Devine Scripture

1 Peter 3:5

What does 1 Peter 3:5 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Peter 3:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Peter 3:5 means

Peter points to the “holy women” of former times as models. Their holiness flowed from their hope in God, not from trusting their husbands’ perfection or societal approval. They adorned themselves—not with display—but by willingly aligning under their own husbands’ leadership. This was an act of faith: entrusting themselves to God’s care while doing what is fitting. By rooting present instruction in past examples, Peter shows that this is a tested path for God’s people. Such submission is not servility; it is a Godward orientation that dignifies the role and stabilizes the home. Hope in God is the wellspring of a gentle, steady spirit that is beautiful to Him and persuasive to others.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For after this manner aforetime the holy women also, who hoped in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For after this manner aforetime the holy women also, who hoped in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And these were the ornaments of the holy women of the past, whose hope was in God, being ruled by their husbands:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for thus once also the holy women who did hope on God, were adorning themselves, being subject to their own husbands,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For after this manner heretofore, the holy women also who trusted in God adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For thus also the holy women who have hoped inGod heretofore adorned themselves, being subject to their own husbands;

Context

After commending inner adornment (verse 4), Peter appeals to Scripture’s patterns (verse 5). He emphasizes that godly submission has always marked women who put their hope in God. This paves the way to highlight Sarah as a specific example in verse 6. The historical grounding reassures readers that Peter is not inventing a new rule but recalling the heritage of faith. With the wives’ exhortation complete in verses 1–6, the focus will shift in verse 7 to husbands, calling for understanding and honor, so that family life reflects the gospel. Then the letter will widen to instructions for the whole church community (verses 8–12).

v.4but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

v.5This passage

v.6as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose children ye now are, if ye do well, and are not put in fear by any terror.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Timothy 5:5

    Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

  • Proverbs 31:10

    A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.

  • 1 Peter 3:2

    beholding your chaste behaviorcoupledwith fear.

  • 1 Timothy 2:10

    but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works.

  • 1 Samuel 2:1

    And Hannah prayed, and said: My heart exulteth in Jehovah; My horn is exalted in Jehovah; My mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; Because I rejoice in thy salvation.

  • 1 Timothy 5:10

    well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she hath washed the saints’ feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work.

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