1 Peter 3:17 cpdv — For it is better to suffer for doing good, if it is the will of God, than for doing evil.

Catholic Public Domain Version

"For it is better to suffer for doing good, if it is the will of God, than for doing evil. "

— 1 Peter 3:17, Catholic Public Domain Version

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1 Peter 3:17 in Other Translations

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1 Peter 3 — Context

14

And yet, even when you suffer something for the sake of justice, you are blessed. So then, do not be afraid with their fear, and do not be disturbed.

15

But sanctify Christ the Lord in your hearts, being always ready to give an explanation to all who ask you the reason for that hope which is in you.

16

But do so with meekness and fear, having a good conscience, so that, in whatever matter they may slander you, they shall be confounded, since they falsely accuse your good behavior in Christ.

17

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

18

For Christ also died once for our sins, the Just One on behalf of the unjust, so that he might offer us to God, having died, certainly, in the flesh, but having been enlivened by the Spirit.

19

And in the Spirit, he preached to those who were in prison, going to those souls

20

who had been unbelieving in past times, while they waited for the patience of God, as in the days of Noah, when the ark was being built. In that ark, a few, that is, eight souls, were saved by water.

1 Peter 3:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Peter 3:17 say?
1 Peter 3:17 in the Catholic Public Domain Version reads: “For it is better to suffer for doing good, if it is the will of God, than for doing evil. ”
Where is 1 Peter 3:17 in the Bible?
1 Peter 3:17 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Peter, chapter 3, verse 17.
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 3:17.
What translation should I read 1 Peter 3:17 in?
1 Peter 3:17 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 3:17?
1 Peter 3:17 reads (CPDV): “For it is better to suffer for doing good, if it is the will of God, than for doing evil. ” 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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