1 Peter 2:19

KJV

For this [is] thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} this {G5124} is thankworthy {G5485}, if {G1487} a man {G5100} for {G1223} conscience {G4893} toward God {G2316} endure {G5297} grief {G3077}, suffering {G3958} wrongfully {G95}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For it is a grace when someone, because he is mindful of God, bears up under the pain of undeserved punishment.

Berean Standard Bible

For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended.

American Standard Version

For this is acceptable, if for conscience toward God a man endureth griefs, suffering wrongfully.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Peter 2:19, the Apostle Peter addresses believers facing social ostracism and persecution, asserting that enduring unjust suffering with a conscience directed toward God is commendable and finds favor in His sight. This verse serves as a profound encouragement, highlighting that spiritual integrity and divine approval are granted not when one suffers for wrongdoing, but when one patiently bears unmerited grief out of devotion and obedience to God, establishing a foundational principle for Christian conduct in a hostile world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Peter's epistle (beginning at [1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Living as Strangers and Exiles")) that provides practical instructions for Christian living in a pagan society. Peter has just exhorted believers to "abstain from fleshly lusts" and to "have your conduct honorable among the Gentiles" ([1 Peter 2:11-12](/1_peter/2-11-12 "1 Peter 2:11-12 - Honorable Conduct")). Immediately preceding [1 Peter 2:19](/1_peter/2-19 "1 Peter 2:19 - Enduring Unjust Suffering"), Peter calls for submission to human authorities, including "the king, as supreme" and "governors" ([1 Peter 2:13-14](/1_peter/2-13-14 "1 Peter 2:13-14 - Submission to Authorities")), and specifically to masters, "not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh" ([1 Peter 2:18](/1_peter/2-18 "1 Peter 2:18 - Servants and Masters")). [1 Peter 2:19](/1_peter/2-19 "1 Peter 2:19 - Enduring Unjust Suffering") then introduces the specific scenario of suffering "wrongfully," which sets the stage for the ultimate example of Christ's unjust suffering in [1 Peter 2:21-25](/1_peter/2-21-25 "1 Peter 2:21-25 - Christ's Example of Suffering"). The flow of thought moves from general submission to specific instances of unjust treatment, culminating in the Christological model.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's first epistle was written to "elect exiles of the Dispersion" in various Roman provinces of Asia Minor (modern Turkey), likely during a time of increasing social pressure and sporadic persecution against Christians (see [1 Peter 1:1](/1_peter/1-1 "1 Peter 1:1 - Peter's Greeting")). Christians were often misunderstood, accused of various crimes (e.g., atheism for not worshipping Roman gods, cannibalism due to distorted rumors about the Eucharist), and socially ostracized for their refusal to participate in pagan civic and religious life. The Roman Empire, while generally tolerant of diverse religions, viewed Christianity with suspicion due to its exclusive claims and refusal to participate in emperor worship. Servitude was a widespread social reality, and masters held significant power, often treating their slaves harshly. Peter's instructions provided guidance for believers navigating these complex and often hostile environments, emphasizing how their conduct could either commend or condemn their faith.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in 1 Peter. The overarching theme of **suffering for righteousness' sake** is central, distinguishing suffering for one's own sin from suffering unjustly for Christ (e.g., [1 Peter 3:14](/1_peter/3-14 "1 Peter 3:14 - Suffering for Righteousness")). It also reinforces the theme of **Christian witness and honorable conduct** in the world, demonstrating how believers' responses to adversity can glorify God and silence critics ([1 Peter 2:12](/1_peter/2-12 "1 Peter 2:12 - Honorable Conduct Among Gentiles")). Furthermore, the concept of **God's sovereign approval and grace** is highlighted, as enduring such suffering is deemed "thankworthy" or "gracious" in God's eyes. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Christ as the supreme example** of unjust suffering, which Peter develops more fully in the subsequent verses of [1 Peter 2](/1_peter/2 "1 Peter 2 - Living as God's People").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **thankworthy (Greek, _cháris'_):** From the root meaning "to rejoice," this word signifies "graciousness," "favor," or "divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude." In this context, it implies that such endurance is pleasing to God, acceptable in His sight, and merits His divine favor or approval. It is not about earning salvation, but about a response that is divinely recognized and valued.
* **conscience (Greek, _syneídēsis'_):** Literally meaning "co-perception" or "joint-knowledge," this refers to one's moral consciousness or inner sense of right and wrong. When directed "toward God," it denotes an inner conviction and motivation rooted in one's relationship with the divine, acting out of a desire to please God and obey His will, rather than out of human pride or mere stoicism.
* **endure (Greek, _hypophérō'_):** Derived from "under" and "to bear," this verb means "to bear from underneath" or, figuratively, "to undergo hardship." It implies a patient, steadfast bearing up under the weight of affliction, rather than succumbing to it or reacting with bitterness. It speaks to sustained fortitude in the face of adversity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this is thankworthy":** This opening clause establishes the divine perspective on the action that follows. "This" refers to the act of enduring unjust suffering with a God-ward conscience. "Thankworthy" (cháris) indicates that such endurance is not merely tolerated or observed by God, but is actively pleasing to Him, commendable, and brings His favor or grace upon the one who suffers. It sets a positive, divinely-approved valuation on a seemingly negative experience.
* **"if a man for conscience toward God endure grief":** This specifies the condition and motivation for the "thankworthy" endurance. The suffering is not random or merely stoic, but is borne out of a deep inner conviction and moral consciousness ("conscience") that is oriented "toward God." This implies a deliberate choice to prioritize God's will and honor Him, even when it results in personal pain ("grief"). The "grief" here refers to the actual suffering, sorrow, or heavy-heartedness experienced.
* **"suffering wrongfully":** This crucial phrase defines the nature of the suffering that is "thankworthy." It is not suffering as a consequence of one's own misdeeds or sin ("for this is thankworthy... if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully"). The adverb "wrongfully" (adikōs) emphasizes that the individual is innocent of any fault that would justly warrant the pain inflicted upon them. This distinguishes the suffering of a Christian for righteousness from the suffering of a criminal for their crimes.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several literary devices to convey his message. The passage utilizes **Didacticism**, directly instructing believers on how to respond to specific life circumstances, particularly unjust suffering. There is a clear element of **Ethos**, as Peter, an apostle and eyewitness to Christ's sufferings, speaks with authority and moral credibility, implicitly drawing on the example of Christ which he will explicitly introduce shortly. The concept of "thankworthy" suffering presents a **Paradox**, where what is outwardly painful and unjust is inwardly and divinely esteemed. This highlights a reversal of worldly values, where suffering is typically avoided, but here, when properly motivated, it becomes a source of divine commendation. The verse also functions as an **Anticipation** or foreshadowing, setting the stage for the supreme **Exemplum** of Christ's suffering for righteousness, which serves as the ultimate model for believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Peter 2:19 profoundly shapes Christian understanding of suffering, elevating it from a mere misfortune to a potential avenue for divine commendation and spiritual growth. It teaches that not all suffering is redemptive or praiseworthy; rather, it is the *motivation* and *nature* of the suffering that matters. When a believer endures unmerited hardship out of a pure conscience aimed at honoring God, their suffering takes on a distinct spiritual value, becoming a testament to their faith and a source of God's favor. This perspective transforms the experience of injustice into an opportunity for demonstrating steadfast devotion and aligning oneself with the pattern of Christ's own suffering.

