1 Peter 2:15

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1 Peter 2:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.

King James Version KJV

For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

American Standard Version ASV

For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

Bible in Basic English BBE

Because it is God's pleasure that foolish and narrow-minded men may be put to shame by your good behaviour:

Free Bible Version FBV

By doing what is good and right God wants you to silence the ignorant accusations of foolish people.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For so is the will of God, that by well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of the foolish men,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

because, so is the will of God, doing good, to put to silence the ignorance of the foolish men;

World English Bible WEB

For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For so is the will of God, that by doing well you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

Translation for Translators T4T

What God wants is that by your doing only what is good you will cause foolish people who do not know God to be unable to say things ◄to condemn you/to show you why you should be punished►.

Plain English Version PEV

God wants you to live the right way, and if you do that, nobody will have anything bad to say against you. Those people that want to blame you for no reason or tell lies about you, they will not be able to say anything.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Peter 2:15

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Word Study

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1 Peter 2:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK οτι ουτως εστιν το θελημα του θεου αγαθοποιουντας φιμουν την των αφρονων ανθρωπων αγνωσιαν

οτι hoti G3754 that/since: that Conj

ουτως ohutō, ohutōs G3779 thus(-ly) Adv

εστιν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-3S

το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSN

θελημα thelēma G2307 will/desire Noun-NSN

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

θεου theos G2316 God Noun-GSM

αγαθοποιουντας agathopoieō G15 to do good Verb-PAP-APM

φιμουν phimoō G5392 to muzzle Verb-PAN

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPM

αφρονων aphrōn G878 foolish Adj-GPM

ανθρωπων anthrōpos G444 a human Noun-GPM

αγνωσιαν agnōsia G56 ignorance Noun-ASF

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Peter 2:15

οτι hoti G3754 "that/since: that" Conj

This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.

Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.

ουτως ohutō, ohutōs G3779 "thus(-ly)" Adv

Thus means in this way or like this, as when Jesus teaches us to pray in Matthew 5:16 and Luke 1:25.

Definition: οὕτως, rarely (Bl., §5, 4; WH, App., 146f.) οὕτω, adv. (οὗτος), [in LXX chiefly for כֵּן ;] in this way, so, thus; __1. referring to what precedes: Mat.5:16 6:30, Mrk.10:43 14:59, Luk.1:25 2:48 15:7, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:15, 1Co.8:12, al.; οὕτως καί, Mat.17:12, Mrk.13:29, al.; pleonastically, resuming a ptcp. (cl.; see Bl., §74, 6), Act.20:11 27:17. __2. Referring to what follows: Mat.1:18 6:9, Luk.19:31, Jhn.21:1, 1Pe.2:15; bef. quotations from OT, Mat.2:5, Act.7:6, 1Co.15:45, Heb.4:4. __3. C. adj. (marking intensity): Heb.12:21, Rev.16:18; similarly with adv., Gal.1:6 (cl.). __4. As a predicate (Bl., §76, 1): Mat.1:18 9:33, Mrk.2:1, 2 4:26, Rom.4:18 9:20, I Pe 2:15; οὕ ἔχειν (Lat. sic or ita se habere), Act.7:1, al.; ἐκαθέζετο (as he was, without delay or preparation), Jhn.4:6. __5. In comparison, with correlative adv.: καθάπερ . . . οὕ., Rom.12:4, 5 al.; καθὼς . . . οὕ., Luk.11:30, al.; οὕ. . . . καθώς, Luk.24:24, al.; ὡς . . . οὕ., Rom.5:15, al.; οὕ . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, al; ὥσπερ . . . οὕ., Mat.12:40, al.; οὕ. . . . οὕ., 1Co.7:7. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 206 NT verses. KJV: after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what See also: 1 Corinthians 2:11; James 3:10; 1 Peter 2:15.

εστιν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θελημα thelēma G2307 "will/desire" Noun-NSN

Will or desire refers to a person's choice or intention, like God's will in Matthew 18:14 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18. It can also mean a decree or purpose, like God's plan for our lives.

Definition: θέλημα, -τος, τό (θέλω), [in LXX chiefly for חָפֵץ, also for רָצוֹן, etc. ;] will, __(a) objectively = that which is willed: Mat.18:14, Luk.12:47, Jhn.5:30, 1Co.7:37, 1Th.5:18, 2Ti.2:26, Heb.10:10, Rev.4:11; θ. τ. θεοῦ, Act.22:14, Rom.2:18 12:2, Eph.1:9, Col.1:9 4:12, 1Pe.4:2; τ. κυρίου, Eph.5:17; pl., of precepts, Mrk.3:35, WH, mg., Act.13:22 (LXX); ἐστιν τὸ θ., with genitive of person(s), before ἵνα, Jhn.6:39-40, 1Co.16:12; with inf., 1Pe.2:15; with accusative and inf., 1Th.4:3 __(b) subjectively = τὸ θέλειν (cf. θέλησις): Luk.23:25, Jhn.1:13, 1Pe.3:17, 2Pe.1:21; ποιεῖν, Mat.7:21 12:50 21:31, Mrk.3:35 (pl., WH, mg., see supr.), Jhn.4:34 6:38 7:17 9:31, Eph.6:6, Heb.10:7, 9 10:36 13:21, 1Jn.2:17; γίνεσθαι, Mat.6:10 26:42, Luk.22:42, Act.21:14; ἡ εὐδοκία ( βουλὴ) τοῦ θ., Eph.1:5, 11; ἐν τῷ θ. τοῦ θεοῦ, Rom.1:10; διὰ θ. θεοῦ, Rom.15:32, 1Co.1:1, 2Co.1:1 8:5, Eph.1:1, Col.1:1, 2Ti.1:1; κατὰ τὸ θ. τ. θεοῦ, Gal.1:4, 1Pe.4:19, 1Jn.5:14; pl., Eph.2:3 (Cremer, 728).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 60 NT verses. KJV: desire, pleasure, will See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:15.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θεου theos G2316 "God" Noun-GSM

This word simply means God, referring to the one true deity. It is used throughout the New Testament, including in Matthew 27:46 and Acts 14:11, to describe the supreme being and creator of the universe.

Definition: θεός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (Act.19:37 only; see M, Pr., 60, 244), late voc., θεέ (Mat.27:46; cf. Deu.3:24, al.), [in LXX chiefly for אֱלֹהִים, also for אֵל and other cognate forms, יהוה, etc. ;] a god or deity, God. __1. In polytheistic sense, a god or deity: Act.28:6, 1Co.8:4, 2Th.2:4, al.; pl., Ac. 14:11 19:26, Gal.4:8, al. __2. Of the one true God; __(a) anarthrous: Mat.6:24, Luk.20:38, al.; esp. with prep. (Kühner 3, iii, 605), ἀπὸ θ., Jhn.3:2; ἐκ, Act.5:39, 2Co.5:1, Php.3:9; ὑπό, Rom.13:1; παρὰ θεοῦ, Jhn.1:6; παρὰ θεῷ, 2Th.1:6, 1Pe.2:4; κατὰ θεόν, Rom.8:27, 2Co.7:9, 10; also when in genitive dependent on an anarth. noun (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.27:43, Luk.3:2, Rom.1:17, 1Th.2:13; as pred., Lk 20:38, Jhn.1:1, and when the nature and character rather than the person of God is meant, Act.5:29, Gal.2:6, al. (M, Th., 14); __(b) more freq., with art.: Mat.1:23, Mrk.2:7, al. mult.; with prep., ἀπὸ τ. θ., Luk.1:26; ἐκ, Jhn.8:42, al.; παρὰ τοῦ θ., Jhn.8:40; π. τῷ θ., Rom.9:14; ἐν, Col.3:3; ἐπὶ τῷ θ., Luk.1:47; ἐπὶ τὸν θ., Act.15:19; εἰς τ. θ., Act.24:15; πρὸς τ. θ., Jhn.1:2; with genitive of person(s), Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:26, 27, Luk.20:37, Jhn.20:17, al.; ὁ θ. μου, Rom.1:8, Php 1:3, al.; ὁ θ. καὶ πατήρ κ. τ. λ., Rom.15:6, Eph.1:3, Phi 4:20, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Rom.15:5, 13, 33, 2Co.1:3, 1Th.5:23; τὰ τ. θεοῦ, Mat.16:23, Mrk.12:17, 1Co.2:11; τὰ πρὸς τὸν θ., Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; τ. θεῷ, as a superl. (LXX, Jos.3:3), Act.7:20, 2Co.10:4; Hebraistically, of judges (Psa.81(82):6), Jhn.10:34" (LXX), 35. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.

αγαθοποιουντας agathopoieō G15 "to do good" Verb-PAP-APM

This verb means to do good or be a well-doer, as seen in 1 Peter 2:15 and 3 John 11. It can be used to describe doing good for others, like in Mark 3:4 and Luke 6:9.

Definition: ἀγαθὀ-ποιέω, -ῶ (= cl. ἀγαθὸν ποιεῖν, εὐεργετεῖν), [in LXX: Num.10:32, Jdg.17:13 A, Zep.1:12 (יטב hi.), Tob.12:13 B, 1Ma.11:33, 2Ma.1:2 * ;] to do good; __(a) univ.: 1Pe.2:15, 20, 3:6, 17, 3Jo.11; __(b) for another's benefit: Mrk.3:4 (T, ἀγαθὸν ποιῆσαι), Luk.6:9; __(with) accusative of person(s), Luk.6:33, 35 (Cremer, 8). † (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: (when) do good (well) See also: 1 Peter 2:15; Acts 14:17; 1 Peter 2:20.

φιμουν phimoō G5392 "to muzzle" Verb-PAN

To muzzle means to silence or restrain someone, like putting a muzzle on an animal. In the Bible, it appears in 1 Corinthians 9:9 and 1 Timothy 5:18. Jesus also used it to silence demons in Matthew 22:12 and Mark 1:25.

Definition: φιμόω, -ῶ (φιμός, a muzzle), [in LXX: Deu.25:4 (חָסַם), Dan LXX Su 1:61, 4Ma.1:35 א R * ;] to muzzle: 1Co.9:9, 1Ti.5:18" (LXX) ; metaphorically, to put to silence: with accusative of person(s), Mat.22:34, 1Pe.2:15; pass., to be silenced, silent: Mat.22:12, Mrk.1:25 4:39, Luk.4:35.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: muzzle See also: 1 Corinthians 9:9; Mark 1:25; 1 Peter 2:15.

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

αφρονων aphrōn G878 "foolish" Adj-GPM

It describes someone as foolish or mindless, implying ignorance or stupidity, like in Luke 11:40 and Romans 2:20.

Definition: ἄφρων, -ον genitive -ονος (φρήν), [in LXX for כְּסִיל, נָבָל, etc. ;] without reason, senseless, foolish, expressing "want of mental sanity and sobriety, a reckless and inconsiderate habit of mind" (Hort; cf. MM, see word): Luk.11:40 12:20, Rom.2:20, 1Co.15:36, 2Co.11:16 12:6 12:11, 1Pe.2:15; opposite to φρόνιμος, 2Co.11:19; to συνιέντες, Eph.2:17.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: fool(-ish), unwise See also: 1 Corinthians 15:36; 2 Corinthians 12:11; 1 Peter 2:15.

ανθρωπων anthrōpos G444 "a human" Noun-GPM

This word means a human being, and is used in the Bible to describe people, like in John 16:21 and Romans 7:1.

Definition: ἄνθρωπος, -ου, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for אִישׁ ,אָדָם, also for אֱנוֹשׁ, etc. ;] man: __1. generically, a human being, male or female (Lat. homo): Jhn.16:21; with art., Mat.4:4 12:35, Mrk.2:27, Jhn.2:25, Rom.7:1, al; disting. from God, Mat.19:6, Jhn.10:33, Col.3:23, al.; from animals, etc., Mat.4:19, Luk.5:10, Rev.9:4, al.; implying human frailty and imperfection, 1Co.3:4; σοφία ἀνθρώπων, 1Co.2:5; ἀνθρώπων ἐπιθυμίαι, 1Pe.4:2; κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖν, 1Co.3:3; κατὰ ἄ. λέγειν (λαλεῖν), Rom.3:5, 1Co.9:8; κατὰ ἄ- λέγειν, Gal.3:15 (cf. 1Co.15:32, Gal.1:11); by meton., of man's nature or condition, ὁ ἔσω (ἔξω) ἄ., Rom.7:22, Eph.3:16, 2Co.4:16 (cf. 1Pe.3:4); ὁ παλαιὸς, καινὸς, νέος ἄ., Rom.6:6, Eph.2:15 4:22, 24 Col.3:9, 10; joined with another subst., ἄ. ἔμπορος, a merchant, Mat.13:45 (WH, txt. om. ἄ.); οἰκοδεσπότης, Mat.13:52; βασιλεύς, 18:23; φάγος, 11:19; with name of nation, Κυρηναῖος, Mat.27:32; Ἰουδαῖος, Act.21:39; Ῥωμαῖος, Act.16:37; pl. οἱ ἄ., men, people: Mat.5:13, 16 Mrk.8:24, Jhn.4:28; οὐδεὶς ἀνθρώπων, Mrk.11:2, 1Ti.6:16. __2. Indef., ἄ. = τις, some one, a man: Mat.17:14, Mrk.12:1, al.; τις ἄ., Mat.18:12, Jhn.5:5, al.; indef. one (Fr. on), Rom.3:28, Gal.2:16, al.; opposite to women, servants, etc., Mat.10:36 19:10, Jhn.7:22, 23. __3. Definitely, with art., of some particular person; Mat.12:13, Mrk.3:5, al.; οὗτος ὁ ἄ., Luk.14:30; ὁ ἄ οὗτος, ἐκεῖνος, Mrk.14:71, Mat.12:45; ὁ ἄ. τ. ἀνομίας, 2Th.2:3; ἄ τ. θεοῦ (of Heb. אִישׁ אֱלֹהִים), 1Ti.6:11, 2Ti.3:17, 2Pe.1:21; ὁ υἰὸς τοῦ ἀ., see: υἱός. SYN.: ἀνήρ, which see (and cf. MM, VGT, 44; Cremer, 103, 635). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 503 NT verses. KJV: certain, man See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Acts 22:25; 1 Peter 1:24.

αγνωσιαν agnōsia G56 "ignorance" Noun-ASF

Ignorance means not knowing something, and it's the opposite of having knowledge. In the Bible, it's used in 1 Corinthians 15:34 and 1 Peter 2:15. It refers to a lack of understanding or information.

Definition: ἀγνωσία, -ας, ἡ (γινώσκω), [in LXX: Job.35:16 (בִּבְלִי־דַּעַת), Wis.13:1, 3Ma.5:27 * ;] ignorance (opposite to γνῶσις): 1Co.15:34, 1Pe.2:15 (see Hort in l.; MM, VGT, see word).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: ignorance, not the knowledge See also: 1 Corinthians 15:34; 1 Peter 2:15.

Study Notes — 1 Peter 2:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Peter 2:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Peter 2:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Peter 2:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Peter 2:15
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Peter 2:15
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Peter 2:15
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Peter 2:15
Cambridge Bible on 1 Peter 2:15
Barnes' Notes on 1 Peter 2:15
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Peter 2:15
Sermons on 1 Peter 2:15

Context — Submission to Authorities

13Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, 14or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.

15For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.

16Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Peter 3:17	For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
2	Titus 2:8	and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed to have nothing bad to say about us.
3	Matthew 7:26	But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
4	1 Peter 2:12	Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
5	1 Thessalonians 5:18	Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
6	1 Thessalonians 4:3	For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality;
7	Jeremiah 4:22	“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.”
8	Job 2:10	“You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept from God only good and not adversity?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
9	2 Peter 2:12	These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed.
10	Proverbs 9:6	Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”

1 Peter 2:15 Summary

This verse means that when we do good, it can stop people from saying foolish things about us or about God. By doing good, we show that we are followers of Jesus and that He is our Lord, just like it says in Matthew 5:16. We can trust God to use our good deeds to bring glory to Himself, even when people do not understand or appreciate what we are doing. As we do good, we can remember that we are serving God, not men, and that He will reward us for our faithfulness, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to silence the ignorance of foolish men?

According to 1 Peter 2:15, silencing the ignorance of foolish men means to stop their foolish talk by doing good, as seen in the example of Jesus in 1 Peter 2:23, where He did not retaliate when reviled, but entrusted Himself to God who judges justly.

How can doing good silence foolish men?

Doing good can silence foolish men because it shows them that our actions are motivated by a desire to please God, not to seek the approval of men, as seen in Galatians 1:10, where the Apostle Paul says that if he were still trying to please men, he would not be a servant of Christ.

Is it always possible to silence foolish men by doing good?

No, it is not always possible to silence foolish men by doing good, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:9, where the Apostle Paul says that he suffered for the gospel, but he continued to preach it, trusting in God's power to save and to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

What is the ultimate goal of doing good in 1 Peter 2:15?

The ultimate goal of doing good in 1 Peter 2:15 is to bring glory to God and to fulfill His will, as seen in Matthew 5:16, where Jesus says that we should let our light shine before men, so that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can do good in my daily life to silence the ignorance of foolish men?
How can I trust God to use my good deeds to bring glory to Himself, even when I face opposition or criticism?
In what ways can I demonstrate the love of Christ to those around me, and what impact can this have on silencing foolish talk?
What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God to work, even when I face foolish or ignorant opposition?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Peter 2:15

For so is the will of God,.... Which refers not so much to what goes before; though it is a truth, that it is the will of God that men should be subject to magistrates, and that magistrates should

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Peter 2:15

For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: Ground of directing them to submit themselves (1 Peter 2:13).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Peter 2:15

