1 Peter 3:8

¶ Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:

Finally {G1161}{G5056}, be ye all {G3956} of one mind {G3675}, having compassion one of another {G4835}, love as brethren {G5361}, be pitiful {G2155}, be courteous {G5391}:

Finally, all of you, be one in mind and feeling; love as brothers; and be compassionate and humble-minded,

Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.

Finally, be ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded:

Context

First Peter, written by the Apostle Peter to scattered believers in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), addresses Christians facing various forms of suffering and persecution. In this chapter, Peter has just given specific instructions for wives and husbands, and generally for believers enduring hardship for righteousness' sake. Verse 8 serves as a pivotal transition, broadening from specific relational dynamics to a general call for unity and harmonious conduct among all believers. It sets the stage for how Christians should relate to one another and to the world, especially when trials arise.

Key Themes

  • Unity of Mind (One Mind): Peter urges believers to be of one accord, sharing a common purpose and understanding. This isn't necessarily uniformity of opinion on every minor detail, but a foundational agreement on core Christian truth and a shared commitment to Christ's mission. This echoes the call for unity found in other New Testament epistles, such as Philippians 2:2.
  • Compassion (Sympathy): The Greek word here, sympatheis, literally means "to suffer with." It calls for a deep empathy and understanding of one another's burdens, joys, and sorrows, moving beyond mere pity to a shared experience.
  • Brotherly Love (Philia): Christians are to love one another as family members. The term philadelphoi emphasizes a tender, affectionate bond that characterizes the spiritual household of God. This foundational command is central to Christian identity, as taught by Jesus in John 13:34.
  • Pitiful (Tenderheartedness): This virtue speaks to having a merciful and tender heart, quick to show kindness and forgiveness. It reflects God's own character of mercy towards humanity.
  • Courteous (Humble and Respectful): The KJV translates philophrones as "courteous," implying a friendly and polite disposition. Some manuscripts use tapeinophrones, meaning "humble-minded." Both interpretations point to a disposition of humility, respect, and graciousness towards others, which naturally leads to courteous behavior.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "all of one mind" comes from the Greek word homophron, signifying a shared spirit and outlook. "Compassion" is from sympatheis, which literally means "suffering together," highlighting active empathy. "Love as brethren" uses philadelphoi, emphasizing the unique familial bond among believers. "Pitiful" is derived from eusplagchnoi, meaning "good-hearted" or "tenderhearted," often referring to the inner affections or "bowels of mercy." The word for "courteous" in the KJV, philophrones, means "friendly-minded," underscoring a warm and welcoming demeanor.

Practical Application

1 Peter 3:8 is a timeless call to harmonious Christian living. In an often-divided world, believers are challenged to demonstrate unity, not just in doctrine, but in everyday interactions. Practicing compassion means actively listening to and understanding others' struggles. Cultivating brotherly love requires intentional effort to build strong, supportive relationships within the church community. Being pitiful means extending grace and mercy, especially when it's difficult. Finally, being courteous involves showing respect and kindness to everyone, reflecting the humble character of Christ. These virtues are vital for strengthening the church's witness and for enduring challenges together, embodying the new identity in Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 12:10

    [Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

  • 1 Peter 1:22

    Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:

  • Ephesians 4:31

    Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

  • Ephesians 5:2

    And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

  • Philippians 4:8

    Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

  • Philippians 4:9

    Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

  • James 3:17

    But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
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