Passage Resources Hebrew/Greek Your Content
Previous Next
Add parallel Print Page Options Listen to 1 Peter 3-4
Close NASB

1 Peter 3-4
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.

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
Listen to 1 Peter 3-4
Close NKJV

1 Peter 3-4
New King James Version

Submission to Husbands

3 Wives, likewise, be (A)submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, (B)they, without a word, may (C)be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 (D)when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 (E)Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be (F)the hidden person of the heart, with the [a]incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, (G)calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

A Word to Husbands

7 (H)Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, (I)as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, (J)that your prayers may not be hindered.

Called to Blessing

8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be [b]courteous; 9 (K)not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary (L)blessing, knowing that you were called to this, (M)that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For

(N)“He who would love life
And see good days,
(O)Let him [c]refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
11 Let him (P)turn away from evil and do good;
(Q)Let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
(R)And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Suffering for Right and Wrong

13 (S)And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 (T)But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. (U)“And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But [d]sanctify [e]the Lord God in your hearts, and always (V)be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the (W)hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 (X)having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Christ’s Suffering and Ours

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring [f]us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, [g]when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 (Y)There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (Z)(not the removal of the filth of the flesh, (AA)but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and (AB)is at the right hand of God, (AC)angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

Christ’s Example to Be Followed

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered [h]for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, (AD)but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past [i]lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready (AE)to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason (AF)the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but (AG)live according to God in the spirit.

Serving for God’s Glory

7 But (AH)the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for (AI)“love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 (AJ)Be hospitable to one another (AK)without grumbling. 10 (AL)As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, (AM)as good stewards of (AN)the manifold grace of God. 11 (AO)If anyone speaks, let him speak as the [j]oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that (AP)in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the [k]dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering for God’s Glory

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice (AQ)to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that (AR)when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are [l]reproached for the name of Christ, (AS)blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. [m]On their part He is blasphemed, (AT)but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a [n]busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this [o]matter.

17 For the time has come (AU)for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, (AV)what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now

(AW)“If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God (AX)commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 3:4 imperishable
  2. 1 Peter 3:8 NU humble
  3. 1 Peter 3:10 restrain
  4. 1 Peter 3:15 set apart
  5. 1 Peter 3:15 NU Christ as Lord
  6. 1 Peter 3:18 NU, M you
  7. 1 Peter 3:20 NU, M when the longsuffering of God waited patiently
  8. 1 Peter 4:1 NU omits for us
  9. 1 Peter 4:3 NU time
  10. 1 Peter 4:11 utterances
  11. 1 Peter 4:11 sovereignty
  12. 1 Peter 4:14 insulted or reviled
  13. 1 Peter 4:14 NU omits the rest of v. 14.
  14. 1 Peter 4:15 meddler
  15. 1 Peter 4:16 NU name
Listen to 1 Peter 3-4
Close NIV

1 Peter 3-4
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.

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)
Next
1 Peter 2
1 Peter 5
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 King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Learn the Bible in 30 days
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