1 Peter 2:23

KJV

Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3739}, when he was reviled {G3058}, reviled {G486} not {G3756} again {G486}; when he suffered {G3958}, he threatened {G546} not {G3756}; but {G1161} committed {G3860} himself to him that judgeth {G2919} righteously {G1346}:

Complete Jewish Bible

When he was insulted, he didn’t retaliate with insults; when he suffered, he didn’t threaten, but handed them over to him who judges justly.

Berean Standard Bible

When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.

American Standard Version

who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 2:23 profoundly illustrates the exemplary conduct of Jesus Christ amidst intense suffering, presenting Him as the ultimate model for believers enduring unjust treatment. Despite being subjected to verbal abuse and physical torment, Christ chose not to retaliate or threaten, but instead entrusted His entire cause and vindication to God the Father, who judges all things with perfect righteousness. This verse serves as a foundational call for Christians to respond to injustice with patient endurance and unwavering faith in divine justice, rather than seeking personal vengeance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a larger exhortation in [1 Peter 2:18-25](/1_peter/2-18-25 "1 Peter 2:18-25 - Submission to Authority and Christ's Example") concerning submission to authority, particularly for servants (or slaves) who might suffer unjustly. Peter broadens this instruction to all believers, emphasizing that suffering for doing good is commendable in God's sight. The immediate preceding verse, [1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness"), establishes Christ's absolute sinlessness ("Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth"), which is crucial for understanding the profound nature of His non-retaliatory suffering. His blameless character makes His patient endurance and trust in God's justice all the more remarkable and a perfect pattern for those who are innocent yet suffer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's original audience, scattered throughout Asia Minor, likely faced significant social pressures and potential persecution, ranging from social ostracism to direct physical harm, especially if they were slaves or from lower social strata. The Roman world, while valuing justice, often saw it administered through power and retribution. The concept of "honor-shame" cultures meant that insults and injuries often demanded immediate retaliation to restore one's honor. In this environment, Peter's call for non-retaliation and submission, even to unjust masters or authorities, was counter-cultural and radical. It challenged believers to live by a different ethic, one rooted in the example of Christ rather than the prevailing societal norms of vengeance and self-vindication.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes within [1 Peter](/1_peter/1 "The First Epistle of Peter"). Foremost is the **Exemplary Suffering of Christ**, presenting Jesus as the perfect model for how believers should endure unjust suffering. His response—or lack thereof—to reviling and suffering underscores the theme of **Non-Retaliation and Patient Endurance**, a radical departure from human instinct that aligns with Jesus' own teachings in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"). Crucially, the verse highlights **Trust in Divine Justice**, as Christ "committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously." This theme encourages believers to surrender their desire for immediate retribution, echoing sentiments found in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's"), and to rely on God's ultimate sovereignty and perfect fairness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **reviled (Greek, _loidoréō_):** From G3058, meaning to reproach, i.e., vilify. This word describes intense verbal abuse, insults, and railing. The use of this term highlights the severity of the verbal attacks Jesus endured, emphasizing that His silence was not due to a lack of provocation but a deliberate choice.
* **committed (Greek, _paradídōmi_):** From G3860, meaning to surrender, yield up, intrust, or transmit. This is a powerful verb indicating a deliberate act of handing over or entrusting something precious. Here, Jesus actively and intentionally surrendered His cause, His vindication, and His very self into the hands of God. It signifies a profound act of trust and submission, not passive resignation.
* **judgeth (Greek, _krínō_):** From G2919, properly meaning to distinguish, i.e., decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, or punish. This term, combined with "righteously" (G1346, _dikaíōs_), emphasizes God's perfect and impartial judgment. Unlike human judges who can be swayed or unjust, God's judgment is always equitable and just, providing the ultimate assurance for those who commit their cause to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again;"**: This clause immediately establishes Christ's unique response to verbal abuse. Despite being subjected to insults and vilification, He did not return the abuse in kind. This demonstrates profound self-control, humility, and a radical departure from the natural human inclination to retaliate with words.
* **"when he suffered, he threatened not;"**: Moving beyond verbal abuse to physical suffering, this clause further illustrates Christ's non-retaliatory nature. Even under physical torment, He refrained from menacing or issuing threats against His tormentors. This highlights His complete lack of vengeful spirit and His willingness to endure pain without seeking to inflict it upon others.
* **"but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:"**: This final clause reveals the profound theological basis for Christ's non-retaliation. Instead of taking matters into His own hands, Jesus actively entrusted His cause, His suffering, and His ultimate vindication to God the Father. This act of commitment underscores His absolute faith in God's perfect justice and sovereignty, demonstrating that true vindication comes from God alone, who always judges fairly and equitably.

#### Literary Devices
1 Peter 2:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Exemplar**, presenting Jesus Christ as the supreme model for believers' conduct. Peter explicitly holds up Christ's actions ("Who, when he was reviled... reviled not again") as the pattern for how Christians should respond to unjust suffering. This is reinforced by **Contrast**, highlighting the stark difference between Christ's divine response and typical human reactions. While humans naturally retaliate when reviled or threatened when suffering, Jesus did the opposite, emphasizing His unique character and the supernatural grace at work within Him. Furthermore, the verse utilizes a form of **Parallelism** in its structure: "when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not." This balanced phrasing underscores the consistent nature of Christ's non-retaliatory stance across different forms of persecution, creating a memorable and impactful statement about His unwavering character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound theological implication of 1 Peter 2:23 lies in its revelation of God's character through Christ's actions and its call for believers to embody that character. Jesus' non-retaliation and trust in divine justice are not merely ethical guidelines but reflections of God's own patience, righteousness, and ultimate sovereignty. This verse teaches that true justice belongs to God alone and that surrendering our desire for vengeance is an act of profound faith, aligning ourselves with the divine will. It transforms suffering from a cause for bitterness into an opportunity to demonstrate Christ-like humility and reliance on God's perfect timing and judgment, ultimately contributing to our sanctification and glorifying God.

* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")
* [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Leave Vengeance to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Peter 2:23 offers a challenging yet deeply liberating model for believers navigating a world often marked by injustice, criticism, and conflict. In an age where immediate gratification and self-vindication are often prioritized, Christ's example calls us to a counter-cultural path. It compels us to resist the natural human impulse to retaliate, whether with harsh words, vengeful actions, or bitter thoughts, when we feel wronged. Instead, we are invited to cultivate a radical trust in God's perfect justice, surrendering our grievances to Him. This doesn't mean passively accepting injustice without seeking redress through appropriate channels, but it does mean releasing the burden of personal vengeance and allowing God to be the ultimate arbiter. By entrusting our cause to Him, we free ourselves from the corrosive effects of anger and bitterness, allowing peace to reign in our hearts and demonstrating a faith that transcends worldly responses. This act of humility and trust not only honors Christ but also allows His Spirit to work through us, transforming our character and testifying to the power of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific situations do I find myself most tempted to "revile again" or "threaten"?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "commit myself to him that judgeth righteously" in a practical, daily sense?**
* **How can cultivating a deeper trust in God's ultimate justice free me from the burden of seeking personal vindication?**
* **What are some practical steps I can take to respond to unfair treatment with Christ-like patience and non-retaliation?**

### FAQ

**Does "committed himself" mean Jesus was passive or weak?**

Answer: No, the Greek word for "committed" (G3860, _paradídōmi_) signifies a deliberate and active handing over or entrusting. Far from being passive, Jesus' action was a profound demonstration of strength, self-control, and unwavering faith. He actively chose not to retaliate, not because He lacked the power to do so (as seen in [Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Legions of Angels")), but because He was fully committed to the Father's will and trusted in God's perfect justice. His "passivity" was a powerful, intentional act of obedience and submission to a higher purpose, making Him the ultimate [Suffering Servant](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant").

**How does this verse apply to seeking justice for wrongs committed against me or others?**

Answer: This verse primarily addresses the believer's personal response to being wronged, particularly in terms of personal retaliation. It calls us to relinquish the desire for personal vengeance, recognizing that ultimate justice belongs to God ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's")). However, this does not preclude seeking justice through legitimate, God-ordained authorities or legal systems (e.g., [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")). The key distinction is between personal, vengeful retaliation and the pursuit of righteous justice through proper channels, always with a heart committed to God's will and not personal retribution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Peter 2:23 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the principle it commends. His non-retaliatory suffering was not merely an ethical example but an essential component of His atoning work. As the sinless Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), Jesus bore the reviling, the suffering, and the ultimate penalty for humanity's sins without complaint or threat. His commitment of Himself to "him that judgeth righteously" foreshadows His ultimate vindication through the resurrection ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up")) and ascension, where He was exalted to the right hand of God ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). This demonstrates that God indeed judges righteously, not only in condemning sin but also in vindicating His innocent Son. Through His suffering, Christ became the propitiation for our sins ([1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ Our Propitiation")), enabling believers, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to follow His example of patient endurance and trust in divine justice, knowing that our ultimate vindication and reward also rest in the hands of the righteous Judge.

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

Isaiah 53:7

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

1 Peter 4:19

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls [to him] in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Hebrews 12:3

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Psalms 37:5

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass.

Acts 4:29

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

Luke 23:46

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

2 Timothy 1:12

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.