1 Peter 2:18

KJV

Servants, [be] subject to [your] masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

KJV (with Strong's)

Servants {G3610}, be subject {G5293} to your masters {G1203} with {G1722} all {G3956} fear {G5401}; not {G3756} only {G3440} to the good {G18} and {G2532} gentle {G1933}, but {G235} also {G2532} to the froward {G4646}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Household servants, submit yourselves to your masters, showing them full respect — and not only those who are kind and considerate, but also those who are harsh.

Berean Standard Bible

Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable.

American Standard Version

Servants, bein subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 2:18 issues a direct command to household servants, urging them to submit with profound reverence to their masters. This directive is notably comprehensive, extending the call for submission not only to those masters who are benevolent and fair but also, critically, to those who are difficult, unjust, or perverse. This instruction is part of Peter's broader theological framework for Christian conduct within existing societal structures, demonstrating how believers are to live honorably and bear witness to Christ in all circumstances, even under duress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Peter's extensive exhortations on Christian submission, which form a significant portion of his practical theology in the letter. Immediately preceding this verse, Peter has urged believers to [submit to governing authorities and human institutions](/1_peter/2-13-17 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Submission to Governing Authorities") for the Lord's sake, highlighting that such submission silences foolish critics and demonstrates freedom in Christ. The instruction to servants then flows naturally from this general principle, applying it to a specific and common social relationship in the Roman world. Following this, Peter transitions to the ultimate paradigm of suffering and submission: [Christ's own suffering as an innocent servant](/1_peter/2-21-25 "1 Peter 2:21-25 - Christ's Example of Suffering"), which serves as the foundational example and motivation for believers facing unjust treatment. This progression underscores that Christian submission is not born of weakness or fear of man, but rather from a profound reverence for God and an emulation of Christ's redemptive path.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The term "servants" (Greek: _oikétai_) in this context refers specifically to household slaves or domestic servants, a prevalent social class in the Roman Empire. Unlike modern conceptions of chattel slavery, Roman slavery was a complex institution, encompassing a wide spectrum of statuses from highly educated professionals to manual laborers, with varying degrees of freedom and potential for manumission. Many early Christians, including those in Peter's audience, would have been part of this demographic. Masters (_despótai_) held significant, often absolute, authority over their households. Peter's instruction is not an endorsement of slavery as an institution, but rather a pastoral directive on how Christians are to live out their faith within the existing societal framework, regardless of their social standing. It addresses the practical realities of their lives, providing guidance on how to maintain a distinct Christian witness in a potentially hostile environment.

* **Key Themes:** First Peter 2:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the epistle. The primary theme is **Christian Submission**, demonstrating how believers are called to honor God by submitting to human authorities, even when those authorities are flawed or unjust. This submission is not passive resignation but an active, Spirit-empowered choice that reflects a deeper allegiance to God. Another crucial theme is **Living as Exiles and Sojourners**, where Peter consistently reminds his readers that their true citizenship is in heaven, and their conduct on earth should reflect their heavenly calling, even if it means enduring hardship ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Abstain from Fleshly Lusts")). Closely related is the theme of **Suffering for Righteousness' Sake**, as Peter frequently addresses how Christians should respond to unjust suffering, often pointing to Christ as the supreme example ([1 Peter 2:21](/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ's Example")). Finally, the verse highlights **Christian Witness**, showing that honorable conduct, even under duress, can silence critics and draw others to the Gospel ([1 Peter 2:12](/1_peter/2-12 "1 Peter 2:12 - Good Works Glorify God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servants (Greek, _oikétēs'_):** This term (G3610) refers to a "fellow resident, i.e. menial domestic" or "household servant." It specifically denotes those who live within the master's household and are part of the domestic staff, distinguishing them from broader categories of slaves (_doulos_) or hired laborers. This highlights the intimate and often challenging nature of the relationships being addressed, where personal character and daily interaction are paramount.
* **Subject (Greek, _hypotássō'_):** The verb (G5293) means "to subordinate; reflexively, to obey," or "to be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto." It implies a voluntary act of aligning oneself under authority, not necessarily forced subjugation. In the context of Christian ethics, this submission is motivated by reverence for God and a desire to honor Him, rather than coercion or fear of human punishment.
* **Froward (Greek, _skoliós'_):** This adjective (G4646) literally means "warped, i.e. winding" and figuratively, "perverse." It describes masters who are difficult, crooked, unjust, or untoward in their character or treatment of others. Peter's inclusion of this category is crucial, as it elevates the command beyond mere pragmatism to a profound ethical and spiritual challenge, requiring believers to maintain their integrity and Christian witness even when faced with significant provocation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Servants, be subject to your masters":** This opening clause establishes the target audience and the core command. "Servants" (household domestics or slaves) are called to "be subject" (voluntarily submit) to their "masters" (absolute rulers of the household). This is a direct, practical instruction for a specific social group within the early church, emphasizing the importance of orderly conduct within established societal structures.
* **"with all fear":** The phrase "with all fear" (Greek: _meta pantos phobou_) does not primarily denote terror of the master, but rather a profound reverence, awe, and respect. While it can include a healthy respect for the master's authority, its deeper meaning, especially in Peter's theology, points to the "fear of the Lord" – a reverential awe of God that motivates righteous conduct in all spheres of life. Thus, the submission is ultimately rendered unto God, through the human master.
* **"not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward":** This is the most challenging and counter-cultural aspect of the command. "Good" (Greek: _agathós_) refers to moral excellence and kindness, while "gentle" (Greek: _epieikḗs_) signifies mildness, reasonableness, and fairness. Conversely, "froward" (Greek: _skoliós_) describes those who are crooked, perverse, or unjust. Peter explicitly states that Christian submission is not conditional upon the master's character; it is an unconditional commitment to Christ-like behavior, even when faced with harshness, injustice, or unreasonable demands. This demonstrates the radical nature of Christian ethics, where conduct is determined by divine principles rather than the fairness of others.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in this verse is **Antithesis**, clearly seen in the contrasting pairs: "good and gentle" versus "froward." This stark opposition highlights the demanding nature of the command, emphasizing that Christian submission is not merely a comfortable compliance with agreeable authority, but a radical commitment to righteous conduct even in the face of injustice. This antithetical structure underscores the counter-cultural ethic Peter is advocating. Furthermore, the verse functions as a direct **Exhortation**, a strong moral appeal or command. Peter's language is prescriptive, urging a specific course of action from his audience, reflecting the pastoral and didactic purpose of his letter. The imperative "be subject" drives the directness of this exhortation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Peter 2:18 profoundly connects to the broader biblical themes of suffering, justice, and the nature of Christian witness in a fallen world. It asserts that Christian ethics are rooted in an unwavering commitment to God's character and commands, transcending the fairness or kindness of human authorities. This principle echoes the call to live righteously in the face of adversity, trusting in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty. The suffering endured by servants under "froward" masters is presented not as a meaningless hardship, but as an opportunity for spiritual growth, a demonstration of faith, and a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel. This aligns with the New Testament's consistent emphasis on enduring persecution with grace, knowing that such trials refine faith and glorify God.

