A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Peter 3:14

A.T. Robertson Commentary

1 Peter 3:14

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
A.T. Robertson
A.T. Robertson

A.T. Robertson Commentary

1 Peter 3:14

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"But even if ye should suffer for righteousness` sake, blessed [are ye:] and fear not their fear, neither be troubled;" — 1 Peter 3:14 (ASV)

But and if ye should suffer (αλλ' ε κα πασχοιτε). "But if ye should also (or even) suffer." Condition of the fourth class with ε and the optative (undetermined with less likelihood), a rare condition in the vernacular Koine, since the optative was a dying mode. If matters, in spite of the prophetic note of victory in verse 13, should come to actual suffering "for righteousness' sake" (δια δικαιοσυνην) as in Mt 5:10 (ενεκεν, not δια), then "blessed" (μακαριο, the very word of Jesus there which see, a word meaning "happy," not ευλογητο) "are ye" (not in the Greek). If the conclusion were expressed regularly, it would be ειητε αν (ye would be), not εστε (ye are). It is interesting to note the third-class condition in verse 13 just before the fourth-class one in verse 14.

Fear not their fear (τον φοβον αυτων μη φοβηθητε). Prohibition with μη and the first aorist (ingressive) passive subjunctive of φοβεομα, to fear, and the cognate accusative φοβον (fear, terror). "Do not fear their threats" (Bigg). Quotation from Isa 8:12f.

Neither be troubled (μηδε ταραξθητε). Prohibition with μηδε and the first aorist (ingressive) subjunctive of ταρασσω, to disturb (Matthew 2:6; John 12:27). Part of the same quotation. Cf. 3:6.