1-peter 2:21

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:

American King James Version (AKJV)

For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:

American Standard Version (ASV)

For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Basic English Translation (BBE)

This is God's purpose for you: because Jesus himself underwent punishment for you, giving you an example, so that you might go in his footsteps:

Webster's Revision

For even to this were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

World English Bible

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps,

English Revised Version (ERV)

For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Clarke's 1-peter 2:21 Bible Commentary

Hereunto were ye called - Ye were called to a state of suffering when ye were called to be Christians; for the world cannot endure the yoke of Christ, and they that will live godly in Christ must suffer persecution; they will meet with it in one form or other.

Christ also suffered for us - And left us the example of his meekness and gentleness; for when he was reviled, he reviled not again. Ye cannot expect to fare better than your master; imitate his example, and his Spirit shall comfort and sustain you. Many MSS. and most of the versions, instead of Christ also suffered for Us, leaving Us, etc., read, suffered for You, leaving You, etc. This reading, which I think is genuine, is noticed in the margin.

Barnes's 1-peter 2:21 Bible Commentary

For even hereunto were ye called - Such a spirit is required by the very nature of your Christian vocation; you were called into the church in order that you might evince it. See the notes at 1 Thessalonians 3:3.

Because Christ also suffered for us - Margin, "some read, for you." The latest editions of the Greek Testament adopt the reading "for you." The sense, however, is not essentially varied. The object is, to hold up the example of Christ to those who were called to suffer, and to say to them that they should bear their trials in the same spirit that he evinced in his. See the notes at Philippians 3:10.

Leaving us an example - The apostle does not say that this was the only object for which Christ suffered, but that it was an object, and an important one. The word rendered "example" (ὑπογραμμὸν hupogrammon) occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means properly "a writing copy," such as is set for children; or an outline or sketch for a painter to fill up; and then, in general, an example, a pattern for imitation.

That ye should follow his steps - That we should follow him, as if we trod exactly along behind him, and should place our feet precisely where his were. The meaning is, that there should be the closest imitation or resemblance. The things in which we are to imitate him are specified in the following verses.

Wesley's 1-peter 2:21 Bible Commentary

2:21 Hereunto are ye - Christians. Called - To suffer wrongfully. Leaving you an example - When he went to God.That ye might follow his steps - Of innocence and patience.