">1 Peter 3:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_peter/3-17.htm">1 Peter 3:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_peter/3-17.htm">1 Peter 3:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_peter/3-17.htm">1 Peter 3:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_peter/3-17.htm">NT Letters: 1 Peter 3:17 For it is better if it (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Peter 3:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Peter 3:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_peter/3-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Peter 3:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Peter 3:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>