1 Peter 3:13

KJV

And who [is] he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} who {G5101} is he that will harm {G2559} you {G5209}, if {G1437} ye be {G1096} followers {G3402} of that which is good {G18}?

Complete Jewish Bible

For who will hurt you if you become zealots for what is good?

Berean Standard Bible

Who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good?

American Standard Version

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be zealous of that which is good?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 3:13 poses a profound rhetorical question, assuring believers that ultimate harm cannot befall those who are truly zealous for and actively pursue moral excellence. This verse, situated within Peter's broader exhortation to righteous living amidst suffering, offers a powerful promise of divine protection and providential care for those whose lives are characterized by goodness, implying that while earthly trials may occur, their spiritual well-being and eternal destiny remain secure under God's sovereign hand.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Peter's extensive instructions on Christian conduct in the face of suffering and hostility, particularly in [1 Peter 3](/1_peter/3 "1 Peter 3 - Living Righteously Amidst Suffering"). Peter has just encouraged wives to submit to their husbands and husbands to honor their wives ([1 Peter 3:1-7](/1_peter/3-1-7 "1 Peter 3:1-7 - Instructions for Wives and Husbands")), and then called all believers to unity, sympathy, brotherly love, compassion, and humility, warning against returning evil for evil ([1 Peter 3:8-9](/1_peter/3-8-9 "1 Peter 3:8-9 - Call to Unity and Blessing")). He quotes [Psalm 34:12-16](/psalms/34-12-16 "Psalm 34:12-16 - The Righteous and the Wicked") to underscore the blessings of seeking peace and doing good ([1 Peter 3:10-12](/1_peter/3-10-12 "1 Peter 3:10-12 - The Lord's Eyes on the Righteous")). Immediately following [1 Peter 3:13](/1_peter/3-13 "1 Peter 3:13 - Who Will Harm You?"), Peter speaks directly about suffering for righteousness' sake and the importance of being ready to give a defense for their hope with gentleness and respect ([1 Peter 3:14-16](/1_peter/3-14-16 "1 Peter 3:14-16 - Suffering for Righteousness")). Thus, verse 13 serves as a foundational assurance, bolstering the believer's resolve to live righteously despite potential opposition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter is writing to scattered believers in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), who were likely facing social ostracism, slander, and potentially official persecution for their Christian faith. They lived in a predominantly pagan Roman society where Christian values often clashed sharply with prevailing cultural norms. Christians' refusal to participate in emperor worship or pagan rituals, their exclusive devotion to Christ, and their distinct moral code often made them targets of suspicion and hostility. In this environment, Peter's audience needed strong encouragement and a clear theological framework to endure suffering. His emphasis on "doing good" was particularly relevant, as it would serve as a powerful witness and often disarm critics, demonstrating the moral superiority of their faith.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Peter](/1_peter "The Book of 1 Peter") is saturated with themes of suffering, hope, and righteous living. [Chapter 3](/1_peter/3 "1 Peter 3 - Christian Conduct") specifically highlights the theme of **suffering for righteousness' sake**, emphasizing that such suffering is not a sign of God's displeasure but rather a path to blessing and a participation in Christ's own experience ([1 Peter 3:14](/1_peter/3-14 "1 Peter 3:14 - Blessed for Righteousness")). The verse also underscores **divine sovereignty and protection**, assuring believers that God is ultimately in control and will safeguard those who align themselves with His will. Furthermore, the concept of **living a good conscience** is central, as Peter encourages believers to live blameless lives that silence their accusers ([1 Peter 3:16](/1_peter/3-16 "1 Peter 3:16 - Good Conscience")). The rhetorical question in [1 Peter 3:13](/1_peter/3-13 "1 Peter 3:13 - The Power of Goodness") contributes to these themes by providing a powerful theological basis for enduring hardship with confidence, knowing that their commitment to "that which is good" places them under God's watchful and protective eye.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **harm (Greek, _kakóō_):** This word means "to injure" or "to exasperate." In this context, it refers to inflicting evil, hurt, or vexation upon someone. Peter's question implies that no one can inflict ultimate, lasting, or spiritual harm on those who are committed to goodness, even if they experience physical or temporal suffering.
* **followers (Greek, _mimētḗs_):** This term translates to "an imitator." It suggests more than mere passive adherence; it denotes an active, deliberate, and zealous pursuit of something. Here, it signifies those who earnestly and passionately strive to emulate or embody "that which is good."
* **good (Greek, _agathós_):** This word describes something that is inherently "good" in any sense, referring to moral excellence, virtue, or that which is beneficial and advantageous. It encompasses both what is morally right and what is truly beneficial for human flourishing, reflecting God's own character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And who [is] he that will harm you,"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question. It's not asking for a literal answer of "no one," but rather asserting a profound truth: no one can inflict *ultimate* or *eternal* harm upon those who are in God's care. While believers may face persecution, physical injury, or even death, Peter implies that such external adversities cannot touch their true spiritual well-being or their eternal standing with God. The question serves to instill confidence and diminish fear of worldly adversaries.
* **"if ye be followers of that which is good?"**: This clause presents the condition for the assurance offered in the first part of the verse. To be "followers of that which is good" means to be zealous, active imitators of moral excellence and righteousness. It's about a lifestyle characterized by actively pursuing and embodying God's standards of goodness, not just passively avoiding evil. This active pursuit of goodness, driven by faith, aligns believers with God's will and places them under His special protection and favor.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs a powerful **Rhetorical Question** in [1 Peter 3:13](/1_peter/3-13 "1 Peter 3:13 - The Rhetorical Question of Protection"). By asking "And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?", he is not seeking information but rather making a strong, emphatic assertion. The implied answer is "no one" (or no one who matters in an ultimate sense), thereby conveying a profound sense of divine protection and security. This device serves to engage the reader directly, highlight the self-evident truth of God's care, and instill confidence in the face of adversity. There is also an element of **Irony** or **Paradox** at play: in a world where doing good often invites hostility, Peter suggests that it is precisely this goodness that ultimately safeguards the believer, not from all suffering, but from ultimate, spiritual harm. This contrasts worldly expectations with divine reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The assurance in [1 Peter 3:13](/1_peter/3-13 "1 Peter 3:13 - God's Protection for the Good") is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of God's sovereignty and His covenant faithfulness to His people. It does not promise immunity from all suffering, as Peter himself acknowledges that believers may suffer for righteousness' sake ([1 Peter 3:14](/1_peter/3-14 "1 Peter 3:14 - Suffering for Righteousness")). Rather, it speaks to a deeper, spiritual protection, assuring that no external force can ultimately thwart God's purposes for those who faithfully follow Him. This promise resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's watchful care over the righteous, even amidst trials, ensuring that their ultimate good and eternal destiny are secure. It underscores that living a life of moral excellence, driven by faith, is not merely a moral imperative but also a pathway to experiencing God's providential care and peace, even when facing opposition.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")
* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous")
* [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, Not Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often seems hostile to Christian values, [1 Peter 3:13](/1_peter/3-13 "1 Peter 3:13 - Living Without Fear") offers profound encouragement and a vital reorientation of our fears. Instead of being preoccupied with what others might do to us, this verse calls us to focus on our character and conduct—to be zealous followers of "that which is good." This doesn't mean we will never face hardship, criticism, or even persecution; indeed, Peter explicitly addresses suffering in the verses immediately following. However, it assures us that no external adversity can inflict ultimate, lasting harm on our souls or derail God's eternal purposes for our lives. Our security is not found in the absence of trouble, but in the presence and protection of God as we align our lives with His goodness. This truth empowers us to live courageously, to stand firm in our faith, and to continue doing good, knowing that our ultimate well-being is in God's sovereign hands. It fosters a deep inner peace that transcends circumstances, allowing us to respond to hostility with grace and integrity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me to be an "active follower of that which is good" in my daily life?**
* **How does the assurance of God's ultimate protection in this verse impact my fears about potential harm or opposition?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise "goodness" out of fear, and how can this verse strengthen my resolve?**
* **How can my commitment to goodness serve as a witness to those who might oppose or misunderstand my faith?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse promise that Christians will never suffer physically or experience hardship?**

