2:21a

For: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For introduces a reason why God was pleased when his people suffered patiently. Some English versions do not translate this conjunction. Introduce this verse in a way that is natural in your language.

to this you were called: The phrase to this refers back to 2:20. It refers to suffering injustice with patience. Christians are to endure suffering patiently even though they may have done no wrong.

you were called: This is passive. It was God who called Peter’s readers to endure suffering patiently. In some languages it may be natural to use an active verb and make the subject explicit:

⌊God⌋ called you

Some other ways to translate this verse part include:

This is what you were called to do (New Century Version)
-or-
God called you to endure suffering (God’s Word)

2:21b

Christ also suffered for you: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as also could be emphasizing that it was Christ who suffered. The word could be translated “even” or “indeed.” Here is another way to translate this clause:

Christ himself suffered on your behalf (Revised English Bible)

2:21c

leaving you an example: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as leaving you an example means that Christ acted as a model or pattern for us. He showed us how we should behave. Some other ways to translate this phrase include:

He is your example (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
who set an example…for you (Contemporary English Version)

2:21d

that: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as that here introduces a purpose clause. It can also be translated as:

so that
-or-
in order that

you should follow in His footsteps: The phrase follow in his footsteps is a figure of speech. It literally speaks of a person walking behind another, stepping in their footsteps. Figuratively it refers to patterning one’s life after someone else. Peter wanted his readers to act in the way Jesus Christ acted. If translating footsteps literally would make the meaning unclear in your language, you could consider translating the meaning directly. For example:

So you should do as he did. (New Century Version)

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