Keraia
1 Peter 3

1 Peter 3:6

Wives and Husbands · 1 Peter 3:1–7
Read 1 Peter 3

Translations

Modern
…just as Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear.
Traditional
Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
Literal
…as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, of whom you became children, doing good and not fearing any terror.
Latin
Sicut Sara obediebat Abrahæ, dominum eum vocans: cujus estis filiæ benefacientes, et non pertimentes ullam perturbationem.

Original

Greek
English
…just as Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear.

Notes

1 Peter 3:6

  • And called him lord: See Genesis 18:12. Peter sees this way of speaking as a sign of Sarah’s general attitude of respect toward Abraham.

  • refuse to give way to fear: Christian wives who were married to unbelieving husbands were often pressured, both subtly and openly, to give up Christian principles and values. Peter urges them to continue to do what is right.

1 Peter 3:1–7

The last of Peter’s three teachings about accepting authority speaks to wives and husbands (2:13–3:7; compare Ephesians 5:21–33; Colossians 3:18–19).

1 Peter 2:13–3:7

This section focuses on the key instruction to submit to all human authority. Peter applies this instruction to several relationships:

  • Christians should accept the authority of those in government (2:13–17).

  • Christian slaves should accept the authority of their masters (2:18–25).

  • Christian wives should accept the authority of their husbands (3:1–6).

Peter appears to follow an early Christian use of the traditional household code. This code gave a series of instructions for different members of a household. Similar examples appear in Ephesians 5:21–6:9, Colossians 3:18–4:1, 1 Timothy 5:1–6:2, and Titus 2:1–10.

Parallels

Song of Solomon 1:1–17 Ephesians 5:22–33

People

Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people Sarah: Wife of Abraham; mother of Isaac

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Descent into Hell Family Life and Relations Gentleness Letter to the Ephesians Lord Peter, First Letter of Sara Sarah

Topics

Christian Conduct: Fulfilling Domestic Duties Disobedient Wives Example: Good Family: Government of Nagging Wife Righteousness: Fruits of Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Character of Wife: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wives: Good: Sarah Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands