1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

◄ 1 Peter 3:12 ►

New International Version
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

New Living Translation
The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil.”

English Standard Version
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Berean Standard Bible
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Berean Literal Bible
Because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears toward their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those doing evil."

King James Bible
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

New King James Version
For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.”

New American Standard Bible
“FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST EVILDOERS.”

NASB 1995
“FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL.”

NASB 1977
“FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE UPON THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL.”

Legacy Standard Bible
FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL.”

Amplified Bible
“FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE [looking favorably] UPON THE RIGHTEOUS (the upright), AND HIS EARS ARE ATTENTIVE TO THEIR PRAYER (eager to answer), BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO PRACTICE EVIL.”

Christian Standard Bible
because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do what is evil.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their request. But the face of the Lord is against those who do what is evil.

American Standard Version
For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And his ears unto their supplication: But the face of the Lord is upon them that do evil.

Contemporary English Version
The Lord watches over everyone who obeys him, and he listens to their prayers. But he opposes everyone who does evil."

English Revised Version
For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And his ears unto their supplication: But the face of the Lord is upon them that do evil.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Lord's eyes are on those who do what he approves. His ears hear their prayer. The Lord confronts those who do evil."

Good News Translation
For the Lord watches over the righteous and listens to their prayers; but he opposes those who do evil."

International Standard Version
For the Lord watches the righteous, and he pays attention to their prayers. But the Lord opposes those who do wrong."

Majority Standard Bible
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

NET Bible
For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer. But the Lord's face is against those who do evil.

New Heart English Bible
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Webster's Bible Translation
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

Weymouth New Testament
For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open to their supplication; but the face of the Lord is set against evil-doers."

World English Bible
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
because the eyes of the LORD [are] on the righteous, and His ears—to their supplication, but the face of the LORD [is] against those doing evil”;

Berean Literal Bible
Because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears toward their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those doing evil."

Young's Literal Translation
because the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears -- to their supplication, and the face of the Lord is upon those doing evil;'

Smith's Literal Translation
For the eyes of the Lord upon the just, and his ears to their prayer: and the face of the Lord against them doing evil.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Because the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears unto their prayers: but the countenance of the Lord upon them that do evil things.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears are with their prayers, but the countenance of the Lord is upon those who do evil.

New American Bible
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears turned to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against evildoers.”

New Revised Standard Version
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers, but the countenance of the LORD is against the wicked.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Because the eyes of THE LORD JEHOVAH are upon the righteous and his ears hear them; the face of the Lord is against the evil.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry: but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

Godbey New Testament
because the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry: but the face of the Lord is against those doing evil.

Haweis New Testament
For the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against those who practise wicked things.

Mace New Testament
for the eyes of the Lord are upon the virtuous, and his ears attend to their prayers, but the wicked he discountenances."

Weymouth New Testament
For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open to their supplication; but the face of the Lord is set against evil-doers."

Worrell New Testament
because the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are toward their supplication; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Worsley New Testament
let him seek peace, and pursue it: for the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil."

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Turning from Evil
…11He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 13Who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good?…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Psalm 34:15-16
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry. / But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to wipe out all memory of them from the earth.

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.

Proverbs 15:29
The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.

John 9:31
We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will.

2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.”

Proverbs 15:3
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.

Isaiah 59:2
But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.

Psalm 66:18-19
If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. / But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer.

James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Psalm 145:18-19
The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth. / He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them.

Proverbs 28:9
Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.

Isaiah 1:15
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.

Jeremiah 29:12-13
Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. / You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Treasury of Scripture

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

the eyes.

Deuteronomy 11:12
A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.

2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Psalm 11:4
The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

his ears.

2 Chronicles 7:15
Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.

Psalm 65:2
O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

Proverbs 15:8,29
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight…

but.

Leviticus 17:10
And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people.

Leviticus 20:3,6
And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name…

Leviticus 26:17
And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.

against.

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1 Peter 3

1. He teaches the duty of wives and husbands to each other;
8. exhorting all men to unity and love;
14. and to suffer persecution.
19. He declares also the benefits of Christ toward the old world.

Berean Study Bible

For the eyes of the Lord
The phrase "the eyes of the Lord" is a powerful anthropomorphism, attributing human characteristics to God to convey His omniscience and watchfulness. In the Greek, "ophthalmoi" (eyes) signifies not just physical sight but a deep, penetrating awareness. This reflects the biblical truth that God is all-seeing and all-knowing, as seen in Proverbs 15:3, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." This is a comforting assurance for believers, knowing that God is intimately aware of their lives and circumstances.

are on the righteous
The term "righteous" (Greek: "dikaios") refers to those who are in right standing with God, not by their own merit but through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is both imputed and imparted, meaning believers are declared righteous through Christ's sacrifice and are also called to live righteously. The historical context of Peter's letter, written to Christians facing persecution, underscores the encouragement that God is attentive to those who strive to live according to His will.

and His ears are inclined to their prayer
The imagery of God's ears being "inclined" (Greek: "eisakouei") suggests an active, attentive listening. This is not a passive hearing but a readiness to respond. In the ancient Near Eastern context, gods were often seen as distant and unapproachable, but the God of Israel is depicted as personal and relational. This assurance is echoed in Psalm 34:15, reinforcing the idea that God is eager to hear the prayers of His people, especially in times of distress.

