4:13a

But: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But introduces a contrast. Peter’s readers were to rejoice instead of being unpleasantly surprised. Here is another way to translate this word:

Rather (Good News Translation)

rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ is literally “rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ.”

rejoice: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as rejoice is a strong word that can be translated as “leap/dance for joy.” See 1:6a, where the same word occurs and is translated as:

greatly rejoice

share in the sufferings of Christ: Believers were to some extent suffering in the same way that Christ suffered. However, believers cannot completely suffer as Christ did. To the extent that believers do suffer as Christ did, they should be glad.

Some other ways this phrase has been translated include:

rejoice in so far as you share in Christ’s suffering (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Be glad for the chance to suffer as Christ suffered. (Contemporary English Version)

4:13b

so that you may be overjoyed: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as you may be overjoyed is literally “you may rejoice, being glad.” This double verb intensifies the idea that the believers were to have great joy. Some other ways overjoyed has been translated are:

full of joy (God’s Word)
-or-
wonderful joy (New Living Translation (2004))

at the revelation of His glory: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as at the revelation of His glory refers to the time when Christ will return to the earth and everyone will see his glory. The same word for “revelation” is used in 1:7e.

glory: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as glory refers to a shining brightness. This represented God’s holiness and majesty. Such glory often accompanied the appearance of God or his angels to people. Some other ways to translate glory are:

greatness
-or-
majesty

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