Lectionary Calendar
Monday, October 7th, 2024
the Week of Proper 22 / Ordinary 27
Attention!
Take your personal ministry to the Next Level by helping StudyLight build churches and supporting pastors in Uganda.
Click here to join the effort!

Read the Bible

Mace New Testament

1 Peter 3:9

don't return evil for evil, nor calumny for calumny; on the contrary, bestow your benedictions, considering that your vocation obliges you thereto, as a means to obtain the divine blessing.

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Charitableness;   Commandments;   Fellowship;   Forgiveness;   Kindness;   Love;   Malice;   Railing;   Retaliation;   Revenge;   Reward;   Righteous;   Righteousness;   Speaking;   Thompson Chain Reference - Meekness-Retaliation;   Retaliation;   The Topic Concordance - Blessings;   Conduct;   Vengeance;   Torrey's Topical Textbook - Love to Man;   Revenge;   Reviling and Reproaching;  

Dictionaries:

- American Tract Society Bible Dictionary - Hair;   Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Peter;   Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Blessing;   Call, Calling;   Fausset Bible Dictionary - Peter, the Epistles of;   Proverbs, the Book of;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Insult;   Marriage;   1 Peter;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Peter, First Epistle of;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Benediction ;   Evil-Speaking;   Heir Heritage Inheritance;   Lots;   Peter Epistles of;   Retaliation ;   Smith Bible Dictionary - Prov'erbs, Book of;  

Encyclopedias:

- International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Here;   Peter, the First Epistle of;   Rail;  

Devotionals:

- Daily Light on the Daily Path - Devotion for December 15;   Every Day Light - Devotion for May 14;   Today's Word from Skip Moen - Devotion for December 22;  

