Biblion Bible Commentary
Read the introduction to 1 Peter · About this commentary
Do Not Repay Evil for Evil
1 Peter 3:8-12
8 Finally, all of you be like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous, · WEB
The refusal to retaliate is not presented as restraint but as the thing the readers were called to do, and a psalm is quoted to say that the outcome is not their business.
Verse 8 gathers five qualities and every one is directed at other believers — unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, tenderness, humility. The letter keeps returning to the internal life of the group whenever external pressure is the subject, on the assumption that a besieged congregation fails from inside first 1 Peter 2:1.
Verse 9 is the turn. Not repaying evil for evil or insult for insult, but blessing instead. The alternative offered is not neutrality; it is the opposite action. And the reason given is arresting: to this you were called. Non-retaliation is not damage control while waiting for better conditions. It is the assignment.
The purpose clause runs both ways at once — called to this so that you may inherit a blessing. What is given out and what is received are the same word.
Verses 10 to 12 then quote a psalm at length Psalms 34:12–16, and the quotation is chosen for its subject: the tongue. Keep it from evil, turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it. The same psalm supplied the tasting image earlier 1 Peter 2:3.
Its last line is why it is here. The Lord's eyes are on the righteous and his face against evildoers — the judgment the readers are told not to carry out is not being canceled, only relocated.
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