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1 Peter 4:15

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But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or [as] a thief, or [as] an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

But {G1063} let {G3958} none {G3361}{G5100} of you {G5216} suffer {G3958} as {G5613} a murderer {G5406}, or {G2228} as a thief {G2812}, or {G2228} as an evildoer {G2555}, or {G2228} as {G5613} a busybody in other men's matters {G244}.

Let none of you suffer for being a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or a meddler in other people’s affairs.

Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.

For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men’s matters:

Commentary

1 Peter 4:15 serves as a vital distinction within Peter's broader discussion on suffering, urging believers to ensure their hardships are for the sake of Christ and righteousness, not as a consequence of their own sin.

Context

This verse follows Peter's exhortation to rejoice in suffering for Christ's name, considering it a participation in His glory. He is drawing a sharp contrast between suffering that brings honor to God and suffering that brings shame due to one's own wrongdoing. The immediate context (1 Peter 4:12-19) encourages Christians to embrace trials with the right attitude, but also to live blamelessly so as not to invite suffering through sin. It's a call to self-examination regarding the source of one's difficulties and the importance of personal accountability.

Key Themes

  • Righteous Suffering vs. Sinful Suffering: The primary message is that while suffering for Christ is honorable, suffering due to one's own transgressions (murder, theft, evildoing) is disgraceful and avoidable. This highlights the importance of Christian conduct and the consequences of sin.
  • Personal Accountability: Believers are held responsible for their actions. The list of sins provided serves as a stark reminder of behaviors incompatible with a life devoted to God, emphasizing the need for ethical living.
  • The "Busybody" Warning: Perhaps the most distinctive prohibition here is against being "a busybody in other men's matters." This sin is placed alongside serious crimes, indicating its gravity in God's eyes, likely because it often leads to division, strife, and a lack of focus on one's own spiritual walk.

Linguistic Insights

The term translated "busybody" in the King James Version is the Greek word allotriepiskopos (ἀλλοτριοεπίσκοπος). This unique compound word literally means "an overseer of others' affairs" or "one who meddles in what does not concern them." It suggests someone who is officious, intrusive, or self-appointed to supervise or interfere in the lives and business of others. It's more than mere curiosity; it implies an active, often unwelcome, intrusion that can disrupt peace and good order within the community and distract from one's own responsibilities.

Practical Application

1 Peter 4:15 calls believers to a high standard of ethical living and personal integrity. For modern Christians, this verse encourages:

  • Self-Examination: When facing difficulties or opposition, it prompts us to honestly ask if our suffering is a result of our faith or our failures. Are we suffering for doing good or for doing wrong?
  • Ethical Conduct: It reinforces the timeless moral commands against serious crimes like murder and theft, reminding us that Christian identity demands a life free from such evil. The wages of sin are death, and these actions bring severe consequences, both temporal and eternal.
  • Respect for Boundaries: The warning against being a "busybody" is highly relevant today. It speaks against gossip, meddling, spreading rumors, and inappropriately interfering in others' personal lives or church matters. Instead, Christians are encouraged to live quietly and mind their own business, focusing on their own responsibilities and spiritual growth.

Ultimately, Peter desires that any suffering endured by believers would be for the glory of God, not due to personal sin or unnecessary meddling.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:11 (8 votes)

    For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (8 votes)

    And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

  • 1 Timothy 5:13 (7 votes)

    And withal they learn [to be] idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

  • 1 Peter 3:17 (5 votes)

    For [it is] better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

  • 1 Peter 2:19 (5 votes)

    For this [is] thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

  • 1 Peter 2:20 (5 votes)

    For what glory [is it], if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer [for it], ye take it patiently, this [is] acceptable with God.

  • 2 Timothy 2:9 (4 votes)

    Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, [even] unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.