Parallel Translations

New American Standard Bible (1995)
not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.
Simplified Cowboy Version
Don't retaliate against each other or trade insults like uppercuts. If someone hurts you, bless them. Pay them back with prayer. This is the kind of life God has called you to. You live like this and God's blessings will overflow.
Bible in Basic English
Not giving back evil for evil, or curse for curse, but in place of cursing, blessing; because this is the purpose of God for you that you may have a heritage of blessing.
Darby Translation
not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but on the contrary, blessing [others], because ye have been called to this, that ye should inherit blessing.
World English Bible
not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are called to this, to inherit a blessing.
Weymouth's New Testament
not requiting evil with evil nor abuse with abuse, but, on the contrary, giving a blessing in return, because a blessing is what you have been called by God to inherit.
King James Version (1611)
Not rendring euill for euill, or railing for railing: but contrarywise blessing, knowing that yee are thereunto called, that ye should inherite a blessing.
Literal Translation
not giving back evil for evil, or reviling against reviling; but, on the contrary, give blessing; knowing that you were called to this in order that you might inherit blessing.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Recopence not euell for euell, nether rebuke for rebuke: but cotrary wyse, blesse: and knowe that ye are called therto, euen yt ye shulde be heyres of ye blessynge.
Amplified Bible
and never return evil for evil or insult for insult [avoid scolding, berating, and any kind of abuse], but on the contrary, give a blessing [pray for one another's well-being, contentment, and protection]; for you have been called for this very purpose, that you might inherit a blessing [from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection].
American Standard Version
not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Revised Standard Version
Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing.
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
not redringe evyll for evyll nether rebuke for rebuke: but contrary wyse blesse remembringe yt ye are thervnto called even yt ye shuld be heyres of blessinge.
Update Bible Version
not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary blessing; for hereunto were you called, that you should inherit a blessing.
Webster's Bible Translation
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but on the contrary, blessing; knowing that ye are called to this, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Young's Literal Translation
not giving back evil for evil, or railing for railing, and on the contrary, blessing, having known that to this ye were called, that a blessing ye may inherit;
New Century Version
Do not do wrong to repay a wrong, and do not insult to repay an insult. But repay with a blessing, because you yourselves were called to do this so that you might receive a blessing.
New English Translation
Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing.
Berean Standard Bible
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Contemporary English Version
Don't be hateful and insult people just because they are hateful and insult you. Instead, treat everyone with kindness. You are God's chosen ones, and he will bless you. The Scriptures say,
Complete Jewish Bible
not repaying evil with evil or insult with insult, but, on the contrary, with blessing. For it is to this that you have been called, so that you may receive a blessing.
English Standard Version
Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
Geneva Bible (1587)
Not rendring euil for euill, neither rebuke for rebuke: but contrarywise blesse, knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should be heires of blessing.
George Lamsa Translation
Not rendering evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but instead of these, render blessing; for to this end you have been called, that you may inherit a blessing.
Christian Standard Bible®
not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you can inherit a blessing.
Hebrew Names Version
not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.
International Standard Version
Do not pay others back evil for evil or insult for insult. Instead, bless them, because you were called to inherit a blessing.Proverbs 17:13; 20:22; Matthew 5:39; 25:34; Romans 12:14,17; 1 Corinthians 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:15;">[xr]
Etheridge Translation
and let no man render evil for evil, nor invective for invective, but, that which is contrary to them, bless: for unto this are you called, that the blessing you may inherit.
Murdock Translation
And that ye recompense to no one evil for evil, neither railing for railing; but, in contrariety to these, that ye bless: for to this were ye called, that ye might inherit a blessing.
New King James Version
not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
New Living Translation
Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.
New Life Bible
When someone does something bad to you, do not do the same thing to him. When someone talks about you, do not talk about him. Instead, pray that good will come to him. You were called to do this so you might receive good things from God.
English Revised Version
not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
New Revised Standard
Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Not returning evil for evil, nor reviling for reviling, but, on the contrary, bestowing a blessing, - because, hereunto, have ye been called, in order that, a blessing, ye might inherit.
Douay-Rheims Bible
Not rendering evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing: for unto this are you called, that you may inherit a blessing.
King James Version
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Lexham English Bible
not repaying evil for evil or insult for insult, but on the other hand blessing others, because for this reason you were called, so that you could inherit a blessing.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
Not rendryng euyl for euyll, or rebuke for rebuke: but contrarywyse blesse, knowyng that ye are therevnto called, euen that ye shoulde be heyres of the blessyng.
Easy-to-Read Version
Don't do wrong to anyone to pay them back for doing wrong to you. Or don't insult anyone to pay them back for insulting you. But ask God to bless them. Do this because you yourselves were chosen to receive a blessing.
New American Standard Bible
not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you would inherit a blessing.
Good News Translation
Do not pay back evil with evil or cursing with cursing; instead, pay back with a blessing, because a blessing is what God promised to give you when he called you.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
not yeldinge yuel for yuel, nether cursing for cursing, but ayenward blessinge; for in this thing ye ben clepid, that ye welde blessinge bi eritage.

Contextual Overview

8 In a word, live all of you in perfect agreement and sympathy, be full of fraternal love, compassion, and affability. 9 don't return evil for evil, nor calumny for calumny; on the contrary, bestow your benedictions, considering that your vocation obliges you thereto, as a means to obtain the divine blessing. 10 " He that desires to live in prosperity, must restrain his tongue from detraction, and his lips from uttering falsehood: 11 he must avoid vice, practise virtue, seek peace, and persevere in the enquiry. 12 for the eyes of the Lord are upon the virtuous, and his ears attend to their prayers, but the wicked he discountenances." 13 for who can hurt you, if you strive to excel in virtue. 14 However, if you suffer in the cause of virtue, it is your happiness: and instead of being over-awed by their threats, and struck with concern, 15 adore the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready to show with modesty and respect to every one that asks it, what ground there is for the expectations you have:

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

rendering: 1 Peter 2:20-23, Proverbs 17:13, Proverbs 20:22, Matthew 5:39, Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27-29, Romans 12:14, Romans 12:17, Romans 12:19-21, 1 Corinthians 4:12, 1 Corinthians 4:13, Ephesians 4:32, 1 Thessalonians 5:15

called: 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 5:10, Romans 8:28, Romans 8:30