But the face of the Lord
"Face" (Greek: "prosopon") in biblical terms often signifies presence and favor. However, when turned against someone, it indicates disfavor and judgment. The "face of the Lord" being against someone is a serious matter, as it implies divine opposition. This is a sobering reminder of God's holiness and justice, as seen in passages like Leviticus 20:6, where God sets His face against those who turn to other gods.

is against those who do evil
"Evil" (Greek: "kakopoios") refers to actions that are morally wrong and contrary to God's nature. The historical context of Peter's audience, who were surrounded by pagan practices and persecution, highlights the stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked. This phrase serves as both a warning and a call to repentance, emphasizing that God's justice will ultimately prevail. It aligns with the broader biblical narrative that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(12) For.--Or, Because. In the Psalm there is no such connecting particle, but it is involved in the juxtaposition. The sense that the Lord's eyes are over you is a sufficient reason for self-restraint under provocation: especially, perhaps, when we see that by "the Lord" St. Peter understands Jesus Christ. That this is the case is clear from his use of the same Psalm in 1Peter 2:3. If Christ, the model of meekness under persecution (1Peter 2:23), is watching, we not only need no passionate self-defence, but should be ashamed to use it. Was St. Peter thinking how once, while he himself was cursing and swearing at those who accused him of being a Christian, he felt the eyes of the Lord turn upon him? The thought of His eyes being over Us is chiefly that of guardianship.

Open unto their prayers.--Rather, are towards their prayer--i.e., directed towards it. Here, as in 1Peter 2:3, the Prayer Book version has influenced our translation.

Against them that do evil.--There is no difference in the Greek between this preposition and that just rendered "over." But the countenance of the Lord is over them that do evil things. He marks what they are doing. This is sufficient comfort when men injure us (1Peter 2:23); sufficient warning not to injure in return. It is instructive now to turn and see the circumstances in which this lovely Psalm was composed. The moment was one of David's extremest peril among an infuriated heathen population. The danger and dread he was in are shown in Psalms 56. Yet nothing can be brighter and more serene than Psalms 34. He had obtained life and days; and it was all through confidence in God on the one hand, and inoffensive self-submission on the other. Had he used violence--"shown spirit," as we say--like the "young lions," he would have come worse off. It seems to be for this cause that St. Peter deemed the Psalm so appropriate to his readers, misjudged and suspiciously watched (Psalm 56:5-6) by unbelievers, who only waited the opportunity to shed their blood (Psalm 56:1-2). But the striking change is that, whereas David's trust in Jehovah was a trust simply in the Eternal Being without distinction of Persons, St. Peter bids the Hebrews of Asia read that Psalm into an act of faith in Jesus. We shall see the same thing in 1Peter 3:15, as we saw it in 1Peter 2:3. The force of the change will be felt by any one who reads through that Psalm, substituting (like the Rheims version) "our Lord" for "the Lord." . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 12. - For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers. The apostle adds the conjunction "for" (ὅτι, because) to mark the connection. God's people must turn away from evil and do good, because the all-seeing eye is upon them; they will find strength to do so, because God heareth prayer. Perhaps when the apostle was writing these words he remembered how once "the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter." But the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. The preposition in the two clauses is the same (ἐπί, over, or upon). The Lord's eye is upon the good and the evil. The apostle omits the words that follow in the psalm, "to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth," perhaps because he wishes us to regard the spiritual rather than the temporal consequences of our actions.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

For
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

[the] eyes
ὀφθαλμοὶ (ophthalmoi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3788: The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.

of [the] Lord
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

[are] on
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

[the] righteous,
δικαίους (dikaious)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1342: From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

ears
ὦτα (ōta)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3775: (a) the ear, (b) met: the faculty of perception. Apparently a primary word; the ear.

are inclined to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

their
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

prayer.
δέησιν (deēsin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1162: Supplication, prayer, entreaty. From deomai; a petition.

But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[the] face
πρόσωπον (prosōpon)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4383: From pros and ops; the front, i.e. The countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person.

of [the] Lord
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

[is] against
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

those who do
ποιοῦντας (poiountas)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

evil.”
κακά (kaka)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2556: Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.

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NT Letters: 1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet)