King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 3:20 Mean?

1 Peter 3:20 in the King James Version says “Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a prep...” — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.”

1 Peter 3:20 · KJV

Salvation

Context

18

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

19

By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

20

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

21

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

22

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Read 1 Peter 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter specifies which spirits: those "which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing" (apeithēsasin pote, hote apexedecheto hē tou theou makrothymia en hēmerais Nōe kataskeuazomenēs kibōtou). These were antediluvian people who rejected Noah's preaching during ark's 120-year construction (Genesis 6-7). God's "longsuffering" (makrothymia) showed patience, delaying judgment while Noah warned. Few responded: "wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water" (eis hēn oligai, tout' estin oktō psychai, diesōthēsan di' hydatos). Only Noah's family (eight total) survived flood's judgment. This illustrates God's patience and judgment—He waits, warns, but eventually judges unrepentance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Genesis flood narrative demonstrated God's justice and mercy—judgment on wickedness, salvation for righteousness. Peter uses this as type of Christian salvation through baptism (v.21). Noah's 120-year ark-building accompanied preaching (2 Peter 2:5, "Noah, a preacher of righteousness"). Despite long warning, only eight believed. This sobering ratio shows human hardness—divine patience doesn't guarantee repentance. Early church saw flood as judgment prototype, warning of final judgment. The 'eight saved' minority theme encourages persecuted believers—few find narrow way (Matthew 7:14), but God preserves remnant.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's 'longsuffering' during Noah's time teach about His current patience with sinful world?
  2. How should the sobering reality that only eight believed despite 120-year warning affect evangelistic urgency?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ἀπειθήσασίν1 of 24

“were disobedient”

G544

to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely)

ποτε2 of 24

“Which sometime”

G4218

indefinite adverb, at some time, ever

ὅτε3 of 24

“when”

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἅπαξ4 of 24

“once”

G530

one (or a single) time (numerically or conclusively)

ἐξεδέχετο5 of 24

“waited”

G1551

to accept from some source, i.e., (by implication) to await

ἡ6 of 24
G3588

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

τοῦ7 of 24
G3588

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

θεοῦ8 of 24

“of God”

G2316

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

μακροθυμία9 of 24

“the longsuffering”

G3115

longanimity, i.e., (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude

ἐν10 of 24

“in”

G1722

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

ἡμέραις11 of 24

“the days”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

Νῶε12 of 24

“of Noah”

G3575

no, (i.e., noch), a patriarch

κατασκευαζομένης13 of 24

“was a preparing”

G2680

to prepare thoroughly (properly, by external equipment; whereas g2090 refers rather to internal fitness); by implication, to construct, create

κιβωτοῦ14 of 24

“while the ark”

G2787

a box, i.e., the sacred ark and that of noah

εἰς15 of 24

“wherein”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἣν16 of 24
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ὀλίγαι,17 of 24

“few”

G3641

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

τοῦτ'18 of 24
G5124

that thing

ἔστιν19 of 24
G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὀκτὼ20 of 24

“eight”

G3638

"eight"

ψυχαί21 of 24

“souls”

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

διεσώθησαν22 of 24

“were saved”

G1295

to save thoroughly, i.e., (by implication or analogy) to cure, preserve, rescue, etc

δι'23 of 24

“by”

G1223

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

ὕδατος24 of 24

“water”

G5204

water (as if rainy) 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 3:20 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 3:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 11:72 Peter 2:5Genesis 6:3Genesis 6:5Genesis 8:18Genesis 6:13-7:7

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