1 Peter 3:1-22
3 In like manner,+ YOU wives, be in subjection+ to YOUR own husbands, in order that, if any are not obedient+ to the word, they may be won*+ without a word* through the conduct of [their] wives,+
2 because of having been eyewitnesses of YOUR chaste conduct+ together with deep respect.
3 And do not let YOUR adornment be that of the external braiding of the hair+ and of the putting on of gold ornaments+ or the wearing of outer garments,
4 but let it be the secret person*+ of the heart in the incorruptible [apparel]+ of the quiet and mild spirit,+ which is of great value in the eyes of God.
5 For so, too, formerly the holy women* who were hoping in God used to adorn themselves, subjecting themselves to their own husbands,
6 as Sarah used to obey Abraham, calling him “lord.”+ And YOU have become her children, provided YOU keep on doing good and not fearing any cause for terror.+
7 YOU husbands, continue dwelling in like manner+ with them according to knowledge,+ assigning them honor+ as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one, since YOU are also heirs+ with them of the undeserved favor of life, in order for YOUR prayers not to be hindered.+
8 Finally, all of YOU be like-minded,+ showing fellow feeling,* having brotherly affection, tenderly compassionate,+ humble in mind,+
9 not paying back injury for injury+ or reviling for reviling,+ but, to the contrary, bestowing a blessing,+ because YOU were called to this [course], so that YOU might inherit a blessing.
10 For, “he that would love life and see good days,+ let him restrain his tongue+ from what is bad and [his] lips from speaking deception,+
11 but let him turn away from what is bad+ and do what is good; let him seek peace and pursue it.+
12 For [the] eyes+ of Jehovah* are upon the righteous ones, and his ears are toward their supplication;+ but [the] face of Jehovah* is against those doing bad things.”+
13 Indeed, who is the man that will harm YOU if YOU become zealous for what is good?+
14 But even if YOU should suffer for the sake of righteousness, YOU are happy.+ However, the object of their fear do not YOU fear,+ neither become agitated.+
15 But sanctify the Christ as Lord* in YOUR hearts,+ always ready to make a defense+ before everyone that demands of YOU a reason for the hope in YOU, but doing so together with a mild temper+ and deep respect.*
16 Hold a good conscience,+ so that in the particular in which YOU are spoken against they may get ashamed+ who are speaking slightingly of YOUR good conduct in connection with Christ.+
17 For it is better to suffer because YOU are doing good,+ if the will of God wishes it, than because YOU are doing evil.+
18 Why, even Christ died once for all time concerning sins,+ a righteous [person] for unrighteous ones,+ that he might lead YOU to God,+ he being put to death in the flesh,+ but being made alive in the spirit.+
19 In this [state] also he went his way and preached* to the spirits in prison,+
20 who had once been disobedient+ when the patience of God+ was waiting in Noah’s days, while the ark was being constructed,+ in which a few people, that is, eight souls, were carried safely through the water.+
21 That which corresponds to this* is also now saving YOU,+ namely, baptism, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the request made to God for a good conscience,)+ through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.+
22 He is at God’s right hand,+ for he went his way to heaven; and angels+ and authorities and powers were made subject to him.+
Footnotes
^ “They may be won,” אABVg; Syp, “you may win them”; J18, “you may win them to Jehovah.”
^ Or, “the word.”
^ Or, “the secret man.” Lit., “the hidden man.”
^ Or, “wives.”
^ “Showing fellow feeling.” Lit., “sympathetic.” Gr., sym·pa·theisʹ.
^ See App 1D.
^ See App 1D.
^ “The Christ as Lord,” אABC; TR, “the Lord God”; J7,8,11-14,16,17,24, “Jehovah God.”
^ Lit., “fear.”
^ Lit., “Which thing as an antitype.” Gr., ho . . . an·tiʹty·pon.
