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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 2:18 Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_peter/2-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/60_1Pe_02_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Peter 2:18 - Submission to Authorities" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_peter/2-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_peter/2-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_peter/">1 Peter</a> > <a href="/1_peter/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_peter/2-17.htm" title="1 Peter 2:17">◄</a> 1 Peter 2:18 <a href="/1_peter/2-19.htm" title="1 Peter 2:19">►</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="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_peter/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_peter/2.htm">New International Version</a> Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. <a href="/nlt/1_peter/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. <a href="/esv/1_peter/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. <a href="/bsb/1_peter/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. <a href="/blb/1_peter/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Servants, be subject to masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the unreasonable. <a href="/kjv/1_peter/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. <a href="/nkjv/1_peter/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. <a href="/nasb_/1_peter/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are harsh. <a href="/nasb/1_peter/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. <a href="/nasb77/1_peter/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. <a href="/lsb/1_peter/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are crooked. <a href="/amp/1_peter/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Servants, be submissive to your masters with all [proper] respect, not only to those who are good and kind, but also to those who are unreasonable. <a href="/csb/1_peter/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Household slaves, submit to your masters with all reverence not only to the good and gentle ones but also to the cruel. <a href="/hcsb/1_peter/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Household slaves, submit with all fear to your masters, not only to the good and gentle but also to the cruel. <a href="/asv/1_peter/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. <a href="/cev/1_peter/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Servants, you must obey your masters and always show respect to them. Do this, not only to those who are kind and thoughtful, but also to those who are cruel. <a href="/erv/1_peter/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. <a href="/gwt/1_peter/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Slaves, place yourselves under the authority of your owners and show them complete respect. Obey not only those owners who are good and kind, but also those who are unfair. <a href="/gnt/1_peter/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> You servants must submit yourselves to your masters and show them complete respect, not only to those who are kind and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. <a href="/isv/1_peter/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> You household servants must submit yourselves to your masters out of respect, not only to those who are kind and fair, but also to those who are unjust. <a href="/msb/1_peter/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. <a href="/net/1_peter/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Slaves, be subject to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are perverse. <a href="/nheb/1_peter/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked. <a href="/wbt/1_peter/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. <a href="/wey/1_peter/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Household servants, be submissive to your masters, and show them the utmost respect--not only if they are kind and thoughtful, but also if they are unreasonable. <a href="/web/1_peter/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_peter/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Servants, be subject in all fear to the masters, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the crooked; <a href="/blb/1_peter/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Servants, be subject to masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the unreasonable. <a href="/ylt/1_peter/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> The domestics! be subjecting yourselves in all fear to the masters, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the cross; <a href="/slt/1_peter/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Servants being subjected to masters in all fear; not only to the good and equitable, but also to the crooked.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_peter/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. <a href="/cpdv/1_peter/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and meek, but also to the unruly. <a href="/nabre/1_peter/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Slaves, be subject to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and equitable but also to those who are perverse. <a href="/nrsvce/1_peter/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Slaves, accept the authority of your masters with all deference, not only those who are kind and gentle but also those who are harsh.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_peter/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the servants among you, let them be submissive to their masters with due respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are severe and difficult. