κλέος

glory, fame, praise

Definition

κλέος (kleos) fundamentally means 'glory,' 'fame,' or 'praise.' In classical Greek, it often referred to the glory and renown earned by heroes through great deeds, especially in epic poetry. In the New Testament, its single occurrence in 1 Peter 2:20 uses it in the sense of 'credit' or 'commendation,' specifically in the context of enduring suffering patiently. The word carries the idea of a positive report or reputation that is earned or bestowed.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Peter 2:20. Here, it is used in a conditional statement: 'For what credit (κλέος) is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.' The usage is ethical and practical, focusing on the commendation or credit one receives from God for patient endurance of unjust suffering, rather than public human acclaim.

Etymology

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *ḱlew- ('to hear'), which is also the source of the Greek verb κλύω (kluō, 'to hear') and the English word 'loud.' In Homeric Greek, κλέος was the 'glorious report' or 'fame' of a hero that was spread by being heard. Its meaning developed from the concept of 'that which is heard about someone' (rumor, report) to the positive outcome of such a report: glory, renown, or credit.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, κλέος is theologically significant in 1 Peter's discussion of Christian suffering and identity. It shifts the source of true commendation from human opinion to God's sight. A believer's 'glory' or 'credit' is not found in worldly success but in faithfully enduring hardship for doing good, which God values. This redefines honor in a counter-cultural, Christ-centered way, enriching our understanding of discipleship as seeking God's approval above all.

In the Greco-Roman honor-shame culture, κλέος represented the high social value of public reputation and glory, often won through competition, wealth, or power. The New Testament's use subverts this by applying the term to the patient endurance of a marginalized Christian slave or servant. The 'credit' comes not from public victory but from private faithfulness to God in the face of injustice, presenting a radically different value system.

δόξα (doxa, G1391) — more common NT word for 'glory,' often denoting divine splendor and radiance, whereas κλέος emphasizes earned reputation or report. ἔπαινος (epainos, G1868) — means 'praise' or 'approval,' often as an expression given, similar to the 'credit' sense of κλέος.

Word Details

Scripture References