King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 3:4 Mean?

1 Peter 3:4 in the King James Version says “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spiri... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

1 Peter 3:4 · KJV


Context

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;

4

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

5

For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

6

Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. daughters: Gr. children


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter describes true beauty's source. "But let it be the hidden man of the heart" (all' ho kryptos tēs kardias anthrōpos)—the inner person, heart's unseen character. The quality: "in that which is not corruptible" (en tō aphthartō)—imperishable, unlike external beauty that fades. The description: "even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit" (tou praeōs kai hēsychiou pneumatos). "Meek" (praeōs) is gentle, humble, not assertive or domineering. "Quiet" (hēsychiou) is tranquil, peaceful, not anxious or contentious. This spirit is "in the sight of God of great price" (ho estin enōpion tou theou polyteles)—precious, valuable, costly in God's eyes, though world may despise it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient world valued assertiveness, self-promotion, status. Peter elevates opposite virtues—meekness, quietness. These aren't weakness but Spirit-produced character reflecting Christ (Matthew 11:29). This radically challenged cultural values. God prizes what humans often despise—humble, gentle spirit over proud, assertive personality. This applies to men and women, though context addresses wives specifically. Early church's elevation of formerly despised virtues (humility, meekness, servanthood) demonstrated Christianity's counter-cultural nature.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing God values 'meek and quiet spirit' as precious challenge your pursuit of worldly assertiveness or recognition?
  2. What's the difference between 'meekness' (biblical virtue) and 'weakness' (human failure)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἀλλ'1 of 20

But

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

2 of 20
G3588

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

κρυπτὸς3 of 20

let it be the hidden

G2927

concealed, i.e., private

τῆς4 of 20
G3588

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

καρδίας5 of 20

of the heart

G2588

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

ἄνθρωπος6 of 20

man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐν7 of 20

in

G1722

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

τῷ8 of 20
G3588

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

ἀφθάρτῳ9 of 20

that which is not corruptible

G862

undecaying (in essence or continuance)

τοῦ10 of 20
G3588

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

πρᾳέος11 of 20

even the ornament of a meek

G4239

mild, i.e., (by implication) humble

καὶ12 of 20

and

G2532

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

ἡσυχίου13 of 20

quiet

G2272

properly, keeping one's seat (sedentary), i.e., (by implication) still (undisturbed, undisturbing)

πνεύματος14 of 20

spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

15 of 20

which

G3739

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

ἐστιν16 of 20

is

G2076

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

ἐνώπιον17 of 20

in the sight

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ18 of 20
G3588

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

θεοῦ19 of 20

of God

G2316

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

πολυτελές20 of 20

of great price

G4185

extremely expensive


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 3:4 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 3:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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