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1 Peter 2
Wycliffe Bible
1 Peter 2
Wycliffe Bible
2 Therefore put ye away all malice, and all guile, and feignings, and envies, and all backbitings; [Therefore putting away all malice, and all guile, and simulations, or feignings, and envies, and all detractions;]
2 as now born young children, reasonable, without guile, covet ye milk [of full teaching], that in it ye wax into health;
3 if nevertheless ye have tasted, that the Lord is sweet.
4 And approach ye to him, that is a living stone, and reproved of men [To whom ye going nigh, a quick stone, reproved soothly of men], but chosen of God, and honoured;
5 and yourselves as quick stones be ye above builded [and yourselves as quick stones be above builded] into spiritual houses, and an holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6 For which thing the scripture saith, Lo! I shall set in Sion the highest corner stone, chosen and precious [For which thing the scripture holdeth, Lo! I shall put in Sion the highest stone, a corner stone, chosen, precious]; and he that shall believe in him, shall not be confounded.
7 Therefore honour to you that believe; but to men that believe not, the stone whom the builders reproved, this is made into the head of the corner;
8 and the stone of hurting, and the stone of stumbling, to them that offend to the word, neither believe it, in which they be set.[a]
9 But ye be a chosen kin, a kingly priesthood, holy folk, a people of purchasing, that ye tell the virtues of him, that called you from darknesses into his wonderful light.
10 Which sometime were not a people of God, but now ye be the people of God; which had not mercy, but now ye have mercy.
11 Most dear, I beseech you, as comelings and pilgrims, to abstain you from fleshly desires, that fight against the soul;
12 and have ye your conversation good among heathen men [having your conversation, or life, good among heathen men], that in that thing that they backbite of you, as of misdoers, they behold you of good works, and glorify God in the day of visitation.
13 Be ye subject to each creature of man, for God; either to the king, as to him that is higher in state [as precellent, or more worthy in state],
14 either to dukes, as to those that be sent of him to the vengeance of misdoers, and to the praising of good men [forsooth to the praising of good deeds, or good men].
15 For so is the will of God, that ye do well, and make the unknowingness of unprudent men to be dumb. [For so is the will of God, that ye doing well, make the unknowingness of unwise men to be dumb.]
16 As free men, and not as having freedom the covering of malice, but as the servants of God.
17 Honour ye all men, love ye brotherhood, dread ye God, honour ye the king.
18 Servants, be ye subject in all dread to lords, not only to good and to mild [not only to good and mild], but also to tyrants.
19 For this is grace, if for conscience of God any man suffereth heavinesses, and suffereth unjustly. [Forsooth this is grace, if for conscience of God any man suffereth sorrows, or heavinesses, suffering unjustly.]
20 For what grace is it, if ye sin, and be buffeted, and suffer? But if ye do well, and suffer patiently, this is grace with God.
21 For to this thing ye be called. For also Christ suffered for us, and left ensample to you [leaving to you example], that ye follow the steps of him.
22 Which did not sin, neither guile was found in his mouth.
23 And when he was cursed, he cursed not [Which, when he was cursed, cursed not]; when he suffered, he menaced not; but he betook himself to him, that deemed him unjustly.
24 And he himself bare our sins in his body on a tree [Which he himself suffered, or bare, our sins in his body on the tree], that we be dead to sins, and live to rightwiseness, by whose wan wound ye be healed.
25 For ye were as sheep erring, but ye be now turned to the shepherd, and bishop of your souls.
Footnotes
- 1 Peter 2:8 and the stone of hurting, and the stone of offence, to them that offend by word, neither believe, in which and they be put.
1 Peter 2
New Matthew Bible
1 Peter 2
New Matthew Bible
He exhorts the people to lay aside all vice, shows that Christ is the foundation they have built upon, and prays them to abstain from fleshly lusts and to obey worldly rulers. How servants should conduct themselves toward their masters. He exhorts them to suffer after the example of Christ.
2 Therefore, lay aside all vice, and all guile and dissimulation and envy, and all backbiting. 2 And as newborn babes, desire the milk (not of the body, but of the soul) that is without corruption, so that you may grow therein – 3 if it so be that you have tasted that the Lord is sweet, 4 to whom you come as to a living stone, rejected by men, but chosen by God, and precious.
5 And you, as living stones, are made a spiritual house, and a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifice acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Of this it is contained in the scripture: Behold, I put in Zion a head cornerstone, elect and precious; and he that believes on him shall not be ashamed.
7 To you therefore who believe, he is precious. But to those who do not believe, the stone which the builders refused is made the head stone in the corner, 8 and a stone to stumble at, and a rock to offend those who stumble at the word and do not believe that whereon they were set.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and his own special people, in order that you should show forth the virtues of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light – 10 you who in time past were not a people, yet are now the people of God; who were not under mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11 Dearly beloveds, I beseech you: as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which fight against the soul. 12 And see that you lead virtuous lives among the Gentiles, so that those who backbite you as evil-doers may see your good works and praise God in the day of visitation.
13 Submit yourselves to every human authority, for the Lord’s sake – whether it be to the king as to the chief head, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, but for the praise of those who do well. 15 For so is the will of God, so that you put to silence the ignorance of foolish men – 16 as free, and not as having freedom for a cloak of evil, but even as the servants of God.
17 Honour all people. Love brotherly fellowship. Fear God, and honour the king.
18 Servants, obey your masters with all fear, not only if they are good and kind, but also though they be ill-natured. 19 For it is meritorious if a person for conscience towards God endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For how is it praiseworthy if when you are buffeted for your faults, you take it patiently? But if when you do well you suffer wrong, and take it patiently, then is there favour with God.
21 For to this indeed you have been called. For Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps – 22 who did no sin, neither was there guile found in his mouth; 23 who, when he was reviled, reviled not in return. When he suffered, he did not threaten, but committed the cause to him who judges righteously. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree so that we may be delivered from sin and live in righteousness; by his stripes you were healed. 25 For you were as sheep going astray, but are now returned unto the shepherd and bishop of your souls.
1 Peter 2
1599 Geneva Bible
1 Peter 2
1599 Geneva Bible
2 He exhorteth the newborn in faith, to lead their lives answerable to the same: 6 and lest their faith should stagger, he bringeth in that which was foretold touching Christ. 11 Then he willeth them to be obedient to Magistrates, 21 and that they patiently bear adversity after Christ’s example.
1 Wherefore, (A)[a]laying aside all maliciousness, and all guile, and dissimulation, and envy, and all evil speaking,
2 [b]As [c]newborn babes desire that sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby,
3 [d]Because ye [e]have tasted that the Lord is bountiful.
4 [f]To whom coming as unto a living stone, disallowed of men, but chosen of God and precious,
5 Ye also as lively stones, be made a spiritual house, [g]an holy (B)Priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6 [h]Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, (C)Behold, I put in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect and precious, and he that believeth therein, shall not be ashamed.
7 [i]Unto you therefore which believe, it is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the (D)stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a (E)stone to stumble at, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient, unto the which thing they were even ordained.
9 [j]But ye are a chosen generation, a royal (F)Priesthood, an holy nation, a people set at liberty, that ye should show forth the virtues of him that hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light,
10 (G)Which in time past were not a people, yet are now the people of God: which in time past were not under mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11 [k]Dearly beloved, [l]I beseech you, as strangers and pilgrims, (H)[m]abstain from fleshly lusts [n]which fight against the soul,
12 (I)[o] And have your conversation honest among the Gentiles, that they which speak evil of you as of evil doers, [p]may by your good (J)works which they shall see, glorify God in the day of [q]visitation.
13 (K)[r] Therefore submit yourselves unto [s]all manner ordinance of man [t]for the Lord’s sake, [u]whether it be unto the King, as unto the superior,
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent of him, [v]for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 [w]For so is the will of God, that by well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of the foolish men.
16 As free, and not as having the liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
17 [x][y]Honor all men: (L)love [z]brotherly fellowship: fear God: honor the King.
18 (M)[aa]Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and courteous, but also to the froward.
19 (N)[ab]For this is thankworthy, if a man for [ac]conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongly.
20 For what praise is it, if when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye take it patiently? but and if when ye do well, ye suffer wrong and take it patiently, this is acceptable to God.
21 [ad]For hereunto ye are called: for Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an [ae]example that ye should follow his steps,
22 (O)Who did no sin, neither was there guile found in his mouth.
23 Who when he was reviled, reviled not again: when he suffered, he threatened not, but [af]committed it to him [ag]that judgeth righteously.
24 (P)[ah]Who his own self bare our sins in his body on the tree, that we being dead to sin, should live in righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
25 For ye were as sheep going astray: but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Footnotes
- 1 Peter 2:1 Having laid for the foundation the Spirit of God effectually working by the word, and having built thereupon three virtues which are the grounds of all Christian actions, to wit, faith, hope, and charity: now he proceedeth to a general exhortation, the first member whereof is, that we flee all show, both of secret and also open malice.
- 1 Peter 2:2 The second is, that being newly begotten and born of the new seed of the incorrupt word drawing and sucking greedily the same word as milk, we should more and more as it were grow up in that spiritual life. And he calleth it, Sincere, not only because it is a most pure thing, but also that we should take heed of them which corrupt it.
- 1 Peter 2:2 As becometh new men.
- 1 Peter 2:3 He commendeth that spiritual nourishment for the sweetness and profit of it.