that: Matthew 19:29, Matthew 25:34, Mark 10:17, Luke 10:25, Luke 18:18

Reciprocal: Genesis 42:25 - and thus Genesis 50:21 - I will nourish Leviticus 9:22 - his hand Joshua 7:19 - My son Judges 1:15 - a blessing 1 Samuel 17:29 - General 1 Samuel 25:21 - Surely Job 31:30 - have Psalms 3:8 - thy blessing Psalms 24:5 - receive Psalms 115:15 - blessed Proverbs 26:4 - General Proverbs 31:26 - in her Matthew 5:22 - Whosoever Matthew 26:52 - Put Luke 6:28 - Bless Luke 9:55 - Ye know Luke 23:34 - Father John 13:34 - That ye love John 17:21 - they all Acts 3:26 - sent Acts 26:25 - I am not Romans 12:10 - kindly Romans 12:21 - General 1 Corinthians 1:10 - that ye 1 Corinthians 6:7 - Why Ephesians 1:11 - we Ephesians 1:18 - his calling Ephesians 4:1 - vocation Philippians 2:2 - that 1 Thessalonians 2:12 - who 1 Timothy 6:12 - whereunto James 3:10 - of 1 Peter 1:4 - an 2 Peter 1:3 - called Revelation 21:7 - inherit

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Not rendering evil for evil,.... Doing an ill thing in return to one that has done ill to you, and in a way of revenge for it; which is contrary to what is before advised to, and which is taking God's prerogative and work out of his hands, whose vengeance is, and which is to be overcome of evil:

or railing for railing; returning ill language to such as have given it, but rather should imitate Christ, who, when he was reviled, reviled not again, 1 Peter 2:23 and whose advice is, instead of returning injuries, blows, or words, to turn to him that smites on the right check the other also and to bless them that curse, do good to them that hate, and pray for them that persecute, Matthew 5:39 and which is here directed to:

but contrariwise blessing; praying for a blessing on them; for if we are to do so for our enemies, for them that hate us, despitefully use and persecute us, as did Christ, Stephen the protomartyr, and the apostles, then much more our fellow Christians who may do us an injury or speak evil of us, or to us: who seem to be chiefly intended: the argument to persuade to it follows,

knowing that ye are thereunto called; referring either to what goes before being called by grace to the discharge of all the above duties exhorted to, and particularly to suffer patiently all injuries and affronts; and instead of making returns in the same way, to bless and pray for those that have hurt us, either by words or deeds; see 1 Peter 2:20 or to what follows, that ye should inherit a blessing; temporal blessing or blessings; for godliness has the promise of this life and godly persons shall not want any good thing; and even while the blessings of others are cursed they have their outward mercies with a blessing, and they are blessings indeed to them; wherefore, the little they may have is better than the large affluence of others: and also spiritual blessing, or blessings; such as peace of conscience, the pardon of all their sins a justifying righteousness adopting grace, all supplies of grace from Christ, his presence and communion with him: and also an eternal one, even life for evermore; called so, because it springs from the free favour, good will, and blessing of God, and which its being an inheritance also shows; and because such that enjoy it are eternally and unspeakably happy.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Not rendering evil for evil - See the Matthew 5:39, Matthew 5:44 notes; Romans 12:17 note.

Or railing for railing - See the notes at 1 Timothy 6:4. Compare Mark 15:29; Luke 23:39.

But contrariwise blessing - In a spirit contrary to this. See the notes at Matthew 5:44.

Knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing - “Knowing that you were called to be Christians in order that you should obtain a blessing infinite and eternal in the heavens. Expecting such a blessing yourselves, you should be ready to scatter blessings on all others. You should be ready to bear all their reproaches, and even to wish them well. The hope of eternal life should make your minds calm; and the prospect that you are to be so exalted in heaven should fill your hearts with benignity and love.” There is nothing which is better suited to cause our hearts to overflow with benignity, to make us ready to forgive all others when they injure us, than the hope of salvation. Cherishing such a hope ourselves, we cannot but wish that all others may share it, and this will lead us to wish for them every blessing, A man who has a hope of heaven should abound in every virtue. and show that he is a sincere well-wisher of the race. Why should one who expects soon to be in heaven harbor malice in his bosom? Why should he wish to injure a fellow-worm? How can he?

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 9. Not rendering evil for evil — Purposing, saying, doing nothing but good; and invariably returning good for evil.

Ye are thereunto called — This is your calling-your business in life, to do good, and to do good for evil, and to implore God's blessing even on your worst enemies. And this is not only your duty, but your interest; for in so doing you shall obtain God's blessing, even life for evermore.


 
adsfree-icon
Ads FreeProfile