Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to just see this as "don't be mean back." But Peter's twist is why we bless those who wrong us: it's not just for their benefit, but for our own "to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing." He's showing us that this counter-intuitive kindness actually unlocks God's favor, a divine inheritance we can't access by mirroring the world's harshness.
Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is addressing a community facing persecution, urging them to live distinctively even when treated unjustly. He’s just explained how to live wisely as strangers in the world, emphasizing godly conduct that silences critics and earns respect. This verse is the pivotal command in that section, calling believers to counter suffering with love and blessing, not retaliation, because their calling is to embody Christ's sacrificial way and inherit His blessings.
Ever felt that burning urge to strike back when someone hurts you? Peter gets it.
Peter starts with a clear negative command: 'Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling.' This isn't just about avoiding physical harm; it extends to our words and attitudes. The temptation to retaliate – to get even, to put them in their place – is powerful. But the call here is to actively resist that instinct. It’s a call to restraint, to choosing not to mirror the negativity that comes our way. This is the foundation: we don't stoop to the level of those who wrong us.
What happens when we stop focusing on what NOT to do and start focusing on what TO do?
Peter doesn't leave us with just a prohibition. He immediately pivots to a positive command: 'but on the contrary, bless.' This is radical. It’s not passive endurance; it’s active goodwill. Blessing means speaking well of, wishing well for, and doing good to those who have done evil to you. Think about Jesus on the cross, crying out, 'Father, forgive them.' That’s the ultimate example of blessing in the face of horrific evil. This isn't about condoning sin, but about rising above the cycle of vengeance with God's own powerful, redemptive love.
Why would God call us to do something so counter-cultural? There's a powerful reason.
The verse concludes with the motivation: 'for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.' Our calling as followers of Christ is not just to endure hardship, but to embody His way of love and forgiveness. This active blessing isn't just for the benefit of others; it's a pathway for us to receive God’s blessing. It aligns us with God's character and His purposes in the world. When we choose blessing over bitterness, we open ourselves up to experience more of God’s favor and peace, and we participate in His work of restoration.
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Understand the original words
loidoria · Greek Noun
The act of speaking abusively, insulting, or reproaching others. It is strongly discouraged as an expression of the old self and contrary to the behavior expected of those in Christ.
eulogeō · Greek Verb
To speak well of someone or to invoke God’s favor upon them. This is a central command for believers, even toward those who persecute or treat them poorly.
Peter, writing to believers experiencing intense suffering and persecution, urges them to resist the natural urge for retaliation. This instruction to 'bless, for to this you were called' gains profound weight when understood against the backdrop of Roman brutality and the specific, life-threatening accusations Christians faced.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A massive fire devastates Rome, leading Emperor Nero to scapegoat Christians for the disaster. This event marks the beginning of severe, empire-wide persecution of believers.
c. AD 64-67
Nero's Persecution
Christians in Rome are brutally persecuted under Nero. Accusations of arson and general 'hatred of mankind' lead to horrific punishments and martyrdoms, including Peter and Paul.
c. AD 65-67— this verse
Peter's First Letter Written
The Apostle Peter writes his first letter, likely from Rome (as indicated by 'Babylon' in 1 Peter 5:13, a code name for Rome) to encourage scattered believers facing intense suffering and hostility.
c. AD 67
Martyrdom of Peter
Tradition holds that Peter was martyred in Rome, likely crucified upside down during Nero's reign, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy in John 21:18-19.
Jesus directly teaches His followers not to resist an evil person, echoing Peter's instruction to not repay evil for evil and going further with the 'turn the other cheek' imagery.
Romans 12:17Paul echoes Peter's command, reminding believers to 'Repay no one evil for evil' and to 'Bless those who persecute you,' highlighting the consistent call to bless rather than curse.
Proverbs 17:13This Proverb starkly contrasts the act of repaying good for evil with repaying evil for good, reinforcing the severe negative consequence of the latter, which aligns with Peter's condemnation of returning evil for evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:15This verse provides a concise summary of the New Testament ethic, urging believers to 'See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to each other and to all,' which is the positive counterpart to Peter's admonition.
It's easy to just see this as "don't be mean back." But Peter's twist is why we bless those who wrong us: it's not just for their benefit, but for our own "to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing." He's showing us that this counter-intuitive kindness actually unlocks God's favor, a divine inheritance we can't access by mirroring the world's harshness.
Peter is addressing a community facing persecution, urging them to live distinctively even when treated unjustly. He’s just explained how to live wisely as strangers in the world, emphasizing godly conduct that silences critics and earns respect. This verse is the pivotal command in that section, calling believers to counter suffering with love and blessing, not retaliation, because their calling is to embody Christ's sacrificial way and inherit His blessings.
Peter is addressing a community facing persecution, urging them to live distinctively even when treated unjustly. He’s just explained how to live wisely as strangers in the world, emphasizing godly conduct that silences critics and earns respect. This verse is the pivotal command in that section, calling believers to counter suffering with love and blessing, not retaliation, because their calling is to embody Christ's sacrificial way and inherit His blessings.
"Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing." — It's easy to just see this as "don't be mean back." But Peter's twist is why we bless those who wrong us: it's not just for their benefit, but for our own "to this you were called, that you may obt…
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Last reviewed October 2026