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1 Peter 3:12

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Peter 3:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And his ears unto their supplication: But the face of the Lord is upon them that do evil.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And his ears unto their supplication: But the face of the Lord is upon them that do evil.
1 Peter 3:12 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Peter 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile:
11And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it.
12For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And his ears unto their supplication: But the face of the Lord is upon them that do evil.
13And who is he that will harm you, if ye be zealous of that which is good?
14But even if ye should suffer for righteousness` sake, blessed [are ye:] and fear not their fear, neither be troubled;
15but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: [being] ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear:
← 1 Peter 3:111 Peter 3:13 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, etc.] Who are so not merely in the sight of men, but of God; nor in their own account, and by their own works, but in the esteem of God, through the imputation of the righteousness of his Son unto them: and because he loves this righteousness, and is well pleased with it, seeing by it his law is magnified and made honourable, therefore his countenance beholds with pleasure and delight those righteous ones who are clothed with it; his eyes of omniscience, love, care, and protection, are always upon them, watching over them, delighting in them, running to and fro in the earth on behalf of them; he sees every injury done them, and in his own time…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Ground of the promised present and eternal life of blessedness to the meek (Pe1 3:10). The Lord's eyes are ever over them for good. ears . . . unto their prayers-- (Jo1 5:14-15). face . . . against--The eyes imply favorable regard; the face of the Lord upon (not as English Version, "against") them that do evil, implies that He narrowly observes them, so as not to let them really and lastingly hurt His people (compare Pe1 3:13).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous - That is, he is their Protector. His eyes are indeed on all people, but the language here is that which describes continual guardianship and care. And his ears are open unto their prayers - He hears their prayers. As he is a hearer of prayer, they are at liberty to go to him at all times, and to pour out their desires before him. This passage is taken from Psalms 34:15, and it is designed to show the reason why a life of piety will contribute to length of days. But the face of the Lord is against them that do evil - Margin, upon. The sense of the passage, however, is against. The Lord sets his face against them: an expression denoting…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous - For good. Anger appears in the whole face; love, chiefly in the eyes. 1 Peter 3:13”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the eyes: Deu 11:12; Ch2 16:9; Psa 11:4; Pro 15:3; Zac 4:10 his ears: Ch2 7:15; Psa 65:2; Pro 15:8, Pro 15:29; Joh 9:31; Jam 5:16 but: Lev 17:10, Lev 20:3, Lev 20:6, Lev 26:17; Psa 80:16; Jer 21:10; Eze 15:7 against: Gr. upon 1 Peter 3:13”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Peter 3 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification