King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 3:15 Mean?

1 Peter 3:15 in the King James Version says “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: fear: or, reverence

1 Peter 3:15 · KJV


Context

13

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

14

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: fear: or, reverence

16

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

17

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command "sanctify the Lord God in your hearts" (kyrion de ton Christon hagiasate en tais kardiais hymōn) means to set apart Christ as Lord, enthroning Him as supreme authority over every area of life, especially when facing opposition. This inward lordship produces outward readiness: "always ready" (hetoimos aei) indicates constant preparedness, not occasional convenience. The Greek apologia (defense/answer) is the legal term for formal courtroom defense, suggesting reasoned explanation rather than mere testimony. Believers must give account (logon, rational explanation) for "the hope that is in you"—not just doctrinal beliefs but the living hope of resurrection and eternal inheritance (1:3-4) that sustains Christians through suffering. Critically, this apologetic witness must be delivered "with meekness and fear" (meta prautētos kai phobou)—gentleness toward opponents and reverence toward God—avoiding arrogant triumphalism. The balanced approach combines intellectual rigor, personal conviction, and Christlike humility, making the gospel attractive even when its content offends.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the context of Roman persecution (AD 62-64), Christians faced hostile interrogation from authorities, skeptical questioning from neighbors, and accusations of atheism, disloyalty, and antisocial behavior. Peter's command prepares believers for both informal conversations and formal legal proceedings, where inadequate answers could mean death. The emphasis on "meekness and fear" counters the temptation to respond defensively or disrespectfully to persecutors, maintaining Christian witness even under duress. Early Christian apologists like Justin Martyr and Tertullian exemplified this balance of reasoned defense and humble deportment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific objections or questions about your faith do you encounter most frequently, and how prepared are you to give thoughtful, Scripture-based answers?
  2. How can you maintain the balance between bold truth-telling and gentle humility when defending the faith, especially with hostile questioners?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
κύριον1 of 28

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

δὲ2 of 28

But

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸν3 of 28
G3588

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

Θεὸν4 of 28

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἁγιάσατε5 of 28

sanctify

G37

to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate

ἐν6 of 28

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ταῖς7 of 28
G3588

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

καρδίαις8 of 28

hearts

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

ὑμῶν9 of 28

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἕτοιμοι10 of 28

be ready

G2092

adjusted, i.e., ready

δὲ11 of 28

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀεὶ12 of 28

always

G104

"ever," by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly

πρὸς13 of 28

to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ἀπολογίαν14 of 28

give an answer

G627

a plea ("apology")

παντὶ15 of 28

to every man

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῷ16 of 28
G3588

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

αἰτοῦντι17 of 28

that asketh

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

ὑμᾶς18 of 28

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

λόγον19 of 28

a reason

G3056

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

περὶ20 of 28

of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τῆς21 of 28
G3588

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

ἐν22 of 28

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὑμῖν23 of 28

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἐλπίδος24 of 28

the hope

G1680

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

μετά25 of 28

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

πρᾳΰτητος26 of 28

meekness

G4240

mildness, i.e., (by implication) humility

καί27 of 28

and

G2532

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

φόβου28 of 28

fear

G5401

alarm or fright


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 3:15 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 3:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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