1 Peter 4:13 Meaning: Why Rejoice When You Suffer?
But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.
but, according as ye have fellowship with the sufferings of the Christ, rejoice ye, that also in the revelation of his glory ye may rejoice--exulting;
but as ye have share in the sufferings of Christ, rejoice, that in the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exultation.
Meaning in one sentence
1 Peter 4:13 calls believers to rejoice in suffering because we share in Christ's sufferings and will share inm His glory when He is revealed.
Context
Peter is writing to Christians scattered across Asia Minor, people who face hostility for their faith. In the verses just before, he told them not to be surprised at the fiery trial that tests them, as though something strange were happening. Now he gives the reason they can face it differently: their suffering is not just random hardship. It is participation in something far larger. The whole letter has been building toward this hope, the living hope of resurrection, the inheritance that does not fade, and the coming of Christ when all will be made right. This verse sits at the heart of Peter’s pastoral strategy: he does not tell them to grit their teeth and endure. He tells them to rejoice.
Key Words
Three Greek words carry the weight here. The verb behind you are partakers is koinōneō. It means to share in something, to have a common part. In everyday Greek it described business partners sharing profits. But Peter uses it for something far more intimate: you share in the very sufferings of Christ. This is not just sympathy from a distance. It is a real connection.
The word for revelation is apokalupsis, which means an unveiling, pulling back a curtain. At present, Christ's glory is hidden. But one day the curtain will be drawn back and everyone will see him as he is. That day is the anchor of Peter’s command.
Then comes agalliaō, the verb for exulting. This is not ordinary happiness. It is the kind of joy that leaps up, that bursts out. Peter doubles the language: you will rejoice with exulting joy. He is saying the future gladness will be so full that it overwhelms everything else. The suffering is real, but the joy is realer.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have treasured this verse for its unexpected comfort. Reformed commentators like John Calvin emphasized the two kinds of joy: a present joy mingled with sorrow, and a future joy that is pure exultation. He called the hope of glory the whole consolation of the godly. Catholic interpreters have long read this verse through the lens of sharing in Christ’s redemptive suffering, seeing it as a participation in his work. More recent evangelical voices echo Matthew Henry, who noted that the repetition of comfort in suffering throughout the letter shows how central this theme is. All point to the same truth: the pain is not the end of the story.
A common misunderstanding
Some assume this verse means all suffering automatically counts as sharing in Christ’s sufferings. They might think any hard time, financial trouble, illness, family conflict, is God’s way of giving them a share in the cross. In fact, Peter makes a clear distinction two verses later: don’t suffer as a murderer, thief, or meddler. The suffering that connects you to Christ is specifically suffering that comes because of your faith, insults, rejection, persecution for his name. Not every hardship is a badge of discipleship.
Living This Out
This week, if you face pushback for your faith, a dismissive comment at work, a family member who mocks your convictions, a quiet exclusion because you follow Jesus, you have a choice. You can see it as an interruption, or you can see it as a connection. Peter says that when that pushback comes, you are sharing in something Christ himself experienced. Instead of letting it crush you, let it remind you that you belong to him. And let the certainty of his return, when every wrong will be made right, lighten your heart today.
Main takeaway: When we suffer for Christ, we share in his suffering now and can be sure we will share in his joy when he returns.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Sometimes people are mean because you love Jesus. That is hard. But Jesus went through hard things too, and one day He will come back and everything will be so happy you will jump for joy.
For ages 9, 12
If you get teased or left out because you follow Jesus, it really hurts. But the Bible says that hurt actually connects you to Jesus, because he went through worse. And the best part is coming: one day Jesus will return and show everyone how wonderful he is, and all the hard stuff will feel very small next to that huge joy.
Questions People Ask
What does it mean to be a partaker of Christ's sufferings?
It means sharing in the kind of suffering Jesus experienced, rejection, mockery, pain that comes because you belong to him. It is not about earning salvation but about being united with him so closely that his experiences become yours. Christians across traditions see this as both a comfort and a sign of belonging.
How can I rejoice when I'm suffering?
Peter isn't saying you have to fake happiness or ignore the pain. The joy comes from looking beyond the present moment to the certainty of Christ's return. When you know the story ends with resurrection and glory, the suffering becomes bearable, and even meaningful, because it connects you to Jesus.
What is the 'revelation of his glory'?
It refers to the day when Jesus Christ returns in power and majesty, and every eye will see him as he truly is. That event is the Christian hope, the moment when all wrongs are made right, and believers share in his glory. Many traditions understand it as the Second Coming and the final judgment.
Does this verse mean I should seek out suffering?
No. Peter is not telling believers to look for trouble. He is writing to people who are already facing persecution for their faith. The command to rejoice is about how to respond when suffering comes because of your allegiance to Christ, not a call to pursue hardship. Other Scriptures make clear that we are to live peacefully as much as possible.
What is 'exceeding joy' or 'exulting'?
The Greek word agalliaō means a joyful leap, an exuberant, outward celebration. It is the kind of joy that fills you so full it overflows. Peter uses it to describe the joy at Christ's return, a happiness beyond what we can imagine now, free from all sorrow.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study