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_peter/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> To those who are Servants among you: Submit to your masters in reverence, not only to the good and to the meek, but also to the severe and to the perverse;<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_peter/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the perverse. <a href="/godbey/1_peter/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Servants, be submissive to your masters with all reverence; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked. <a href="/haweis/1_peter/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but even to the froward. <a href="/mace/1_peter/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> You that are servants, be subject to your masters with all reverence: not only to such as are kind and gentle, <a href="/wey/1_peter/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Household servants, be submissive to your masters, and show them the utmost respect--not only if they are kind and thoughtful, but also if they are unreasonable. <a href="/worrell/1_peter/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the perverse. <a href="/worsley/1_peter/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Ye who are servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and mild, but also to the morose: <a href="/parallel/1_peter/2-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1h9-AlUcaGE?start=414" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_peter/2.htm">Submission to Authorities</a> …17Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 18<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Hoi (Art-VMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3610.htm" title="3610: oiketai (N-VMP) -- A household servant. From oikeo; a fellow resident, i.e. Menial domestic.">Servants,</a> <a href="/greek/5293.htm" title="5293: hypotassomenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey.">submit yourselves</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to your</a> <a href="/greek/1203.htm" title="1203: despotais (N-DMP) -- A lord, master, or prince. Perhaps from deo and posis; an absolute ruler.">masters</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">with</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: panti (Adj-DMS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all</a> <a href="/greek/5401.htm" title="5401: phobō (N-DMS) -- (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright.">respect,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/3440.htm" title="3440: monon (Adv) -- Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.">only</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to those who are</a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathois (Adj-DMP) -- A primary word; good.">good</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1933.htm" title="1933: epieikesin (Adj-DMP) -- Gentle, mild, forbearing, fair, reasonable, moderate. From epi and eiko; appropriate, i.e. mild.">gentle,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">even</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to those who are</a> <a href="/greek/4646.htm" title="4646: skoliois (Adj-DMP) -- Crooked, perverse, unfair, curved, tortuous. From the base of skelos; warped, i.e. Winding; figuratively, perverse.">unreasonable.</a> 19For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-8</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ... <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-25</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ... <a href="/titus/2-9.htm">Titus 2:9-10</a> Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, / not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior. <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1-2</a> All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited. / Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles. <a href="/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10-16</a> I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains. / Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. / I am sending back to you him who is my very heart. ... <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a> But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a> But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17-21</a> Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” ... <a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a> There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">1 Corinthians 7:21-24</a> Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity. / For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. / You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. ... <a href="/exodus/21-2.htm">Exodus 21:2-6</a> If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything. / If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him. / If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. ... <a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-43</a> If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. / Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. / Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12-18</a> If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. / And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. / You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. ... <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a> A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. <a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a> If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the fraudulent.be.<a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-7</a> Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; … <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-25</a> Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: … <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1-3</a> Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed… the good.<a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">2 Corinthians 10:1</a> Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22</a> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,<a href="/titus/3-2.htm">Titus 3:2</a> To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.but.<a href="/psalms/101-4.htm">Psalm 101:4</a> A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.<a href="/proverbs/3-32.htm">Proverbs 3:32</a> For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.<a href="/proverbs/8-13.htm">Proverbs 8:13</a> The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/3-17.htm">Considerate</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Cross</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-17.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-33.htm">Froward</a> <a href="/james/3-17.htm">Gentle</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-15.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-19.htm">Household</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-19.htm">Ill-Tempered</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-1.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/james/3-1.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-31.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Overbearing</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-17.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-16.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-17.htm">Show</a> <a href="/titus/3-3.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-6.htm">Subjecting</a> <a href="/james/3-7.htm">Subjection</a> <a href="/james/3-17.htm">Submissive</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">Submit</a> <a href="/philippians/4-10.htm">Thoughtful</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-2.htm">Unreasonable</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-2.htm">Utmost</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-12.