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1 Peter 3:13

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Peter 3:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And who is he that will harm you, if ye be zealous of that which is good?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be zealous of that which is good?
1 Peter 3:13 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Peter 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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:
16having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ.
← 1 Peter 3:121 Peter 3:14 →
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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
“And who is he that will harm you, etc.] Or “can harm you”. God will not; for his eyes are upon the righteous, to protect and defend them, and, his ears are open to their cries, to avenge them; he is on their side, and he is the only lawgiver that is able to save, and to destroy. Christ will not; for when he came the first time, it was not to condemn, but to save; and when he comes a second time, though he will rule the wicked with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces as a potter's vessel; yet his people, who are his jewels, he will spare, as a man spares his only son. Good angels will not; these rejoice at the conversion, and in the salvation of sinful men, encamp about the saints, and are…”
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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
“who . . . will harm you--This fearless confidence in God's protection from harm, Christ, the Head, in His sufferings realized; so His members. if ye be--Greek, "if ye have become." followers--The oldest manuscripts read "emulous," "zealous of" (Tit 2:14). good--The contrast in Greek is, "Who will do you evil, if ye be zealous of good?"”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? - This question is meant to imply, that as a general thing they need apprehend no evil if they lead an upright and benevolent life. The idea is, that God would in general protect them, though the next verse shows that the apostle did not mean to teach that there would be absolute security, for it is implied there that they might be called to suffer for righteousness” sake. While it is true that the Saviour was persecuted by wicked people, though his life was wholly spent in doing good; while it is true that the apostles were put to death, though following his example; and while it is true that good people have often…”
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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
“Who is he that will harm you - None can. 1 Peter 3:14”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:13-17 This short paragraph emphasizes the Christian response to suffering—following Christ’s example (3:18). 3:13 Generally speaking, no one will want to harm someone who is doing good, but sometimes Christians do suffer even when they do good (3:14; see 1:6; 4:12-19).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“who: Pro 16:7; Rom 8:28, Rom 13:3 followers: Psa 38:20; Pro 15:9; Co1 14:1; Eph 5:1; Th1 5:15; Ti1 5:10; Jo3 1:11 1 Peter 3:14”
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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