1 Peter 2:1

KJV

¶ Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G3767} laying aside {G659} all {G3956} malice {G2549}, and {G2532} all {G3956} guile {G1388}, and {G2532} hypocrisies {G5272}, and {G2532} envies {G5355}, and {G2532} all {G3956} evil speakings {G2636},

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, of all deceit, hypocrisy and envy, and of all the ways there are of speaking against people;

Berean Standard Bible

Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.

American Standard Version

Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In [1 Peter 2:1](/1_peter/2-1 "1 Peter 2:1 - The Call to Purity"), the Apostle Peter issues a foundational exhortation to believers, urging them to actively divest themselves of a specific list of destructive attitudes and behaviors. This command serves as a crucial bridge from the theological truths of spiritual rebirth and the enduring Word in the preceding chapter to the practical outworking of Christian character and community life, emphasizing that genuine spiritual growth necessitates the deliberate removal of internal and relational hindrances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse opens the second chapter, but its force is directly tied to the preceding declarations in [1 Peter 1](/1_peter/1 "1 Peter 1 - Living Hope and Holy Conduct"). Having established the profound reality of the believers' new birth through the living and abiding Word of God ([1 Peter 1:23](/1_peter/1-23 "1 Peter 1:23 - Born Again by the Word")), and the imperative to love one another fervently from a pure heart ([1 Peter 1:22](/1_peter/1-22 "1 Peter 1:22 - Fervent Love")), Peter now presents the practical implications of this transformed identity. The "Wherefore" (Greek: *oûn*, G3767) acts as a logical connector, indicating that because believers have been born again by an incorruptible seed and are called to fervent love, they must therefore "lay aside" these vices. This act of purification is not merely ethical advice but a necessary prerequisite for the spiritual hunger and growth described in the very next verse, [1 Peter 2:2](/1_peter/2-2 "1 Peter 2:2 - Desiring the Word").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter addresses believers scattered across Asia Minor, a diverse region influenced by both Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures. Many of these Christians were likely Gentile converts, living as "aliens and exiles" ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Living as Sojourners")) within a predominantly pagan society. The vices listed—malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, and evil speakings—were prevalent in the social fabric of the day, often seen as common human failings or even tools for social advancement. Peter's call to "lay aside" these behaviors would have been a radical counter-cultural demand, setting Christian communities apart as ethical distinctives. It underscored the internal transformation expected of those who had embraced the Gospel, contrasting sharply with the moral relativism or self-serving practices of the wider world.

* **Key Themes:** The primary themes interwoven throughout [1 Peter](/1_peter "1 Peter - Living Hope in a Hostile World") and particularly highlighted in this verse include **Purity and Holiness**, which are essential for those who belong to a holy God ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy as I Am Holy")). This verse underscores that holiness is not merely a positional truth but a practical pursuit, requiring active disengagement from sin. Another key theme is **Christian Character and Community**. The vices listed are inherently destructive to interpersonal relationships and community cohesion, making their removal vital for fostering genuine love and unity within the body of Christ. Finally, the verse speaks to **Preparation for Spiritual Growth**. Just as one removes soiled clothing before donning clean attire, Peter implies that shedding these spiritual impurities is a necessary step to truly "crave pure spiritual milk" and grow in salvation, as he elaborates in [1 Peter 2:2-3](/1_peter/2-2-3 "1 Peter 2:2-3 - Growing in Grace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wherefore (Greek, _oûn'_):** This adverbial particle serves as a strong logical connector, meaning "therefore," "consequently," or "accordingly." It signals that what follows is a direct and necessary consequence of the preceding theological truths, particularly the new birth by the incorruptible Word and the command to fervent love in [1 Peter 1:22-23](/1_peter/1-22-23 "1 Peter 1:22-23 - The Foundation for Purity").
* **laying aside (Greek, _apotíthēmi'_):** Derived from *apó* (away from) and *títhēmi* (to place), this verb literally means "to put away" or "to cast off." It carries the strong implication of a deliberate, decisive action, often used metaphorically for removing clothing or burdens. Here, it denotes a conscious and active renunciation of these vices, not merely a passive avoidance, but a definitive separation from them.
* **malice (Greek, _kakía'_):** From *kakós* (bad), this term denotes general badness, depravity, or wickedness. It refers to an inherent ill-will or malignity of disposition, a desire to harm or see others suffer. It is the root disposition from which many of the other listed vices spring.
* **evil speakings (Greek, _katalalía'_):** This compound word, formed from *katá* (down against) and *laleō* (to speak), specifically means "defamation," "slander," or "backbiting." It describes the act of speaking ill of others, often maliciously and behind their backs, damaging their reputation or character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore laying aside all malice,"**: The verse begins with a strong imperative rooted in the preceding theological foundation. Believers are commanded to actively "put off" or "cast away" all forms of malice, which encompasses general wickedness, ill-will, and a desire to harm others. This is a call to internal purity, addressing the heart's disposition.
* **"and all guile,"**: Following malice, Peter lists guile, which refers to deceit, trickery, or cunning. This speaks to insincerity and duplicity in one's words and actions, a deliberate attempt to mislead or manipulate others for personal gain or malicious intent.
* **"and hypocrisies,"**: This term, from which we derive "hypocrisy," literally means "play-acting" or "insincerity." It describes the pretense of virtue or piety that one does not genuinely possess, a dissimulation of one's true motives or character, particularly in religious or moral contexts.
* **"and envies,"**: Peter then includes envies, which signifies jealousy or resentment felt towards another's success, possessions, or good fortune. It is a destructive emotion that begrudges the well-being and blessings of others, often leading to bitterness and division.
* **"and all evil speakings,"**: The final vice listed is evil speakings, which refers to slander, backbiting, or defamation. This is the outward manifestation of internal malice and envy, involving the malicious spreading of rumors, gossip, or false accusations that damage another person's reputation or character. The repetition of "all" (G3956 *pâs*) before "malice" and "evil speakings" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this command—no form of these vices should be retained.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several powerful literary devices in [1 Peter 2:1](/1_peter/2-1 "1 Peter 2:1 - The Call to Purity"). The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the imagery of "laying aside" (Greek: *apotíthēmi*). This verb is often used for taking off old clothing, suggesting that these vices are like soiled garments that must be deliberately removed and discarded by the believer, who has put on a new, clean identity in Christ. This implies a conscious, volitional act. The verse also utilizes **Enumeration** (or a vice list), systematically listing five distinct but related negative behaviors. This comprehensive catalog highlights the pervasive nature of sin and the broad scope of the believer's ethical responsibility. The repetition of "all" before "malice" and "evil speakings" serves as **Emphasis**, underscoring the thoroughness required in shedding these vices. Finally, the verse functions as an **Imperative**, a direct command to the readers, demanding active participation in their sanctification process.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command to "lay aside" these vices in [1 Peter 2:1](/1_peter/2-1 "1 Peter 2:1 - The Call to Purity") is deeply rooted in the New Testament's theology of **sanctification** and the **new creation**. Having been born again into a living hope through Christ's resurrection ([1 Peter 1:3](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - Living Hope")), believers are called to live consistently with their new identity. This involves an ongoing process of putting off the old self and putting on the new self, which is created in righteousness and true holiness. The vices listed—malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, and evil speakings—are antithetical to the very nature of God and the character of Christ, and they actively hinder the spiritual growth and genuine fellowship that God desires for His people. Their removal is not merely about avoiding sin, but about cultivating a heart and community that reflect the purity and love of God.