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/titus/3-2.htm">Considerate</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-24.htm">Cross</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-2.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-20.htm">Froward</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-4.htm">Gentle</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-20.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-17.htm">Household</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-19.htm">Ill-Tempered</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-8.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/exodus/1-11.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-20.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/psalms/37-35.htm">Overbearing</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-16.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-13.htm">Show</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-19.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-21.htm">Subjecting</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">Subjection</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">Submissive</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">Submit</a> <a href="/acts/27-3.htm">Thoughtful</a> <a href="/acts/25-27.htm">Unreasonable</a> <a href="/genesis/49-26.htm">Utmost</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-7.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-13.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">1 Peter 2</div>1. <a href="/1_peter/2-1.htm">He exhorts to put away wickedness;</a> 4. <a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">showing that Christ is the foundation whereupon they are built.</a> 11. <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">He beseeches them also to abstain from sinful desires;</a> 13. <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">to be obedient to authorities;</a> 18. <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">and teaches servants how to obey their masters;</a> 20. <a href="/1_peter/2-20.htm">patiently suffering for well doing, after the example of Christ.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_peter/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_peter/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_peter/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect In the Greco-Roman world, the term "servants" often referred to household slaves or bondservants, who were a significant part of the social and economic structure. The call to "submit" reflects a broader biblical principle of order and respect within societal structures, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-8</a> and <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-24</a>. Submission here is not about inferiority but about maintaining harmony and witness within the household. The phrase "with all respect" emphasizes the attitude of the heart, aligning with the Christian call to honor all people (<a href="/1_peter/2-17.htm">1 Peter 2:17</a>).not only to those who are good and gentle This acknowledges that some masters were kind and fair, providing a more positive environment for servants. The call to submit to such masters aligns with the natural human inclination to respond positively to kindness. This mirrors the teaching of Jesus in <a href="/matthew/5-46.htm">Matthew 5:46-47</a>, where loving those who love you is seen as a basic expectation. The mention of "good and gentle" masters highlights the ideal relationship between authority and subordinates, reflecting God's character of kindness and gentleness (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>).but even to those who are unreasonable The term "unreasonable" can also be translated as "harsh" or "perverse," indicating masters who are unjust or difficult. This instruction challenges believers to exhibit Christ-like behavior even in unjust circumstances, echoing Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39-41</a> about turning the other cheek and going the extra mile. This reflects the suffering servant motif found in <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>, where the Messiah endures unjust treatment. By submitting to harsh masters, servants bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel, as seen in <a href="/1_peter/2-21.htm">1 Peter 2:21-23</a>, where Christ's own suffering is presented as an example to follow.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a> The apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage and instruct believers facing persecution. 2. <a href="/topical/s/servants.htm">Servants</a> In the context of the Roman Empire, servants or household slaves were common. Peter addresses them directly, acknowledging their challenging circumstances. 3. <a href="/topical/m/masters.htm">Masters</a> These are the individuals who have authority over the servants. They could be either kind and fair or harsh and unreasonable. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a> The recipients of Peter's letter were early Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor, facing various trials and persecutions. 5. <a href="/topical/r/roman_empire.htm">Roman Empire</a> The socio-political backdrop of the letter, where slavery was a widespread institution, and Christians were often marginalized.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/submission_as_a_witness.htm">Submission as a Witness</a> Submission to authority, even when difficult, serves as a powerful testimony of faith and trust in God’s sovereignty. <a href="/topical/r/respect_beyond_circumstances.htm">Respect Beyond Circumstances</a> Respect is not contingent on the behavior of others but is a reflection of our obedience to God. <a href="/topical/e/endurance_in_unjust_situations.htm">Endurance in Unjust Situations</a> Enduring hardship with grace mirrors Christ’s own suffering and can lead to spiritual growth and witness. <a href="/topical/s/serving_as_unto_the_lord.htm">Serving as unto the Lord</a> Our ultimate service is to God, and this perspective transforms how we approach earthly authority. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God’s Justice</a> While earthly masters may be unjust, believers can trust in God’s ultimate justice and reward.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_peter_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Peter 2</a> <a href="/q/1_peter_2_18__why_does_it_condone_slavery.htm">1 Peter 2:18: Why does the text appear to condone slavery by telling slaves to submit to their masters, and how is that consistent with a just God? </a> <a href="/q/how_should_christians_view_their_boss.htm">How should Christians perceive their boss at work?