* [Ephesians 6:5-8](/ephesians/6-5-8 "Ephesians 6:5-8 - Slaves and Masters")
* [Colossians 3:22-25](/colossians/3-22-25 "Colossians 3:22-25 - Slaves and Masters")
* [Titus 2:9-10](/titus/2-9-10 "Titus 2:9-10 - Conduct of Slaves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific social structure of "servants" and "masters" has largely evolved, the enduring principles of 1 Peter 2:18 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to consider our attitude and conduct in all relationships where we are under authority, whether in the workplace, within institutions, or even in challenging family dynamics. It calls for a diligence, respect, and integrity in our responsibilities that is motivated by our reverence for God, rather than being contingent on the fairness or kindness of those in authority over us. When faced with difficult supervisors, unreasonable demands, or even unjust treatment, this passage encourages a Christ-like response of steadfastness and grace, rather than retaliation or resentment. Our motivation for such conduct is not to please people, but to honor God and bear a compelling witness to the transformative power of the Gospel, demonstrating that our character is shaped by divine principles, not by the circumstances or the character of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to submit to authority, and how does your attitude reflect your reverence for God?**
* **How do you respond when those in authority over you are "froward" or unjust? What practical steps can you take to apply the principles of 1 Peter 2:18 in such situations?**
* **What does it mean to "fear God" in your daily work or responsibilities, and how does this fear motivate your conduct towards others, regardless of their character?**

### FAQ
**Does 1 Peter 2:18 endorse slavery?**

Answer: No, 1 Peter 2:18 does not endorse slavery as a moral institution. Instead, it provides pastoral guidance to Christians living within the existing social realities of the Roman Empire, where slavery was widespread. Peter's focus is on how believers are to live out their faith honorably and bear witness to Christ within these structures, rather than on overturning the social order. The New Testament consistently emphasizes the spiritual equality of all believers in Christ ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female")), which laid the theological groundwork for the eventual abolition of slavery, even if it did not issue an immediate political decree. The command here is about Christian conduct and witness under duress, not about sanctioning the institution itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Peter 2:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Peter himself immediately transitions from the command to servants to the supreme example of Christ's suffering, stating, "For to this you have been called, because [Christ also suffered for you](/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ's Example of Suffering"), leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps" ([1 Peter 2:21](/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ's Example")). Jesus, though innocent and without sin, willingly submitted to the unjust authority of the religious and political powers of His day, even unto death on the cross ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He was Oppressed and Afflicted")). He endured the "froward" treatment of those who reviled and persecuted Him, yet "when he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Patient Suffering")). Christ's perfect obedience and patient suffering under unjust circumstances demonstrate the very essence of the submission Peter calls for. His submission was not born of weakness, but of divine purpose, fulfilling the Father's will to redeem humanity ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Thus, the command to servants to submit even to the "froward" is not merely a moral imperative, but an invitation to participate in the pattern of Christ's redemptive suffering, transforming hardship into an opportunity for profound witness to the Lamb of God who bore our sins ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Titus 2:9

[Exhort] servants to be obedient unto their own masters, [and] to please [them] well in all [things]; not answering again;

Titus 2:10

Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

Colossians 3:22

Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

Colossians 3:25

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Ephesians 6:5

Servants, be obedient to them that are [your] masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

Ephesians 6:7

With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

1 Timothy 6:1

¶ Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and [his] doctrine be not blasphemed.