Bible Compass
Log inGet started
Back to the chapter

1 Peter 3:17

SufferingGod's will and callingJustice

15 But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.

For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

18 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,

19 in whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison

Read the whole chapter

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
KJV
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
WEB
For it is better, if it is God’s will, that you suffer for doing what is right than for doing evil.
ASV
For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing.
DARBY
For [it is] better, if the will of God should will it, to suffer [as] well-doers than [as] evildoers;
BLB
For [it is] better to suffer doing good, if the will of God wills [it], than doing evil,
ÅB
For det er bedre, om så er Guds vilje, å lide når en gjør godt, enn når en gjør ondt.
OTB
For det er bedre, hvis det er Guds vilje, at dere lider for å gjøre godt enn for å gjøre ondt.
B1930
For det er bedre, om så er Guds vilje, å lide når en gjør godt, enn når en gjør ondt.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 1 Peter 3:14

    But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.”

    Read in context

  • 1 Peter 4:19

    So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

    Read in context

  • Matthew 26:39

    Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

    Read in context

  • 1 Peter 2:15

    For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.

    Read in context

  • 1 Peter 2:20

    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.

    Read in context

  • Matthew 26:42

    A second time He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done.”

    Read in context

  • Acts 21:14

    When he would not be dissuaded, we fell silent and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

    Read in context

  • 1 Peter 4:15

    Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.

    Read in context