- 1 Peter 2:3 Or, do taste.
- 1 Peter 2:4 He goeth on forward in the same exhortation, and useth another kind of borrowed speech, alluding to the Temple. Therefore he saith, that the company of the faithful is as it were a certain holy and spiritual building, built of lively stones, the foundation whereof is Christ, as a lively stone sustaining all that are joined unto him with his living virtue, and knitting them together with himself, although this so great a treasure be neglected of men.
- 1 Peter 2:5 Going forward in the same similitude, he compareth us now to Priests placed to this end in that spiritual temple, that we should serve him with spiritual worship, that is, with holiness and righteousness: but as the temple, so is the Priesthood built upon Christ, in whom only all our spiritual offerings are accepted.
- 1 Peter 2:6 He proveth it by the testimony of the Prophet Isaiah.
- 1 Peter 2:7 By setting the most blessed condition of the believers, and the most miserable of the rebellious one against another, he pricketh forward the believers, and triumpheth over the others: and also preventeth an offense which ariseth hereof, that none do more resist this doctrine of the Gospel, than they which are chiefest amongst the people of God, as were at that time that Peter wrote these things, the Priests and Elders, and Scribes. Therefore he answereth first of all that there is no cause why any man should be astonished at this their stubbornness, as though it were a strange matter, seeing that we have been forewarned so long before, that it should so come to pass: and moreover, that it pleased God to create and make certain to this selfsame purpose, that the Son of God might be glorified in their just condemnation. Thirdly, for that the glory of Christ is hereby set forth greatly, whereas notwithstanding Christ remaineth the sure head of his Church, and they that stumble at him, cast down and overthrow themselves, and not Christ. Fourthly, although they be created to this end and purpose, yet their fall and decay is not to be attributeth to God, but to their own obstinate stubbornness which cometh between God’s decree, and the execution thereof or their condemnation, and is the true and proper cause of their destruction.
- 1 Peter 2:9 The contrary member, to wit, he describeth the singular excellency of the elect: and also lest any man should doubt whether he be chosen or not, the Apostle calleth us back to the effectual calling, that is, to the voice of the Gospel sounding both in our ears and minds by the outward preaching and Sacraments, whereby we may certainly understand that everlasting decree of our salvation, (which otherwise is most secret and hidden) and that through the only mercy of God, who freely chooseth and calleth us. Therefore this only remaineth, sayeth he, that by all means possible we set forth so great goodness of the most mighty God.
- 1 Peter 2:11 He returneth to that general exhortation.
- 1 Peter 2:11 A reason why we ought to live holily, to wit, because we are citizens of heaven, and therefore we ought to live according to the Laws not of this world, which is most corrupt, but of the heavenly city, although we be strangers in the world.
- 1 Peter 2:11 Another argument: The children of God live not according to the flesh, that is, according to that corrupt nature, but according to the spirit. Therefore fleshly motions ought not to bear rule in us.
- 1 Peter 2:11 The third argument: for although those lusts flatter us, yet they cease not to fight against our salvation.
- 1 Peter 2:12 The fourth argument, taken of the profit of so doing: for by this means also we provide for our good name and estimation, whilest we compel them at length to change their minds, which speak evil of us.
- 1 Peter 2:12 The fifth argument, which also is of great force: Because the glory of God is greatly set forth by that means, whilst by example of our honest life, even the most profane men are brought unto God, and submit themselves unto him.
- 1 Peter 2:12 When God shall also have mercy on them.
- 1 Peter 2:13 That which he spoke generally, he now expoundeth by parts, describing severally every man’s duty. And first of all he speaketh of obedience which is due both to the Laws, and also to the Magistrates both higher and lower.
- 1 Peter 2:13 By ordinance, is meant the framing and ordering of civil government: which he calleth ordinance of man, not because man invented it, but because it is proper to men.
- 1 Peter 2:13 The first argument: because the Lord is the author and revenger of this policy of men, that is, which is set amongst men: and therefore the true servants of the Lord must above all others be diligent observers of this order.
- 1 Peter 2:13 He preventeth a cavil which is made by some, that say they will obey Kings and the higher magistrates, and yet contemn their ministers: as though their ministers were not armed with their authority which sent them.
- 1 Peter 2:14 The second argument taken of the end of this order, which is not only most profitable, but also very necessary: seeing that by this means virtue is rewarded, and vice punished: wherein the quietness and happiness of this life consisteth.
- 1 Peter 2:15 He declareth the first argument more amply, showing that Christian liberty doth amongst all things least, or not at all consist herein, to wit, to cast off the bridle of Laws, (as at that time some altogether unskillful in the kingdom of God reported) but rather in this, that living holily according to the will of God, we should make manifest to all men, that the Gospel is not a cloak for sin and wickedness, seeing we are in such sort free, that yet we are still the servants of God, and not of sin.
