1 Peter 3:18

KJV

¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} Christ {G5547} also {G2532} hath once {G530} suffered {G3958} for {G4012} sins {G266}, the just {G1342} for {G5228} the unjust {G94}, that {G2443} he might bring {G4317} us {G2248} to God {G2316}, being put to death {G2289}{G3303} in the flesh {G4561}, but {G1161} quickened {G2227} by the Spirit {G4151}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For the Messiah himself died for sins, once and for all, a righteous person on behalf of unrighteous people, so that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but brought to life by the Spirit;

Berean Standard Bible

For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit,

American Standard Version

Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 3:18 encapsulates the profound theological core of the Christian faith, articulating that Christ's singular, decisive suffering for sins—the righteous One dying on behalf of the unrighteous—was for the express purpose of reconciling humanity to God. This verse powerfully summarizes the substitutionary atonement, emphasizing that while His physical body endured death, His spirit was victoriously made alive, providing the foundation for believers' hope and perseverance amidst suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the theological bedrock for Peter's preceding exhortations regarding righteous living and patient endurance in suffering, particularly for believers facing persecution. In [1 Peter 3:13-17](/1_peter/3-13-17 "1 Peter 3:13-17 - Suffering for Righteousness"), Peter encourages his readers to not fear those who persecute them but to sanctify Christ as Lord and be ready to give a defense for their hope, doing so with gentleness and respect. Verse 18 then provides the ultimate example and motivation: Christ Himself suffered unjustly, not for His own sins, but for ours, to bring us to God. This suffering, leading to His death and subsequent quickening by the Spirit, is the pattern and power for believers' own trials. The subsequent verses, [1 Peter 3:19-22](/1_peter/3-19-22 "1 Peter 3:19-22 - Christ's Proclamation and Ascension"), further elaborate on Christ's post-resurrection activity and His exaltation, reinforcing the triumph that follows suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter is addressing Christians dispersed throughout Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), a region under Roman rule. These early believers were experiencing various forms of social ostracization, verbal abuse, and even physical persecution simply for their adherence to Christ. They were often misunderstood, accused of disloyalty to the state (for not participating in emperor worship), and alienated from their pagan neighbors and even Jewish communities. In this context, Peter's letter provides pastoral encouragement, reminding them of their identity in Christ and the ultimate purpose of their suffering. The Roman legal system, while generally tolerant of diverse religions, viewed Christianity with suspicion due to its exclusive claims and refusal to conform to state-sanctioned religious practices. Thus, the concept of suffering "for righteousness' sake" was a lived reality, making the example of Christ's suffering, as the "just for the unjust," profoundly relevant and comforting.
* **Key Themes:** First Peter 3:18 is rich with central Christian themes. Foremost is **Substitutionary Atonement**, where Christ, the sinless one, takes the place of sinful humanity, bearing their penalty. This is inextricably linked to the theme of **Reconciliation and Access to God**, as Christ's sacrifice bridges the chasm created by sin, enabling believers to draw near to a holy God. The verse also highlights the **Sufficiency and Finality of Christ's Sacrifice** ("once suffered"), emphasizing that His work on the cross was a complete and unrepeatable act, unlike the repeated sacrifices under the Old Covenant (cf. [Hebrews 9:26-28](/hebrews/9-26-28 "Hebrews 9:26-28 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Furthermore, it underscores the **Victory of Resurrection over Death**, presenting Christ's death "in the flesh" as a necessary prelude to His being "quickened by the Spirit," a foundational truth that empowers believers to face death and suffering with hope (cf. [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of Life")). These themes collectively provide a robust theological framework for enduring suffering with a Christ-like perspective.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **suffered (Greek, _páschō_):** This verb denotes experiencing a sensation or impression, typically a painful one. In the context of Christ, it refers to His profound and agonizing experience of crucifixion, encompassing both physical torment and spiritual anguish as He bore the weight of humanity's sin. This is not merely passive endurance but active suffering with a redemptive purpose.
* **just (Greek, _díkaios_):** This adjective describes someone who is equitable in character or act, innocent, or holy. Applied to Christ, it affirms His absolute sinlessness and perfect righteousness, which stands in stark contrast to the "unjust" humanity He suffered for. His perfect righteousness is what qualified Him to be the spotless sacrifice.
* **unjust (Greek, _ádikos_):** This term signifies being unrighteous, wicked, or treacherous. It describes the state of humanity, characterized by sin and rebellion against God, for whom Christ suffered. The juxtaposition of "just" and "unjust" powerfully highlights the substitutionary nature of Christ's work.
* **put to death (Greek, _thanatóō_):** Derived from the word for death (_thanatos_), this verb means "to kill" or "to cause to be put to death." It unequivocally refers to the physical demise of Jesus on the cross, emphasizing the reality and finality of His bodily death. This was a true death, not a mere swoon or appearance.
* **quickened (Greek, _zōopoiéō_):** This verb means "to make alive" or "to give life to," implying a restoration or vivification. In this context, it refers to Christ being brought back to life from the dead, His resurrection. It is the divine act that reverses the death He experienced, demonstrating His victory over sin and death.
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma_):** This word can refer to a current of air, breath, or figuratively, a spirit. In the context of Christ being "quickened by the Spirit," it refers to the Holy Spirit, the divine agent through whom Christ was raised from the dead. This highlights the Trinitarian nature of the resurrection, with the Father raising the Son through the power of the Spirit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins,"**: This opening clause establishes the reason for Peter's preceding exhortations. "For" (G3754, _hóti_) introduces the foundational truth: Christ's suffering is the ultimate example and motivation. The word "once" (G530, _hápax_) is crucial, emphasizing the singular, unrepeatable, and therefore completely sufficient nature of Christ's atoning sacrifice. It signifies a definitive act that does not need to be repeated, setting it apart from Old Testament sacrifices. His suffering was "for sins" (G4012 _perí_ G266 _hamartía_), meaning concerning or on account of sins—the sins of humanity.
* **"the just for the unjust,"**: This phrase articulates the core of substitutionary atonement. Christ, identified as "the just" (G1342, _díkaios_) because of His perfect righteousness and sinlessness, suffered "for" (G5228, _hypér_) "the unjust" (G94, _ádikos_), representing sinful humanity. The preposition _hypér_ here carries the sense of "on behalf of," "instead of," or "in the place of," clearly indicating that Christ's suffering was a vicarious act, bearing the penalty that was due to others.
* **"that he might bring us to God,"**: This is a purpose clause, introduced by "that" (G2443, _hína_), revealing the ultimate goal of Christ's suffering and death. The verb "bring" (G4317, _proságō_) means to lead towards or to conduct near. Christ's sacrifice was not an end in itself but the means by which sinful humanity could be reconciled and granted access to a holy God (G2316, _theós_). This speaks to the restoration of a broken relationship and the establishment of a new covenant of grace.
* **"being put to death in the flesh,"**: This clause describes the manner of Christ's suffering and its immediate consequence. "Put to death" (G2289, _thanatóō_) unequivocally refers to His physical death on the cross. The phrase "in the flesh" (G4561, _sárx_) specifies that it was His human body, His physical existence, that truly died. This emphasizes the reality of His humanity and the tangible nature of His sacrifice.
* **"but quickened by the Spirit:"**: This final clause introduces a powerful contrast ("but" G1161, _dé_) and reveals the triumph that followed death. While Christ's physical body was put to death, He was "quickened" (G2227, _zōopoiéō_), meaning "made alive" or "given life," by "the Spirit" (G4151, _pneûma_). This refers to His resurrection from the dead, accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit. This vivification by the Spirit signifies Christ's victory over death and His divine nature, providing the ultimate assurance of salvation and new life for those He died for.