* [Ephesians 4:31](/ephesians/4-31 "Ephesians 4:31 - Put Away Bitterness")
* [Colossians 3:8](/colossians/3-8 "Colossians 3:8 - Put Off Anger and Malice")
* [Romans 13:12-14](/romans/13-12-14 "Romans 13:12-14 - Put On the Lord Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Peter 2:1](/1_peter/2-1 "1 Peter 2:1 - The Call to Purity") serves as a timeless and urgent call for believers to engage in a continuous process of self-examination and spiritual purification. In a world often characterized by deceit, envy, and divisive speech, Peter's words challenge us to cultivate radical authenticity and love within the Christian community and beyond. This "laying aside" is not a one-time event but an ongoing discipline, much like regularly shedding old habits or attitudes that no longer serve our new life in Christ. It demands vigilance over our inner dispositions (malice, envy) and our outward expressions (guile, hypocrisy, evil speakings). By actively renouncing these destructive elements, we create space for the "pure spiritual milk" of God's Word to nourish us, fostering genuine spiritual growth and enabling us to truly love one another fervently, thereby reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Which of the vices listed in [1 Peter 2:1](/1_peter/2-1 "1 Peter 2:1 - Laying Aside Vices") do I find most challenging to "lay aside" in my own life, and why?**
* **How might malice, guile, or hypocrisy subtly manifest in my relationships, even within the church community?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to actively "lay aside" one of these vices and cultivate its opposite virtue?**
* **How does my commitment to "laying aside" these negative behaviors contribute to the overall health and witness of my local church?**

### FAQ
**Why does Peter specifically list these five vices: malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, and evil speakings?**

Answer: Peter's selection of these specific vices is highly intentional, as they represent a comprehensive range of internal attitudes and external behaviors that are fundamentally antithetical to Christian love, unity, and spiritual growth. "Malice" (G2549 *kakía*) is the underlying ill-will or depravity of heart from which many other sins spring. "Guile" (G1388 *dólos*) and "hypocrisies" (G5272 *hypókrisis*) speak to insincerity and deceit, which erode trust and authenticity in relationships. "Envies" (G5355 *phthónos*) highlight destructive jealousy that poisons community. Finally, "evil speakings" (G2636 *katalalía*) represent the outward manifestation of these internal corruptions, particularly through slander and backbiting, which directly attack the reputation and well-being of others. Together, this list addresses both the heart's disposition and its harmful expressions, emphasizing the holistic transformation required for those who have been born again by the Word of God, as discussed in [1 Peter 1:23](/1_peter/1-23 "1 Peter 1:23 - Born Again by the Word").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Peter 2:1](/1_peter/2-1 "1 Peter 2:1 - The Call to Purity") finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in Jesus Christ. While the verse commands believers to "lay aside" vices, it is through Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and empowering resurrection that such a transformation becomes possible. Jesus perfectly embodied the antithesis of these vices: He was without malice, full of truth and grace ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), utterly sincere, free from envy, and His words always built up rather than tore down ([Luke 4:22](/luke/4-22 "Luke 4:22 - Gracious Words of Jesus")). He is the sinless Lamb of God ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Precious Blood of Christ")), whose sacrifice cleanses us from all unrighteousness, making us new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent, indwells believers, providing the power to put off the old self and put on the new ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put Off the Old Self")), enabling us to bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, which are the very opposites of the vices Peter condemns ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, the call to purity in [1 Peter 2:1](/1_peter/2-1 "1 Peter 2:1 - Laying Aside Vices") is not a legalistic burden but a Spirit-empowered response to the gracious work of Christ in us.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:31

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

James 1:21

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

James 4:11

¶ Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of [his] brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

1 Peter 3:10

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Colossians 3:5

¶ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Colossians 3:8

¶ But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

Ephesians 4:22

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;