For in this way the holy women of former times, (A)who hoped in God, also used to adorn themselves, being subject to their own husbands, just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, (B)calling him lord; and you have proved to be her children if you do what is right [a](C)without being frightened by any fear.

(D)You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with [b](E)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.

[c]To sum up, (F)all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, [d](G)loving, (H)compassionate, and (I)humble;

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 3:6 Lit and are not
  2. 1 Peter 3:7 Lit a weaker vessel
  3. 1 Peter 3:8 Or Finally
  4. 1 Peter 3:8 I.e., as brothers and sisters

For in this way in former times the holy women, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands and adapting themselves to them; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham [following him and having regard for him as head of their house], calling him [a]lord. And you have become her daughters if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear [that is, being respectful toward your husband but not giving in to intimidation, nor allowing yourself to be led into sin, nor to be harmed].

In the same way, you husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way [with great gentleness and tact, and with an intelligent regard for the marriage relationship], as with [b]someone physically weaker, since she is a woman. Show her honor and respect as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered or ineffective.

Finally, all of you be like-minded [united in spirit], sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted [courteous and compassionate toward each other as members of one household], and humble in spirit;

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 3:6 In ancient times a common title of honor and respect.
  2. 1 Peter 3:7 Lit a weaker vessel, the feminine.

For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God(A) used to adorn themselves.(B) They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord.(C) You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

Husbands,(D) 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

Finally, all of you, be like-minded,(E) be sympathetic, love one another,(F) be compassionate and humble.(G)

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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:

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

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.

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

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