King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 3:6 Mean?

1 Peter 3:6 in the King James Version says “Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with a... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Peter 3:6 · KJV


Context

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

7

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

8

Finally , be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: love as: or, loving to the


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter cites Sarah as exemplary holy woman. "Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord" (hōs Sarra hypēkousen tō Abraam, kyrion auton kalousa)—referencing Genesis 18:12 where Sarah, speaking of Abraham, used term of respect. "Obeyed" (hypēkousen) indicates submission to Abraham's leadership. "Calling him lord" showed respect, honor. Peter applies this: "whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well" (hēs egenēthēte tekna agathopoiousai)—Christian women are Sarah's spiritual daughters when they follow her example of godly conduct. The encouragement: "and are not afraid with any amazement" (kai mē phoboumenai mēdemian ptoēsin)—don't give way to fear or intimidation. Trusting God produces courage, not anxiety.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sarah, despite imperfections (laughing at God's promise, Hagar situation), demonstrated faith and appropriate submission to Abraham. Peter doesn't endorse her failures but highlights her virtues. The phrase 'calling him lord' shocked modern readers but reflected ancient respectful address (like 'sir'). Peter's point: godly women trust God, respect husbands, and live courageously without fear. Early church taught that spiritual daughterhood of Sarah comes through faith and godly conduct, not mere ethnicity. The 'fear not' element is crucial—godly submission isn't cowardice but courageous faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does being Sarah's 'daughter' through faith and godly conduct (not mere ethnicity) shape your identity?
  2. What does it mean to live without 'fear' while trusting God in difficult circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ὡς1 of 17

Even as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

Σάῤῥα2 of 17

Sara

G4564

sarra (i.e., sarah), the wife of abraham

ὑπήκουσεν3 of 17

obeyed

G5219

to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority

τῷ4 of 17
G3588

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

Ἀβραάμ5 of 17

Abraham

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

κύριον6 of 17

lord

G2962

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

αὐτὸν7 of 17

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καλοῦσα8 of 17

calling

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

ἧς9 of 17

whose

G3739

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

ἐγενήθητε10 of 17

ye are

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

τέκνα11 of 17

daughters

G5043

a child (as produced)

ἀγαθοποιοῦσαι12 of 17

as long as ye do well

G15

to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)

καὶ13 of 17

and

G2532

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

μὴ14 of 17

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

φοβούμεναι15 of 17

afraid

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

μηδεμίαν16 of 17

with any

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

πτόησιν17 of 17

amazement

G4423

alarm


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 3:6 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 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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