#### Literary Devices
First Peter 3:18 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. Most prominent is **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, seen in the pairing of "the just for the unjust" and "put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit." These stark oppositions highlight the radical nature of Christ's substitutionary work and the miraculous reversal of death by divine power. The phrase "the just for the unjust" is a form of **Chiasm** (A-B-B'-A') in its conceptual structure, where Christ's righteousness (A) is contrasted with human unrighteousness (B), and His suffering (B') is for the benefit of those who are unrighteous (A'). This emphasizes the vicarious nature of the atonement. The verse also functions as a **Purpose Statement**, introduced by "that he might bring us to God," which clearly articulates the redemptive goal of Christ's suffering. This teleological framing provides meaning and direction to the otherwise grim reality of suffering. Finally, the entire verse serves as a powerful **Exemplum** or **Example**, presenting Christ's experience as the ultimate pattern for believers who are called to suffer righteously.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological depth of 1 Peter 3:18 resonates throughout the biblical narrative, particularly in its articulation of substitutionary atonement and the transformative power of Christ's death and resurrection. It underscores the profound truth that God, in His infinite love and justice, provided a perfect sacrifice in Christ to bridge the chasm of sin separating humanity from Himself. This divine initiative not only addresses the problem of human sin but also establishes a new, living way for believers to draw near to God. The "once for all" nature of Christ's suffering emphasizes the completeness and finality of His work, eliminating the need for any further sacrifice and establishing the New Covenant on an unshakeable foundation. This truth forms the bedrock of Christian assurance, reminding believers that their reconciliation with God is based entirely on Christ's finished work, not on their own merit or efforts.

* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love in Christ's Death")
* [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")
* [Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Peter 3:18 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to live in light of Christ's finished work. Understanding that Christ, the perfectly just One, suffered "once for all" on behalf of us, the unjust, to bring us into relationship with God, fundamentally reshapes our perspective on sin, salvation, and suffering. It assures us that our access to God is not predicated on our performance but on His perfect sacrifice. This truth liberates us from the burden of earning God's favor and empowers us to live righteously, not out of obligation, but out of grateful response to His immense love. When we face suffering or injustice, we are reminded that Christ Himself endured the ultimate injustice, and His suffering led to glorious resurrection and reconciliation. Our trials, when endured for righteousness' sake, can deepen our fellowship with Him and serve His redemptive purposes, knowing that just as He was quickened by the Spirit, we too are destined for new life and glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "once for all" nature of Christ's suffering impact your understanding of salvation and assurance?**
* **In what ways does knowing that Christ, "the just," suffered "for the unjust" deepen your appreciation for God's love and justice?**
* **How can the truth that Christ died "to bring us to God" transform your daily walk and relationship with Him?**
* **Considering Christ was "put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit," what hope does this offer you when facing your own trials or even death?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that Christ "once suffered for sins"?**
Answer: The phrase "once suffered" (Greek: _hapax_) emphasizes the singular, definitive, and completely sufficient nature of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Unlike the repeated animal sacrifices in the Old Testament, which could only temporarily cover sins, Christ's death was a perfect, one-time offering that permanently atoned for the sins of humanity. It means His work is complete and does not need to be repeated or supplemented by any human effort. This concept is powerfully articulated in [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Single Sacrifice Perfects Believers").

**How did "the just" suffer "for the unjust"?**
Answer: This refers to the doctrine of substitutionary atonement. Christ, being perfectly righteous and without sin ("the just"), voluntarily took upon Himself the penalty for the sins of humanity ("the unjust"). He bore the wrath of God that was due to sinful humanity, dying in their place. This exchange, where the innocent suffers for the guilty, is the core of the Gospel message and is central to God's plan of salvation, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant").

**What is the significance of Christ being "put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit"?**
Answer: This statement highlights both the reality of Christ's human death and the divine power of His resurrection. "Put to death in the flesh" confirms that Jesus truly died physically, experiencing the full extent of human mortality and suffering. "But quickened by the Spirit" means He was made alive again, resurrected from the dead, by the power of the Holy Spirit. This demonstrates His victory over sin and death, validating His divine claims and providing the foundation for the believer's hope of new life and resurrection. This resurrection by the Spirit is a key theme in the New Testament, for example, in [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection") and [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Will Give Life to Your Mortal Bodies").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Peter 3:18 stands as a profound Christ-centered declaration, revealing the very heart of God's redemptive plan. It portrays Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies and sacrificial systems. He is the **spotless Lamb of God** (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the perfectly "just" sacrifice who, unlike the temporary offerings of the Law, suffered "once" for all time. His suffering "for sins" and "the just for the unjust" directly fulfills the prophetic vision of the Suffering Servant in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), who bore the iniquities of many. The ultimate purpose of His death, "that he might bring us to God," perfectly aligns with His role as the **Great High Priest** who, through His own blood, entered the holy places "once for all" to secure eternal redemption, thereby opening a new and living way for us to draw near to God (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). Furthermore, the declaration that He was "put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" points to Christ as the **Victor over death** and the **Firstfruits of the resurrection** (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "1 Corinthians 15:20-23 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). His resurrection by the Spirit's power is the divine validation of His atoning work and the guarantee of new life for all who believe, demonstrating that His earthly suffering was not defeat but the necessary path to glorious exaltation and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

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

Hebrews 9:28

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Hebrews 9:26

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1 Peter 4:6

For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Romans 5:6

¶ For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.