1 Peter 3:9

9 not yielding evil for evil, neither cursing for cursing, but on the contrary blessing; for in this thing ye be called, that ye wield blessing by heritage.

1 Peter 3:9 Meaning and Commentary

1 Peter 3:9

Not rendering evil for evil
Doing an ill thing in return to one that has done ill to you, and in a way of revenge for it; which is contrary to what is before advised to, and which is taking God's prerogative and work out of his hands, whose vengeance is, and which is to be overcome of evil:

or railing for railing;
returning ill language to such as have given it, but rather should imitate Christ, who, when he was reviled, reviled not again, ( 1 Peter 2:23 ) and whose advice is, instead of returning injuries, blows, or words, to turn to him that smites on the right check the other also and to bless them that curse, do good to them that hate, and pray for them that persecute, ( Matthew 5:39 Matthew 5:44 ) and which is here directed to:

but contrariwise blessing;
praying for a blessing on them; for if we are to do so for our enemies, for them that hate us, despitefully use and persecute us, as did Christ, Stephen the protomartyr, and the apostles, then much more our fellow Christians who may do us an injury or speak evil of us, or to us: who seem to be chiefly intended: the argument to persuade to it follows,

knowing that ye are thereunto called;
referring either to what goes before being called by grace to the discharge of all the above duties exhorted to, and particularly to suffer patiently all injuries and affronts; and instead of making returns in the same way, to bless and pray for those that have hurt us, either by words or deeds; see ( 1 Peter 2:20 1 Peter 2:21 ) or to what follows, that ye should inherit a blessing; temporal blessing or blessings; for godliness has the promise of this life and godly persons shall not want any good thing; and even while the blessings of others are cursed they have their outward mercies with a blessing, and they are blessings indeed to them; wherefore, the little they may have is better than the large affluence of others: and also spiritual blessing, or blessings; such as peace of conscience, the pardon of all their sins a justifying righteousness adopting grace, all supplies of grace from Christ, his presence and communion with him: and also an eternal one, even life for evermore; called so, because it springs from the free favour, good will, and blessing of God, and which its being an inheritance also shows; and because such that enjoy it are eternally and unspeakably happy.

1 Peter 3:9 In-Context

7 Also men dwell together, and by knowing give ye honour to the woman's frailty, as to the more feeble, and as to even-heirs of grace and of life, that your prayers be not hindered. [Also men together dwelling, after science, or knowing, giving honour to the woman's vessel, or body, as to the more sick, as and to even-heirs of grace of life, that your prayers be not letted.]

8 And in faith all of one will, in prayer be ye each suffering with other, lovers of brotherhood, merciful, mild, meek; [Forsooth in faith all of one understanding, or will, in prayer be ye compassionate, or each suffering with other, lovers of fraternity, merciful, mild, meek;]

9 not yielding evil for evil, neither cursing for cursing, but on the contrary blessing; for in this thing ye be called, that ye wield blessing by heritage.

10 For he that will love life, and see good days, constrain his tongue from evil, and his lips, that they speak not guile [that they speak no guile].

11 And bow he from evil, and do good; seek he peace, and perfectly follow it [and perfectly sue it].