For so is the will of God; his command. That with well-doing; all manner of offices of humanity, whereof obedience to magistrates is a principal one. Ye may put to silence; Greek, muzzle, stop the mouths, ; viz. by taking away all occasion of evil-speaking. The ignorance; either their ignorance of the state and conversation of believers, which may be the occasion of their speaking evil of them; or their ignorance of God and his ways, to which Christ imputes the fury of persecutors, . They that know not God themselves, are most ready to reproach and slander those that do. Of foolish men; true wisdom consisting in the knowledge of God, they that are destitute of that knowledge, as unbelievers are, are called foolish.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Peter 2:15

15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: Ver. 15. Ye may put to silence] Gr. φιμουν, muzzle, or halter up, button up their mouths, as we say. It is an old fetch of the devil to persuade the world that faithful people are anti-magistratical; these must be powerfully confuted by our contrary practice.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Peter 2:15

(15) For so is the will of God.—This refers to the command contained in the last two verses, which then is further explained by the clause which follows, “that with well-doing.” See a very similar construction in 1 Thessalonians 4:3. The “well-doing” of this and the last verse bears the most general sense of good conduct, not the special sense noticed on the “fair works” and “fair life” of 1 Peter 2:12. Put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.—A very contemptuous expression, the word for “put to silence” being the same as in 1 Corinthians 9:9; 1 Timothy 5:18, to “muzzle” or “gag,” implying that there is something of the animal about these “foolish men.” The same contempt appears in each word of the clause, even down to “men,” which might be rendered “people” or “creatures.” The word for “ignorance” implies a stolid and wilful ignorance, and is so used by heathen authors, as well as very markedly in the only other place in the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 15:34. “Foolish,” too, contains moral reprobation, Luke 11:40; Luke 12:20; 1 Corinthians 15:36. suggesting thoughtlessness rather than senselessness. The definite article is also used in the Greek (as in 2 Thessalonians 3:2), and again seems to indicate that St. Peter had some particular enemies in view who had brought the charges. This accusation was evidently one of a political nature; and, indeed, history shows us that the hostility of the empire to the faith was entirely based on the corporate nature of the Christian religion. They would not have minded the cultus, but they could not tolerate the Church. Pliny distinctly says in his letter to Trajan, that it was in consequence of Trajan’s issuing an order against hetœriœ or societies, that he was led to contend with the Christians in Bithynia.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Peter 2:15

Verse 15. For so is the will of God] God, as their supreme governor, shows them that it is his will that they should act uprightly and obediently at all times, and thus confound the ignorance of foolish men, who were ready enough to assert that their religion made them bad subjects. The word φιμουν, which we translate put to silence, signifies to muzzle, i.e., stop their mouths, leave them nothing to say; let them assert, but ever be unable to bring proof to support it.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Peter 2:15

15. For so is the will of God] Better, for thus it is the will of God. This was to be the chief, if not the only, apologia of Christians to the charges brought against them. They were accused of being evil-doers. They were to be conspicuous for well-doing. In the Greek for “put to silence” we have the word used in Matthew 22:12; Matthew 22:34, Mark 1:25; Mark 4:39, the primary meaning of which was “to enforce silence by a gag or muzzle.” The word “ignorance,” used elsewhere in the New Testament only in 1 Corinthians 15:34, implies something more than a mere ignorance of facts. One might almost describe it as a settled incapacity for knowing and judging rightly. The “foolish men” are the accusers and slanderers of 1 Peter 2:12 rather than the official authorities of 1 Peter 2:13-14.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Peter 2:15

For so is the will of God - That is, it is in accordance with the divine will that in this way you should put them to silence. That with well doing - By a life of uprightness and benevolence.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Peter 2:15

15. The will of God—Namely, this subjection to rulers. Put to silence— Literally, muzzle, so as to stop their mouths.

Sermons on 1 Peter 2:15

	Sermon	Description
	Surrender or Else by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose behind our actions and decisions. He challenges listeners to consider why they are in their curre
	Finding the Will of God by Carter Conlon	This sermon focuses on the importance of finding and walking in the will of God. It emphasizes the distinction between the revealed will of God, which is clear and practical, and t
	1 Peter 2:15 by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes that God's will is for believers to engage in good works and live righteously, thereby demonstrating their faith through their actions in society. He explains
	Thy Will Be Done by Charles Finney	Charles Finney emphasizes the profound implications of the prayer 'Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven,' exploring the relationship between human will, moral responsibilit
	What Is a Christian by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being a businessman who was torn between pursuing worldly success and following God's calling. He emphasizes the impor
	Couples Night - Part 2 by Keith Daniel	This sermon delves into the importance of understanding and embodying the principles of enduring suffering with grace and humility, drawing parallels to Christ's example of sufferi
	1 Peter 3:17 by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes that suffering for doing good is more honorable and beneficial than suffering for wrongdoing, as it aligns with God's will. He explains that all events, includ