3:14a

But even if: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But even if introduces the possibility that what Peter had just said might not always be true. Peter admitted that sometimes people do harm those who are eager to do good. It is not common, but the possibility does exist. Here is another way to translate this:

Yet if (Revised English Bible)

you should suffer: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as you should suffer means “(if) you do suffer.” For example:

you have to suffer (Contemporary English Version)

In some languages it may be necessary to speak of who causes the suffering. For example:

someone causes you to suffer

for what is right: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for what is right here means “for doing what is right” or “because you are doing what is right.” Here is another way to translate this phrase:

for doing what God approves (God’s Word)

you are blessed: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as you are blessed means that people who suffer for doing right are actually fortunate or to be envied, because God is pleased with them. This is the same word used in Matthew 5:3–11 and Luke 6:20–22. Refer to your translation there. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

How happy is your lot
-or-
Consider yourselves favored by God
-or-
God will do good to you

This phrase is passive. In some languages it may be necessary to use an active form. For example:

God will bless you (Contemporary English Version)

3:14b

This verse part is a quotation of Isaiah 8:12.

Do not fear what they fear: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Do not fear what they fear is literally “do not fear their fear.” There are two ways of understanding this phrase:

(1) It means “do not fear them.” For example:

Have no fear of them (Revised Standard Version)

(Good News Translation, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, NET Bible, God’s Word, Revised Standard Version)

(2) It means Do not fear what they fear. For example:

Do not fear what they fear (New Revised Standard Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New Century Version, New Revised Standard Version)

The King James Version is ambiguous, and the New Living Translation (2004) and Contemporary English Version do not translate the object “their fear.” It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) and the majority of English versions.

3:14c

do not be shaken: The meaning of this phrase is very similar to “Do not fear…” in 3:14b. Some other ways this phrase has been translated include:

don’t…be afraid of their threats (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
don’t worry about what people might do (Contemporary English Version)

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