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1 Peter 3-5
English Standard Version
1 Peter 3-5
English Standard Version
Wives and Husbands
3 Likewise, wives, (A)be subject to your own husbands, so that (B)even if some do not obey the word, (C)they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your (D)respectful and pure conduct. 3 (E)Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be (F)the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, (G)calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and (H)do not fear anything that is frightening.
7 Likewise, (I)husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker (J)vessel, since they are heirs with you[a] of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Suffering for Righteousness' Sake
8 Finally, all of you, (K)have unity of mind, sympathy, (L)brotherly love, (M)a tender heart, and (N)a humble mind. 9 (O)Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, (P)bless, for (Q)to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For
(R)“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
13 Now (S)who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 (T)But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. (U)Have no fear of them, (V)nor be troubled, 15 but (W)in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, (X)always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and (Y)respect, 16 (Z)having a good conscience, so that, (AA)when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For (AB)it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.
18 For Christ also (AC)suffered[b] (AD)once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, (AE)that he might bring us to God, being put to death (AF)in the flesh but made alive (AG)in the spirit, 19 in which[c] he went and (AH)proclaimed[d] to the spirits in prison, 20 because[e] they formerly did not obey, (AI)when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, (AJ)while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, (AK)eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, (AL)now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but (AM)as an appeal to God for a good conscience, (AN)through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and (AO)is at the right hand of God, (AP)with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
Stewards of God's Grace
4 Since therefore (AQ)Christ suffered in the flesh,[f] (AR)arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for (AS)whoever has suffered in the flesh (AT)has ceased from sin, 2 (AU)so as to live for (AV)the rest of the time in the flesh (AW)no longer for human passions but (AX)for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past (AY)suffices (AZ)for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of (BA)debauchery, and (BB)they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready (BC)to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why (BD)the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
7 (BE)The end of all things is at hand; therefore (BF)be self-controlled and sober-minded (BG)for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since (BH)love covers a multitude of sins. 9 (BI)Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 (BJ)As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, (BK)as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks (BL)oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves (BM)by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything (BN)God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. (BO)To him belong glory and (BP)dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Suffering as a Christian
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at (BQ)the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice (BR)insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad (BS)when his glory is revealed. 14 (BT)If you are insulted (BU)for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory[g] and of God rests upon you. 15 But (BV)let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or (BW)as a meddler. 16 Yet (BX)if anyone suffers as a (BY)Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God (BZ)in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment (CA)to begin at the household of God; and (CB)if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who (CC)do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will (CE)entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Shepherd the Flock of God
5 So I exhort the elders among you, (CF)as a fellow elder and (CG)a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 (CH)shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,[i] (CI)not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;[j] (CJ)not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not (CK)domineering over those in your charge, but (CL)being examples to the flock. 4 And when (CM)the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the (CN)unfading (CO)crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. (CP)Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for (CQ)“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
6 (CR)Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 (CS)casting all your anxieties on him, because (CT)he cares for you. 8 (CU)Be sober-minded; (CV)be watchful. Your (CW)adversary the devil (CX)prowls around (CY)like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 (CZ)Resist him, (DA)firm in your faith, knowing that (DB)the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And (DC)after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, (DD)who has called you to his (DE)eternal glory in Christ, will himself (DF)restore, (DG)confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 (DH)To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
12 By (DI)Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, (DJ)I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is (DK)the true grace of God. (DL)Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does (DM)Mark, my son. 14 (DN)Greet one another with the kiss of love.
(DO)Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Footnotes
- 1 Peter 3:7 Some manuscripts since you are joint heirs
- 1 Peter 3:18 Some manuscripts died
- 1 Peter 3:19 Or the Spirit, in whom
- 1 Peter 3:19 Or preached
- 1 Peter 3:20 Or when
- 1 Peter 4:1 Some manuscripts add for us; some for you
- 1 Peter 4:14 Some manuscripts insert and of power
- 1 Peter 4:18 Greek where will the ungodly and sinner appear?
- 1 Peter 5:2 Some manuscripts omit exercising oversight
- 1 Peter 5:2 Some manuscripts omit as God would have you
1 Peter 3-5
New International Version
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,
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 Peter 3:12 Psalm 34:12-16
- 1 Peter 3:14 Or fear what they fear
- 1 Peter 3:14 Isaiah 8:12
- 1 Peter 3:19 Or but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also
- 1 Peter 3:21 Or but an appeal to God for a clear conscience
- 1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)
- 1 Peter 5:5 Prov. 3:34
- 1 Peter 5:12 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas
English Standard Version (ESV) 
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
New International Version (NIV) 
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NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.