1 Peter 4:13

KJV

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} rejoice {G5463}, inasmuch as {G2526} ye are partakers {G2841} of Christ's {G5547} sufferings {G3804}; that {G2443}, when {G1722} his {G846} glory {G1391} shall be revealed {G602}, ye may be glad {G5463} also {G2532} with exceeding joy {G21}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rather, to the extent that you share the fellowship of the Messiah’s sufferings, rejoice; so that you will rejoice even more when his Sh’khinah is revealed.

Berean Standard Bible

But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.

American Standard Version

but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 4:13 calls believers to a profound and counter-intuitive joy in the midst of suffering, not despite it, but precisely because their trials constitute a participation in Christ's own sufferings. This present identification with the Lord's redemptive path is presented as a temporary phase, leading to an ultimate, overwhelming gladness when His divine glory is fully revealed at His return. The verse thus offers both a theological framework for understanding hardship and a powerful eschatological hope for enduring it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal exhortation within Peter's broader discussion on Christian suffering, which begins in [1 Peter 4:12](/1_peter/4-12 "1 Peter 4:12 - Do Not Be Surprised by Fiery Trials"). Peter has just instructed his readers not to be surprised by the "fiery trial" that tests them, as if something strange were happening. Instead, he shifts their perspective, urging them to embrace these trials as a means of sharing in Christ's experiences. The subsequent verses, such as [1 Peter 4:14](/1_peter/4-14 "1 Peter 4:14 - Blessed When Reproached for Christ"), continue to elaborate on the blessings and proper response to suffering for Christ's name, distinguishing it from suffering for wrongdoing. The entire section from [1 Peter 4:12-19](/1_peter/4-12-19 "1 Peter 4:12-19 - Suffering for Christ's Sake") frames persecution and hardship as an expected, even privileged, aspect of the Christian life, culminating in a future revelation of glory.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's first epistle was likely written to scattered Christians in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) during a period of increasing persecution, possibly under Emperor Nero's reign (c. AD 64-68) or a more localized, sporadic opposition. Christians were often misunderstood, accused of various crimes (like atheism for not worshipping Roman gods, or cannibalism due to distorted rumors about the Eucharist), and faced social ostracism, economic hardship, and even physical violence. This context of external pressure and internal distress made Peter's message profoundly relevant. His readers needed not just comfort, but a theological lens through which to interpret their suffering, transforming it from a sign of divine displeasure into a mark of authentic faith and a pathway to future vindication.

* **Key Themes:** First Peter 4:13 powerfully encapsulates several core themes of the epistle and Christian theology. The most prominent is **Joy in Suffering**, a paradoxical command that challenges conventional human responses to pain. This joy is not a superficial happiness but a deep, spiritual exultation rooted in understanding the purpose and outcome of trials, particularly their connection to Christ. Another crucial theme is **Identification with Christ**, as believers are called "partakers of Christ's sufferings." This signifies a profound spiritual union with Jesus, implying that suffering for righteousness' sake is not meaningless but aligns believers with the very path Christ walked, a concept echoed in [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and the Fellowship of His Sufferings") and [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ, Suffering with Him"). Finally, the verse strongly emphasizes **Future Hope and Glory**. The present suffering is temporary and purposeful, leading to a glorious future. The anticipation of Christ's revelation and the "exceeding joy" that will accompany it provides motivation and perspective for enduring current hardships, making eschatological hope central to the Christian understanding of suffering, as seen throughout [1 Peter](/1_peter "The Book of 1 Peter - Hope in Suffering").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rejoice (Greek, _chaírō_):** This primary verb means "to be cheerful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off." In this context, it is not merely a fleeting emotion but a settled disposition of gladness, even in the face of adversity. It suggests a deep, inner contentment and joy that transcends circumstances, rooted in a spiritual reality.
* **partakers (Greek, _koinōnéō_):** Derived from _koinōnos_ (partner, sharer), this verb means "to share with others (objectively or subjectively)." It implies a deep fellowship, partnership, or communion. When applied to Christ's sufferings, it suggests more than just experiencing similar pain; it denotes a profound spiritual union and identification with Christ in His redemptive work on the cross and His subsequent trials.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa_):** From the base of _dokéō_ (to seem, to think), this word refers to "glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)." It encompasses dignity, honor, praise, and worship. Here, it specifically refers to the visible, manifest splendor and majesty of Christ, which will be revealed at His second coming, signifying His ultimate triumph and vindication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings;":** The conjunction "But" (G235, _allá_) introduces a strong contrast to the natural human reaction of dismay or surprise at suffering. Instead, Peter commands a radical response: "rejoice." The reason for this joy is profound: "inasmuch as" (G2526, _kathó_) or "precisely as" they are "partakers" (G2841, _koinōnéō_) of Christ's sufferings. This phrase establishes a deep, intimate spiritual solidarity with Jesus. Believers are not merely suffering *like* Christ, but *with* Christ, sharing in the very experiences that marked His earthly journey toward the cross. This participation transforms the nature of their trials, imbuing them with redemptive meaning and purpose.
* **"that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.":** This clause introduces the ultimate purpose (G2443, _hína_, "in order that") and future hope that undergirds the present call to rejoice. The suffering is temporary, leading to a glorious future event: the revelation of Christ's "glory" (G1391, _dóxa_). The term "revealed" (G602, _apokálypsis_) points to a future unveiling or manifestation. When this glorious event occurs, believers will experience an even greater, overflowing joy. The phrase "exceeding joy" (G21, _agalliáō_) literally means "to jump for joy" or "exult," indicating a triumphant, uncontainable gladness that far surpasses any present sorrow, particularly in anticipation of Christ's return and their full vindication with Him.

#### Literary Devices
1 Peter 4:13 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most striking is **Paradox**, as Peter commands believers to "rejoice" in "sufferings." This juxtaposition of seemingly contradictory concepts challenges conventional human wisdom, presenting a spiritual reality where joy can coexist with, and even be born from, pain. Closely related is **Antithesis**, as the present "sufferings" are contrasted with the future "glory" and "exceeding joy." This creates a powerful tension between the temporary hardship and the eternal reward, providing motivation for endurance. The phrase "partakers of Christ's sufferings" employs **Identification**, drawing a direct parallel and spiritual union between the believer's experience and Christ's own. This is not merely an analogy but a profound spiritual reality. Finally, the verse is imbued with **Eschatological Hope**, as it points forward to the future "revelation" of Christ's glory, which serves as the ultimate motivation and guarantee of the believer's future "exceeding joy."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for a robust theology of suffering, transforming it from a punitive or meaningless experience into a privileged participation in the divine drama of redemption. It asserts that suffering for Christ's sake is not an anomaly but an expected, even necessary, aspect of discipleship, drawing believers into deeper union with their Lord. This union is not passive; it is an active "partaking" that redefines hardship as a pathway to greater intimacy with Christ and a foretaste of future glory. The eschatological dimension is crucial, as the present pain is always viewed through the lens of Christ's coming revelation, where all tears will be wiped away and sorrow will be replaced by an immeasurable, triumphant joy. This perspective imbues suffering with purpose, dignity, and a profound hope that anchors the believer in the midst of trials.

* [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ, Suffering with Him")
* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and the Fellowship of His Sufferings")
* [2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "2 Corinthians 4:17 - Light and Momentary Troubles Achieve Eternal Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For contemporary believers, 1 Peter 4:13 offers a radical reorientation of perspective on adversity. In a world that often seeks to avoid pain at all costs, this verse calls us to embrace suffering for righteousness' sake as a profound privilege. It encourages us to shift our focus from the discomfort of the present moment to the eternal significance of our trials, recognizing them as opportunities to draw closer to Christ and to participate in His ongoing redemptive work in the world. This is not a call to masochism, but to a spiritual discernment that sees beyond the immediate pain to the deeper purpose and the glorious outcome. By cultivating this mindset, we can find a deep, abiding joy that is independent of circumstances, fostering resilience, hope, and an eternal focus in the face of temporary earthly struggles. It reminds us that our suffering is not a sign of God's abandonment, but can be a pathway to deeper spiritual intimacy and a foretaste of the immeasurable joy awaiting us when Christ's glory is fully revealed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my initial reaction to suffering compare with Peter's command to "rejoice"?**
* **In what ways do I currently experience "Christ's sufferings" in my life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of "partaking" in them?**
* **How does the hope of Christ's revealed glory impact my ability to endure present hardships with joy?**
* **What specific steps can I take to shift my perspective on trials from something to be avoided to something that can draw me closer to Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why should Christians rejoice in suffering, and what kind of joy is this?**

Answer: Christians are called to rejoice in suffering because, as 1 Peter 4:13 explains, it signifies that they are "partakers of Christ's sufferings." This is not a superficial happiness or a denial of pain, but a deep, spiritual joy rooted in the understanding that their trials align them with Jesus' own path of redemptive suffering. This joy is eschatological, meaning it is anchored in the certain hope of Christ's future "glory" and the "exceeding joy" that will accompany His revelation. It's a joy that transcends circumstances, knowing that present afflictions are temporary and purposeful, leading to eternal glory, as articulated in [2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "2 Corinthians 4:17 - Light and Momentary Afflictions"). It is a joy born of spiritual union with Christ and confident anticipation of His return.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Peter 4:13 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the reality that Jesus Himself is the ultimate example and enabler of suffering leading to glory. His entire earthly life, culminating in His crucifixion, was a path of suffering, yet it was precisely through this suffering that He achieved the greatest glory, triumphing over sin and death ([Hebrews 2:9-10](/hebrews/2-9-10 "Hebrews 2:9-10 - Jesus Crowned with Glory and Honor Through Suffering")). Believers are called to be "partakers of Christ's sufferings" not merely in imitation, but through a vital union with Him, where His Spirit indwells them and empowers them to endure ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus")). The "glory" that "shall be revealed" is His own divine glory, which was veiled during His earthly humiliation but will be fully manifested at His second coming ([Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Sign of the Son of Man in Heaven")). Our "exceeding joy" at that revelation is a direct result of our prior identification with Him in suffering, echoing the promise that if we suffer with Him, we will also be glorified with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ, Suffering with Him")). Thus, Christ is not only the object of our suffering and the source of our joy, but also the guarantee that our present trials are purposeful steps on the path to eternal glory 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

Romans 8:17

¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

James 1:2

¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

James 1:3

Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Romans 5:3

And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

Philippians 3:10

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

2 Corinthians 1:7

¶ And our hope of you [is] stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so [shall ye be] also of the consolation.

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].