1 Peter 3:11

KJV

Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let him eschew {G1578}{G575} evil {G2556}, and {G2532} do {G4160} good {G18}; let him seek {G2212} peace {G1515}, and {G2532} ensue {G1377} it {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

turn from evil and do good,
seek peace and chase after it.

Berean Standard Bible

He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

American Standard Version

And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 3:11 serves as a profound ethical and spiritual mandate for believers, urging them to actively and decisively turn away from all forms of evil while simultaneously committing to the diligent practice of good. It further calls for an earnest and persistent pursuit of peace, emphasizing that harmony is not merely a passive state to be desired but an active endeavor to be sought out and diligently pursued in all aspects of life. This verse encapsulates a foundational call to proactive righteousness and relational reconciliation within the Christian walk.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger section of Peter's epistle (1 Peter 2:11-3:12) that provides practical instructions for Christian living in a hostile world. Specifically, 1 Peter 3:8-12 addresses the call to live harmoniously within the believing community and to respond to outsiders with grace, even when facing suffering for righteousness' sake. Peter has just exhorted his readers to be "like-minded, sympathetic, loving as brothers, tender-hearted, and humble in spirit" ([1 Peter 3:8](/1_peter/3-8 "1 Peter 3:8 - Call to Unity and Compassion")), and to refrain from "returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead" ([1 Peter 3:9](/1_peter/3-9 "1 Peter 3:9 - Do Not Return Evil for Evil")). Verse 11, along with verse 10 and 12, directly quotes from [Psalm 34:12-16](/psalms/34-12-16 "Psalm 34:12-16 - The Path to a Good Life"), serving as the biblical foundation for Peter's ethical exhortation. This quotation grounds the New Testament call to active goodness and peacemaking in established Old Testament wisdom, demonstrating continuity in God's moral expectations for His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's audience comprised scattered believers in various Roman provinces of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), many of whom were Gentiles recently converted to Christianity. They faced social ostracism, suspicion, and sometimes direct persecution for their faith, as their new allegiance to Christ often meant withdrawing from pagan societal norms, cultic practices, and the emperor cult. In this environment, Peter's instructions were highly practical: living a life of moral integrity and actively pursuing peace would not only honor God but also serve as a powerful witness to the surrounding pagan culture. Such conduct could disarm critics, refute false accusations, and demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel, even potentially leading to the conversion of those who observed their good deeds, as hinted at in [1 Peter 2:12](/1_peter/2-12 "1 Peter 2:12 - Living Honorably Among Gentiles"). The call to "seek peace" was particularly relevant in a society often marked by factionalism and conflict, urging Christians to be agents of reconciliation rather than contributing to discord.

* **Key Themes:** First Peter 3:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the epistle. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Christian conduct and holiness**, emphasizing that genuine faith must manifest in tangible, ethical actions. Believers are called to be distinct from the world, not merely by abstaining from evil but by actively pursuing righteousness, reflecting the character of God who is holy (cf. [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **peacemaking and reconciliation**, presenting it as an active spiritual discipline essential for both internal community harmony and external witness. This aligns with Christ's teaching on blessedness for peacemakers in [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed Are the Peacemakers"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **proactive nature of Christian living**, using strong verbs that demand intentionality and effort. It's not a passive waiting for goodness or peace to happen, but a deliberate engagement in their pursuit. Finally, by quoting [Psalm 34](/psalms/34 "Psalm 34 - The Lord Delivers the Righteous"), Peter connects the New Covenant life to the enduring wisdom of the Old Testament, emphasizing that living righteously is intrinsically linked to experiencing God's blessing and favor, as promised to those who "desire life and love many days" ([1 Peter 3:10](/1_peter/3-10 "1 Peter 3:10 - Quoting Psalm 34:12")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eschew (Greek, _ekklínō_):** This term, meaning "to deviate," "to shun," or "to turn away from," implies a decisive and deliberate movement away from evil. It's not a passive avoidance but an active, intentional turning of one's back on wrongdoing, whether literal or figurative. The word suggests a strong aversion and a conscious choice to avoid the path of sin, reflecting a moral purity that is foundational to Christian living.
* **Peace (Greek, _eirḗnē_):** Derived from a root meaning "to join" or "to set at one again," _eirḗnē_ encompasses not just the absence of conflict but a holistic sense of well-being, harmony, prosperity, and spiritual wholeness. It refers to a state of reconciliation and right relationship, both with God and with others. When Peter calls believers to seek peace, he is calling them to actively pursue this comprehensive state of shalom in their lives and communities.
* **Ensue (Greek, _diṓkō_):** This powerful verb means "to pursue," "to chase," or "to follow after diligently." While it can also mean "to persecute" in a negative sense, here it is used positively to intensify the command to "seek peace." It suggests a relentless, energetic, and tenacious pursuit, indicating that peace is not easily found or maintained, but requires persistent effort and unwavering commitment, even in the face of obstacles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let him eschew evil,"**: This clause issues a strong imperative for believers to actively and decisively turn away from all forms of evil. "Eschew" (from _ekklínō_) implies a deliberate moral choice to shun, avoid, and deviate from anything that is morally corrupt, harmful, or contrary to God's will. It speaks to a proactive disengagement from sinful practices, thoughts, and associations.
* **"and do good;"**: This is the positive counterpart to eschewing evil. It demands not just abstention from wrongdoing but an active, intentional engagement in righteous, beneficial, and virtuous deeds. "Do good" (from _poiéō agathós_) signifies performing acts of kindness, justice, compassion, and service that align with God's character and contribute positively to the well-being of others and the glory of God. It's a call to practical, tangible righteousness.
* **"let him seek peace,"**: This clause calls for an earnest and diligent search for harmony and reconciliation. "Seek" (from _zētéō_) implies an active investigation, a striving, and an earnest effort to find and establish peace. This peace (_eirḗnē_) is comprehensive, encompassing spiritual, relational, and societal well-being. It is not something that passively appears but must be actively pursued.
* **"and ensue it."**: This final clause intensifies the command to "seek peace." "Ensue" (from _diṓkō_) means to "pursue," "chase," or "follow after diligently." It conveys the idea of a tenacious, persistent, and even relentless pursuit of peace, even when it is difficult or elusive. It underscores that peacemaking is an ongoing, active commitment that requires sustained effort and resolve, not a one-time act.

