1 Peter 2:18 web — Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked.

World English Bible

"Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked."

— 1 Peter 2:18, World English Bible

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1 Peter 2:18 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

1 Peter 2 — Context

15

For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

16

as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.

17

Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

18

Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked.

19

For it is commendable if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God.

20

For what glory is it if, when you sin, you patiently endure beating? But if, when you do well, you patiently endure suffering, this is commendable with God.

21

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps,

1 Peter 2:18 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Peter 2:18 say?
1 Peter 2:18 in the World English Bible reads: “Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked.”
Where is 1 Peter 2:18 in the Bible?
1 Peter 2:18 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Peter, chapter 2, verse 18.
Who wrote 1 Peter?
1 Peter is traditionally attributed to Peter the Apostle. It was written c. AD 62–64.
What is the book of 1 Peter about?
Peter writes to "elect exiles" suffering for their faith, anchoring them in a living hope, an incorruptible inheritance, and the example of Christ who suffered for them. The letter teaches believers how to live well as strangers in a hostile world.
What are the major themes of 1 Peter?
1 Peter explores themes including Suffering, Living Hope, Holiness, Submission, Shepherding. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Peter 2:18.
What translation should I read 1 Peter 2:18 in?
1 Peter 2:18 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Peter 2:18?
1 Peter 2:18 reads (WEB): “Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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