- 1 Peter 2:17 He divideth the civil life of man, by occasion of those things of which he spake into two general parts: to wit, into those duties which private men owe to private men, and especially the faithful to the faithful, and into that subjection whereby inferiors are bound to their superiors: but so, that Kings be not made equal to God, seeing that fear is due to God, and honor to Kings.
- 1 Peter 2:17 Be charitable and dutiful towards all men.
- 1 Peter 2:17 The assembly and fellowship of the brethren, as Zech. 11:14.
- 1 Peter 2:18 He goeth to the duty of servants towards their masters, which he describeth with these bounds, that servants submit themselves willingly and not by constraint, not only to the good and courteous, but also to the froward and sharp masters.
- 1 Peter 2:19 The taking away of an objection: Indeed the condition of servants is hard, especially if they have froward masters: but this their subjection shall be so much the more acceptable to God, if his will prevails more with servants, than the masters’ injuries.
- 1 Peter 2:19 Because he maketh a conscience of it to offered God, by whose good will and appointment, he knoweth this burden is laid upon him.
- 1 Peter 2:21 He mitigateth the grievousness of servitude, while he showeth plainly that Christ died also for servants, that they should bear so much the more patiently this inequality betwixt men which are of one selfsame nature, moreover setting before them Christ that Lord of Lords for an ensample, he signifieth that they cannot but seem too delicate, which show themselves more grieved in bearing of injuries, than Christ himself who was most just, and most sharply of all afflicted, and yet was most patient.
- 1 Peter 2:21 A borrowed kind of speech taken of painters and schoolmasters.
- 1 Peter 2:23 He showeth them a remedy against injuries, to wit, that they commend their cause to God, by the ensample of Christ.
- 1 Peter 2:23 He seemeth now to turn his speech to masters, which have also themselves a master and judge in heaven: who will justly revenge the injuries that are done to servants without any respect of persons.
- 1 Peter 2:24 He calleth the servants back from the consideration of the injuries which they are constrained to bear, to think upon the greatness, and the end of the benefit received of Christ.
1 Peter 2
Authorized (King James) Version
1 Peter 2
Authorized (King James) Version
2 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 as free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
1 Peter 2
New International Version
1 Peter 2
New International Version
2 Therefore, rid yourselves(A) of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander(B) of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk,(C) so that by it you may grow up(D) in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.(E)
The Living Stone and a Chosen People
4 As you come to him, the living Stone(F)—rejected by humans but chosen by God(G) and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built(H) into a spiritual house[a](I) to be a holy priesthood,(J) offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.(K) 6 For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,(L)
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”[b](M)
7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,(N)
8 and,
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.(R)
9 But you are a chosen people,(S) a royal priesthood,(T) a holy nation,(U) God’s special possession,(V) that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.(W) 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God;(X) once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Living Godly Lives in a Pagan Society
11 Dear friends,(Y) I urge you, as foreigners and exiles,(Z) to abstain from sinful desires,(AA) which wage war against your soul.(AB) 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds(AC) and glorify God(AD) on the day he visits us.
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority:(AE) whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong(AF) and to commend those who do right.(AG) 15 For it is God’s will(AH) that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.(AI) 16 Live as free people,(AJ) but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;(AK) live as God’s slaves.(AL) 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers,(AM) fear God, honor the emperor.(AN)
18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters,(AO) not only to those who are good and considerate,(AP) but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.(AQ) 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.(AR) 21 To this(AS) you were called,(AT) because Christ suffered for you,(AU) leaving you an example,(AV) that you should follow in his steps.
23 When they hurled their insults at him,(AY) he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.(AZ) Instead, he entrusted himself(BA) to him who judges justly.(BB) 24 “He himself bore our sins”(BC) in his body on the cross,(BD) so that we might die to sins(BE) and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”(BF) 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,”[f](BG) but now you have returned to the Shepherd(BH) and Overseer of your souls.(BI)
Footnotes
- 1 Peter 2:5 Or into a temple of the Spirit
- 1 Peter 2:6 Isaiah 28:16
- 1 Peter 2:7 Psalm 118:22
- 1 Peter 2:8 Isaiah 8:14
- 1 Peter 2:22 Isaiah 53:9
- 1 Peter 2:25 Isaiah 53:4,5,6 (see Septuagint)
Wycliffe Bible (WYC)
2001 by Terence P. Noble
New Matthew Bible (NMB)
Copyright © 2016 by Ruth Magnusson (Davis). Includes emendations to February 2022. All rights reserved.
1599 Geneva Bible (GNV) 
Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles, reviews, and broadcasts.
Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
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New International Version (NIV) 
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