Answer: No, [1 Peter 3:13](/1_peter/3-13 "1 Peter 3:13 - Understanding Harm") does not promise immunity from physical suffering or worldly hardship. In fact, Peter immediately follows this verse by stating, "But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye" ([1 Peter 3:14](/1_peter/3-14 "1 Peter 3:14 - Suffering for Righteousness")). The "harm" Peter refers to is not mere physical pain or temporal difficulty, but rather ultimate, spiritual, or eternal harm. The verse assures believers that no one can ultimately thwart God's purposes for them or truly damage their soul and eternal standing if they are committed to living righteously. Christians are called to endure suffering with hope, knowing that God uses all things for their good and His glory ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")).

**What does Peter mean by "that which is good"?**

Answer: "That which is good" (Greek: _agathos_) refers to inherent moral excellence, virtue, and that which is beneficial or advantageous in God's eyes. It encompasses living a life that is morally upright, compassionate, just, and honorable, reflecting the character of God Himself. It's not merely about avoiding evil, but actively pursuing and embodying righteousness in all aspects of life—in thought, word, and deed. This aligns with Peter's broader exhortation for believers to live holy lives that honor God and serve as a positive witness to the world ([1 Peter 2:12](/1_peter/2-12 "1 Peter 2:12 - Good Works Glorify God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Peter 3:13](/1_peter/3-13 "1 Peter 3:13 - Christ, the Embodiment of Goodness") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who is the perfect embodiment of "that which is good." He lived a life of absolute moral excellence, "who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")). Yet, despite His perfect goodness, He suffered immensely, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")), demonstrating that suffering is not incompatible with God's favor. However, His suffering was not ultimate harm; it was the path to ultimate victory and resurrection, through which He conquered sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Believers are called to be "followers" or imitators of Christ ([1 Corinthians 11:1](/1_corinthians/11-1 "1 Corinthians 11:1 - Imitate Christ")), not only in His pursuit of goodness but also in His willingness to suffer for righteousness, knowing that just as He was vindicated and glorified, so too will those who follow Him be ultimately protected and receive eternal life ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")). Thus, the assurance in [1 Peter 3:13](/1_peter/3-13 "1 Peter 3:13 - Security in Christ") is a promise rooted in Christ's own experience and His triumph over all forms of ultimate harm, extending His victory to all who are united 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

Proverbs 16:7

¶ When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

1 Thessalonians 5:15

See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

3 John 1:11

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

Psalms 38:20

They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow [the thing that] good [is].

Proverbs 15:9

¶ The way of the wicked [is] an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

1 Corinthians 14:1

¶ Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy.