Passage Resources Hebrew/Greek Your Content
Previous Next
Add parallel Print Page Options Listen to 1 Peter 3-5
Close NASB

1 Peter 3-5
New American Standard Bible

Godly Living

3 (A)In the same way, you wives, (B)be subject to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be (C)won over without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your pure [a]and respectful behavior. 3 (D)Your adornment must not be merely the external—braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or putting on apparel; 4 but it should be (E)the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this way the holy women of former times, (F)who hoped in God, also used to adorn themselves, being subject to their own husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, (G)calling him lord; and you have proved to be her children if you do what is right [b](H)without being frightened by any fear.

7 (I)You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with [c](J)someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

8 [d]To sum up, (K)all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, [e](L)loving, (M)compassionate, and (N)humble; 9 (O)not returning evil for evil or (P)insult for insult, but giving a (Q)blessing instead; for (R)you were called for the very purpose that you would (S)inherit a blessing. 10 For,

“(T)The one who desires life, to love and see good days,
Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.
11 (U)He must turn away from evil and do good;
He must seek peace and pursue it.
12 (V)For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous,
And His ears attend to their prayer,
But the face of the Lord is against evildoers.”

13 (W)And who is [f]there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should (X)suffer for the sake of righteousness, (Y)you [g]are blessed. (Z)And do not fear their [h]intimidation, and do not be in dread, 15 but [i]sanctify (AA)Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready (AB)to make a [j]defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the (AC)hope that is in you, but (AD)with gentleness and (AE)respect; 16 [k]and keep a (AF)good conscience so that in the thing in which (AG)you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For (AH)it is better, (AI)if [l]God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 18 For (AJ)Christ also [m]suffered for sins (AK)once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might (AL)bring us to God, having been put to death (AM)in the flesh, but made alive (AN)in the [n]spirit; 19 in [o]which He also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20 who once were disobedient when the (AO)patience of God (AP)kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of (AQ)the ark, in which a few, that is, (AR)eight (AS)persons, were brought safely through the water. 21 (AT)Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—(AU)not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God [p]for a (AV)good conscience—through (AW)the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 (AX)who is at the right hand of God, (AY)having gone into heaven, (AZ)after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.

Keep Fervent in Your Love

4 Therefore, since (BA)Christ has [q]suffered in the flesh, (BB)arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because (BC)the one who has [r]suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 (BD)so as to live (BE)the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the (BF)will of God. 3 For (BG)the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, [s](BH)having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries. 4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them in the same excesses of (BI)[t]debauchery, and they (BJ)slander you; 5 but they will give an account to Him who is ready to judge (BK)the living and the dead. 6 For (BL)the gospel has for this purpose been [u]preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as people, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.

7 (BM)The end of all things [v]is near; therefore, (BN)be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of [w]prayer. 8 Above all, (BO)keep fervent in your love for one another, because (BP)love covers a multitude of sins. 9 (BQ)Be hospitable to one another without (BR)complaint. 10 (BS)As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good (BT)stewards of the [x]multifaceted grace of God. 11 (BU)Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking (BV)actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving [y](BW)by the strength which God supplies; so that (BX)in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, (BY)to whom belongs the glory and [z]dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Share the Sufferings of Christ

12 (BZ)Beloved, do not be surprised at the (CA)fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you (CB)share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the (CC)revelation of His glory (CD)you may also rejoice and be overjoyed. 14 If you are insulted [aa](CE)for the name of Christ, (CF)you are blessed, (CG)because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you. 15 Make sure that (CH)none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a [ab](CI)troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a (CJ)Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to (CK)glorify God in this name. 17 For it is time for judgment (CL)to begin [ac]with (CM)the household of God; and if it (CN)begins [ad]with us first, what will be the outcome for those (CO)who do not obey the (CP)gospel of God? 18 (CQ)And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, [ae]what will become of the (CR)godless man and the sinner? 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to (CS)the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

Serve God Willingly

5 (CT)Therefore, I urge elders among you, as your (CU)fellow elder and a (CV)witness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who is also a [af](CW)fellow partaker of the glory that is to be revealed: 2 shepherd (CX)the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, (CY)not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and (CZ)not [ag]with greed but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as (DA)domineering over [ah]those assigned to your care, but by [ai]proving to be [aj](DB)examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief (DC)Shepherd appears, you will receive the (DD)unfading [ak](DE)crown of glory. 5 (DF)You [al]younger men, likewise, (DG)be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with (DH)humility toward one another, because (DI)God is opposed to the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.

6 Therefore (DJ)humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 having cast all your (DK)anxiety on Him, because He cares about you. 8 (DL)Be of sober spirit, (DM)be on the alert. Your adversary, (DN)the devil, prowls around like a roaring (DO)lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 [am](DP)So resist him, (DQ)firm in your faith, knowing that (DR)the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your [an]brothers and sisters who are in the world. 10 After you have suffered (DS)for a little while, the (DT)God of all grace, who (DU)called you to His (DV)eternal glory in Christ, will Himself (DW)perfect, (DX)confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 (DY)To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.

12 Through (DZ)Silvanus, our faithful brother [ao](for so I regard him), (EA)I have written to you briefly, [ap]exhorting and testifying that this is (EB)the true grace of God. (EC)Stand firm in it! 13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, (ED)Mark. 14 (EE)Greet one another with a kiss of love.

(EF)Peace be to you all who are in Christ.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 3:2 Lit with respect
  2. 1 Peter 3:6 Lit and are not
  3. 1 Peter 3:7 Lit a weaker vessel
  4. 1 Peter 3:8 Or Finally
  5. 1 Peter 3:8 I.e., as brothers and sisters
  6. 1 Peter 3:13 Lit the one who will harm you
  7. 1 Peter 3:14 Or would be
  8. 1 Peter 3:14 Lit fear
  9. 1 Peter 3:15 I.e., set apart
  10. 1 Peter 3:15 Or argument; or explanation
  11. 1 Peter 3:16 Lit having a good
  12. 1 Peter 3:17 Lit the will of God
  13. 1 Peter 3:18 One early ms died
  14. 1 Peter 3:18 Or Spirit
  15. 1 Peter 3:19 Or whom
  16. 1 Peter 3:21 Or from
  17. 1 Peter 4:1 I.e., suffered death
  18. 1 Peter 4:1 I.e., suffered death
  19. 1 Peter 4:3 Lit having gone in
  20. 1 Peter 4:4 Or reckless abandon
  21. 1 Peter 4:6 I.e., preached in their lifetimes
  22. 1 Peter 4:7 Lit has come near
  23. 1 Peter 4:7 Lit prayers
  24. 1 Peter 4:10 Or manifold
  25. 1 Peter 4:11 Lit from
  26. 1 Peter 4:11 Or power
  27. 1 Peter 4:14 Lit in
  28. 1 Peter 4:15 Lit one who oversees others’ affairs
  29. 1 Peter 4:17 Lit from
  30. 1 Peter 4:17 Lit from
  31. 1 Peter 4:18 Lit where will appear
  32. 1 Peter 5:1 Or partner in
  33. 1 Peter 5:2 Or for dishonest gain
  34. 1 Peter 5:3 Lit the allotments
  35. 1 Peter 5:3 Or becoming examples
  36. 1 Peter 5:3 Or role models
  37. 1 Peter 5:4 Lit wreath
  38. 1 Peter 5:5 Or young people
  39. 1 Peter 5:9 Lit Whom resist
  40. 1 Peter 5:9 Lit fellowship
  41. 1 Peter 5:12 Lit (as I consider)
  42. 1 Peter 5:12 Or encouraging
Listen to 1 Peter 3-5
Close NIV

1 Peter 3-5
New International Version

3 Wives, in the same way submit yourselves(A) to your own husbands(B) so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over(C) without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.(D) 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self,(E) the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.(F) 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God(G) used to adorn themselves.(H) They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord.(I) You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

7 Husbands,(J) in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Suffering for Doing Good

8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded,(K) be sympathetic, love one another,(L) be compassionate and humble.(M) 9 Do not repay evil with evil(N) or insult with insult.(O) On the contrary, repay evil with blessing,(P) because to this(Q) you were called(R) so that you may inherit a blessing.(S) 10 For,

“Whoever would love life
    and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
    and their lips from deceitful speech.
11 They must turn from evil and do good;
    they must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”[a](T)

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?(U) 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.(V) “Do not fear their threats[b]; do not be frightened.”[c](W) 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer(X) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope(Y) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience,(Z) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.(AA) 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will,(AB) to suffer for doing good(AC) than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once(AD) for sins,(AE) the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.(AF) He was put to death in the body(AG) but made alive in the Spirit.(AH) 19 After being made alive,[d] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits(AI)— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently(AJ) in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.(AK) In it only a few people, eight in all,(AL) were saved(AM) through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you(AN) also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience(AO) toward God.[e] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,(AP) 22 who has gone into heaven(AQ) and is at God’s right hand(AR)—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.(AS)

Living for God

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,(AT) arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.(AU) 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,(AV) but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past(AW) doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.(AX) 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.(AY) 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.(AZ) 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,(BA) so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

7 The end of all things is near.(BB) Therefore be alert and of sober mind(BC) so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply,(BD) because love covers over a multitude of sins.(BE) 9 Offer hospitality(BF) to one another without grumbling.(BG) 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,(BH) as faithful(BI) stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.(BJ) If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,(BK) so that in all things God may be praised(BL) through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.(BM)

Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you(BN) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice(BO) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,(BP) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.(BQ) 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,(BR) you are blessed,(BS) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.(BT) 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;(BU) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?(BV) 18 And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[f](BW)

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will(BX) should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

To the Elders and the Flock

5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder(BY) and a witness(BZ) of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:(CA) 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock(CB) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;(CC) not pursuing dishonest gain,(CD) but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over(CE) those entrusted to you, but being examples(CF) to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd(CG) appears, you will receive the crown of glory(CH) that will never fade away.(CI)

5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves(CJ) to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility(CK) toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”[g](CL)

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.(CM) 7 Cast all your anxiety on him(CN) because he cares for you.(CO)

8 Be alert and of sober mind.(CP) Your enemy the devil prowls around(CQ) like a roaring lion(CR) looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him,(CS) standing firm in the faith,(CT) because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.(CU)

10 And the God of all grace, who called you(CV) to his eternal glory(CW) in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,(CX) will himself restore you and make you strong,(CY) firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.(CZ)

Final Greetings

12 With the help of Silas,[h](DA) whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly,(DB) encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.(DC)

13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.(DD) 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.(DE)

Peace(DF) to all of you who are in Christ.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 3:12 Psalm 34:12-16
  2. 1 Peter 3:14 Or fear what they fear
  3. 1 Peter 3:14 Isaiah 8:12
  4. 1 Peter 3:19 Or but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also
  5. 1 Peter 3:21 Or but an appeal to God for a clear conscience
  6. 1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)
  7. 1 Peter 5:5 Prov. 3:34
  8. 1 Peter 5:12 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas
Next
1 Peter 2
2 Peter 1
Next
dropdown
New American Standard Bible (NASB)

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible is made available by The Lockman Foundation
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.

July Summer Surge

More on the NIV