King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 3:1 Mean?

1 Peter 3:1 in the King James Version says “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the wor... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

1 Peter 3:1 · KJV


Context

1

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

2

While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

3

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter addresses Christian wives married to unbelieving husbands. "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands" (homoiōs gynaikes hypotassomenai tois idiois andrasin)—voluntary submission (same word used for citizen's submission to government, 2:13). The challenging situation: "that, if any obey not the word" (hina kai ei tines apeithous in tō logō)—pagan husbands disobedient to gospel. The evangelistic strategy: "they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives" (dia tēs tōn gynaikōn anastrophēs aneu logou kerdēthēsontai). Christian witness through conduct, not preaching, may win husbands to Christ. Silent godly living speaks louder than words.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Roman household structure, husbands had absolute authority (patria potestas). Wives converting to Christianity without husbands' consent risked severe consequences—divorce, violence, loss of children. Peter offers realistic counsel: maintain submission and godly conduct; let lifestyle witness speak. This strategy proved effective—Tertullian notes many pagans converted by observing Christian spouses' character. The phrase 'without the word' doesn't prohibit verbal witness but emphasizes conduct's priority when words are rejected or unwelcome.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can Christian wives (or any believers in difficult relationships) maintain godly witness when verbal gospel sharing is rejected or prohibited?
  2. What does submission 'to your own husband' mean in context of ultimate submission to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Ὁμοίως1 of 22

Likewise

G3668

similarly

αἱ2 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γυναικῶν3 of 22

of the wives

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ὑποτασσόμεναι4 of 22

be in subjection

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

τοῖς5 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἰδίοις6 of 22

to your own

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

ἀνδράσιν7 of 22

husbands

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἵνα8 of 22

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καὶ9 of 22

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἴ10 of 22
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τινες11 of 22
G5100

some or any person or object

ἀπειθοῦσιν12 of 22

obey not

G544

to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely)

τῷ13 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγου14 of 22

the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

διὰ15 of 22

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς16 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τῶν17 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γυναικῶν18 of 22

of the wives

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἀναστροφῆς19 of 22

the conversation

G391

behavior

ἄνευ20 of 22

without

G427

without

λόγου21 of 22

the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

κερδηθήσωνται22 of 22

be won

G2770

to gain (literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Peter. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Peter 3:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Peter 3:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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