1 Peter 3:2
What does 1 Peter 3:2 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 3:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 3:2 means
The conduct that wins resistant husbands is described as pure and reverent. “Chaste behavior” points to moral integrity, faithfulness, and a life free from manipulative or impure tactics. “Coupled with fear” signals a deep reverence—chiefly toward God, and expressed in respectful demeanor. Such visible holiness cannot be ignored; it is a living sermon. The emphasis falls on what can be seen over time: character that neither nags nor schemes, but quietly trusts God. This kind of reverent purity is persuasive where words may fail, especially in a tense marriage. It commends Christ by reflecting His holiness and by showing that the believer’s deepest loyalty is to God, lived out honorably at home.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000beholding your chaste behaviorcoupledwith fear.
KJV
King James Version · 1611While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901beholding your chaste behaviorcoupledwith fear.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949When they see your holy behaviour in the fear of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862having beheld your pure behaviour in fear,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Considering your chaste conversation with fear.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890having witnessed your pure conversation [carried out] in fear;
Context
This verse unpacks the means of the influence mentioned in verse 1. Rather than persuasive speech, it is observable conduct—chaste and reverent—that God often uses. The following verses (3–6) will contrast outward adornment with the inner adornment God prizes, rooting this counsel in the example of the holy women, especially Sarah. Then verse 7 will balance the exhortation by directing husbands to honor their wives. The larger flow aims to foster peace and witness within the household as part of the church’s broader calling to do good in a hostile world (verses 8–17).
v.1In like manner, ye wives, bein subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives;
v.2This passage
v.3Whoseadorninglet it not be the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on apparel;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 2:12
having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
- Ephesians 5:33
Nevertheless do ye also severally love each one his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she fear her husband.
- Philippians 1:27
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel;
- 1 Peter 3:15
but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear:
- Colossians 3:22
Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord:
- 1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity.
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