#### Literary Devices
First Peter 3:11 is rich in literary devices that enhance its impact and clarity. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism** and **Antithetical Parallelism**. The verse is structured in two balanced couplets: "Let him eschew evil, and do good;" and "let him seek peace, and ensue it." Within the first couplet, "eschew evil" stands in **Antithesis** to "do good," highlighting the dual demand for both abstaining from wrong and actively performing right. Similarly, the second couplet employs a form of **Intensification** or **Progression**, where "seek peace" is reinforced and deepened by "ensue it," emphasizing that the pursuit of peace must be tenacious and persistent, not merely a casual desire. The use of **Imperative Mood** (implied through "let him") throughout the verse lends a sense of direct command and urgency, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of these ethical directives. The concise, action-oriented verbs create a powerful and memorable call to action, making the verse both prescriptive and motivating.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse distills a profound theological truth: Christian spirituality is not passive but intensely active, demanding both a decisive turning from sin and a vigorous pursuit of righteousness and relational harmony. It echoes the Old Testament prophetic call for justice and righteousness, demonstrating that true godliness is evidenced by one's ethical conduct and commitment to peace. The dual command to "eschew evil" and "do good" reflects the comprehensive nature of sanctification—a lifelong process of divesting from sin and investing in Christ-like character and actions. Furthermore, the emphasis on seeking and pursuing peace underscores the biblical vision of _shalom_, a holistic well-being that extends beyond individual piety to encompass healthy relationships and societal flourishing. This active peacemaking is presented not as an option but as an essential mark of those who truly desire to live a blessed life under God's favor.

* [Psalm 34:14](/psalms/34-14 "Psalm 34:14 - Turn from Evil and Do Good")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably with All")
* [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed Are the Peacemakers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Peter 3:11 offers a timeless and practical blueprint for Christian living, challenging believers to engage in a dynamic process of moral transformation and relational engagement. It calls us to a vigilant self-examination, prompting us to identify and actively turn away from any thoughts, words, or deeds that are contrary to God's character and commands. This "eschewing of evil" is not merely about outward compliance but involves a deep-seated commitment to purity of heart. Simultaneously, the command to "do good" compels us to be proactive agents of God's grace and justice in the world, seeking out opportunities to serve, to love, and to bless others tangibly. The call to "seek peace, and ensue it" is particularly poignant in a fractured world, urging us to be bridge-builders, reconcilers, and promoters of harmony in our homes, workplaces, communities, and even in the broader society. This requires humility, empathy, and a willingness to initiate reconciliation, even when it is difficult or costly. Ultimately, this verse reminds us that our faith is not a static belief system but a vibrant, active pursuit of God's kingdom values, manifesting in a life that consistently reflects His goodness and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to more intentionally "eschew evil" and turn away from harmful patterns or influences?**
* **How can I more actively "do good" in my daily interactions and within my community, moving beyond passive avoidance of sin to proactive acts of righteousness?**
* **What relationships or situations in my life currently require me to "seek peace" more diligently, and what practical steps can I take to "ensue it"?**
* **How does the active pursuit of goodness and peace reflect my identity as a follower of Christ and contribute to my witness in the world?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Peter quoting Psalm 34:12-16 in this context?**

Answer: Peter's quotation of [Psalm 34:12-16](/psalms/34-12-16 "Psalm 34:12-16 - The Blessings of Righteousness") is highly significant because it grounds his New Testament ethical exhortation in the enduring wisdom of the Old Testament. By citing David's words, Peter emphasizes the continuity of God's moral expectations for His people across covenants. The Psalm speaks of the path to a "good life" and "seeing many days," directly linking righteous living—eschewing evil, doing good, seeking and pursuing peace—with divine blessing and favor. For Peter's audience, who were facing suffering and opposition, this quotation would have provided assurance that living righteously, even when difficult, is the true path to a blessed and meaningful life, aligning their present experience with God's timeless promises to those who fear Him. It reinforces that the call to holiness and peace is not a new, arbitrary command but an eternal principle of God's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Peter 3:11 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of one who perfectly "eschewed evil," living a life utterly without sin, untouched by the corruption of the world ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). His every action was to "do good," as He "went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil" ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Went About Doing Good")). More profoundly, Jesus is our "peace" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), who actively "sought peace and ensued it" by reconciling humanity to God through His sacrificial death on the cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through His Blood")). He did not merely desire peace but pursued it to the utmost, becoming our reconciliation. As believers, our ability to "eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it" is not achieved by our own strength but by the indwelling Spirit of Christ, who empowers us to walk in His footsteps ([1 Peter 2:21](/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ Our Example")). Thus, this verse is not just a moral command but a call to live out the very character of Christ, who perfectly embodied these virtues and enables us to do the same through our union with Him.

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 5:9

Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Psalms 34:14

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Hebrews 12:14

Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Romans 14:19

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Colossians 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Romans 12:18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.