* [Matthew 5:10-12](/matthew/5-10-12 "Matthew 5:10-12 - Blessed are the Persecuted")
* [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Rejoicing in Suffering")
* [Philippians 1:29](/philippians/1-29 "Philippians 1:29 - Suffering for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often prioritizes comfort, ease, and immediate gratification, 1 Peter 2:19 offers a counter-cultural perspective on hardship. It challenges believers to consider their response when faced with unfair treatment, whether in the workplace, within relationships, or due to their faith. The verse calls us to examine our "conscience toward God," asking if our endurance is rooted in a desire to please Him, or merely in human pride, resentment, or a stoic resignation. This passage encourages us to view unjust suffering not as a setback, but as a crucible in which our faith is refined and our devotion to God is proven. It reminds us that our ultimate audience is God Himself, and His approval far outweighs any worldly recognition or relief from pain. Embracing this truth empowers us to bear trials with grace, knowing that our steadfastness is not in vain but is seen and valued by our heavenly Father.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when I suffer unjustly? Is my first inclination to seek vindication, or to seek God's will in the situation?**
* **What does it mean for my "conscience" to be "toward God" in the midst of unfair treatment? How can I cultivate this posture?**
* **In what ways might my patient endurance of unjust suffering serve as a witness to others, both believers and non-believers?**
* **How does the promise of God's "thankworthy" approval change my perspective on the hardships I face?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between suffering for wrongdoing and suffering wrongfully?**

Answer: The distinction is crucial in Peter's theology. Suffering for wrongdoing, as mentioned in [1 Peter 4:15](/1_peter/4-15 "1 Peter 4:15 - Suffering as a Christian"), refers to experiencing negative consequences due to one's own sin, crimes, or foolish actions (e.g., suffering as a murderer, thief, or evildoer). This kind of suffering brings no commendation from God. In contrast, suffering wrongfully (as in [1 Peter 2:19](/1_peter/2-19 "1 Peter 2:19 - Enduring Unjust Suffering")) means enduring pain, grief, or injustice despite being innocent of any fault that would warrant such treatment. This suffering is often a direct result of one's commitment to Christ and righteous living, and it is this type of suffering that Peter declares "thankworthy" in God's eyes.

**Does "thankworthy" mean God wants us to suffer?**

Answer: No, "thankworthy" (Greek: _charis_) does not mean God desires or causes suffering for its own sake. Rather, it indicates that when suffering *does* occur, particularly when it is unjust and endured with a conscience focused on God, the believer's response is pleasing and commendable to Him. God does not delight in our pain, but He values and honors the faith, obedience, and steadfastness that are demonstrated when His children endure trials righteously. It's about God's approval of our *response* to suffering, not His endorsement of suffering itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Peter 2:19 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Peter immediately transitions from the principle of enduring unjust suffering to the perfect example of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") in [1 Peter 2:21-25](/1_peter/2-21-25 "1 Peter 2:21-25 - Christ's Example of Suffering"). Jesus, "who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")), suffered "wrongfully" in the most profound sense. He endured unimaginable grief and injustice, not for His own transgressions, but "for conscience toward God"—out of perfect obedience to the Father's will ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is Doing God's Will"), [Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Christ's Obedience")). His suffering was the ultimate "thankworthy" act, acceptable and pleasing to God, leading to our redemption. Believers are called to "follow in His steps" ([1 Peter 2:21](/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ's Example of Suffering")), drawing strength from His example and the power of His resurrection ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ's Suffering")). Thus, our ability to endure unjust suffering with a God-ward conscience is not merely an act of human fortitude, but a participation in the suffering of Christ, by which we are conformed to His image and demonstrate the very grace He poured out for us ([Colossians 1:24](/colossians/1-24 "Colossians 1:24 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")).

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

Matthew 5:10

Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:12

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

1 Peter 2:20

For what glory [is it], if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer [for it], ye take it patiently, this [is] acceptable with God.

Luke 6:32

For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

1 Peter 3:14

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

1 Peter 3:17

For [it is] better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.