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_jehu's_judgment_fit_divine_mercy.htm">How do we reconcile the harsh judgment carried out by Jehu in 2 Kings 9 with biblical themes of mercy and divine justice?</a> <a href="/q/how_should_christians_view_employers.htm">How should Christians perceive their employers at work?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_peter/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) Servants--Second division of the second prudential rule: subordination social. This word is not the same as is used by St. Paul--e.g., <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm" title="Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ;">Ephesians 6:5</a>; <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm" title=" Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;">Colossians 3:22</a><a href="/luke/16-13.htm" title="No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.">Luke 16:13</a>; <a href="/acts/10-7.htm" title="And when the angel which spoke to Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;">Acts 10:7</a>; <a href="/romans/14-4.htm" title="Who are you that judge another man's servant? to his own master he stands or falls. Yes, he shall be held up: for God is able to make him stand.">Romans 14:4</a>. It brings forward the family or household relation of servant or slave to master, and not (as does the common word used in <a href="/1_peter/2-16.htm" title="As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.">1Peter 2:16</a>) the mere fact of ownership. We need not be surprised at directions for household servants, or slaves, in a letter addressed to Jewish Christians, for there were large numbers of Hebrews in this position both now and later; St. Clement, for example, was probably both. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_peter/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - Servants. The word is not δοῦλοι, slaves,but οἰκέται, household servants, domestics. St. Peter may have used it as a less harsh term, in Christian kindliness and courtesy; or he may have chosen it purposely to include the large class of freedmen and other dependents who were to be found in the houses of the great. The frequent mention of slaves in the Epistles shows that many of the first Christians must have been in a condition of servitude (comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">1 Corinthians 7:21-23</a>; <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-8</a>; <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1, 2</a>, etc.). It was only natural that men should feel uneasy and irritable under the yoke of slavery as they came to learn the equality of all men in the sight of God, and to understand the blessed privileges and the high hopes of Christians. The apostles counseled submission and resignation to the will of God. Slavery was an unnatural institution; it must in time disappear under the softening influences of the gospel. But Christian slaves were to wait in faith and patience. The sacred writers use language of studied moderation, carefully avoiding any expressions which might be regarded as exciting to violence or revolutionary outbreaks. Be subject to your masters with all fear. The participle ὑποτασσόμενοι seems to look back to the imperative ὑποτάγητε in ver. 13; the relation of slaves to their lords being one of the ordinances of man alluded to there (comp. <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5</a>, where St. Paul bids slaves to be obedient to their masters "with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ"). The holy fear of God, by whose providence they were set in that lowly station, would involve the fear of failing in their duty to their masters. All fear; not only fear of punishment, but also fear of neglecting duty. Not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. Servants must not make the character of their masters an excuse for disobedience; if their masters are froward (σκολιοί, literally, "crooked, perverse"), still they must be submissive to the wilt of God. <a href="/commentaries/1_peter/2-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Servants, οἰκέται (oiketai) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3610.htm">Strong's 3610: </a> A household servant. From oikeo; a fellow resident, i.e. Menial domestic. submit yourselves ὑποτασσόμενοι (hypotassomenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5293.htm">Strong's 5293: </a> From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey. to [your] τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. masters δεσπόταις (despotais) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1203.htm">Strong's 1203: </a> A lord, master, or prince. Perhaps from deo and posis; an absolute ruler. with ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. all παντὶ (panti) Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. respect, φόβῳ (phobō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5401.htm">Strong's 5401: </a> (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright. not οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. only μόνον (monon) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3440.htm">Strong's 3440: </a> Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely. to those who [are] τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. good ἀγαθοῖς (agathois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> A primary word; 'good'. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. gentle, ἐπιεικέσιν (epieikesin) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1933.htm">Strong's 1933: </a> Gentle, mild, forbearing, fair, reasonable, moderate. From epi and eiko; appropriate, i.e. mild. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. even καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. to those who [are] τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. unreasonable. σκολιοῖς (skoliois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4646.htm">Strong's 4646: </a> Crooked, perverse, unfair, curved, tortuous. From the base of skelos; warped, i.e. Winding; figuratively, perverse. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">NT Letters: 1 Peter 2:18 Servants be in subjection to your masters (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_peter/2-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Peter 2:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Peter 2:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_peter/2-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Peter 2:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Peter 2:19" /></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>