1 Peter 3 1

1 Peter 3:1 kjv

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

1 Peter 3:1 nkjv

Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,

1 Peter 3:1 niv

Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives,

1 Peter 3:1 esv

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,

1 Peter 3:1 nlt

In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over

1 Peter 3 verses

1 Peter 3 1 Meaning

First Peter 3:1 addresses Christian wives within the broader context of household codes found in Scripture, specifically calling them to a submissive posture towards their own husbands. The unique emphasis here is on the power of a godly life lived quietly and respectfully, particularly aimed at husbands who have not yet come to faith in Christ. It asserts that such virtuous conduct can be a more effective means of leading a disobedient or unbelieving husband to the truth of the Gospel than persistent verbal evangelism or argumentation. The core message revolves around the spiritual impact of a wife's Christ-like behavior.

1 Peter 3 1 Context

First Peter 3:1 is embedded within what scholars identify as "household codes" (Haustafeln), a common feature in New Testament epistles that provides specific instructions for various relationships within the Roman-Hellenistic household. This verse immediately follows Peter's exhortations for submission to civil authorities (1 Pet 2:13-17) and for slaves to their masters (1 Pet 2:18-20), even those who are harsh. The word "likewise" (ὁμοίως) directly connects this instruction for wives to the preceding passages, indicating a consistent theme of Christian submission, even in challenging circumstances, as a powerful witness to the surrounding pagan culture. Historically, women in the Roman world had some legal rights, but their societal role was primarily defined by the male head of the household. Christian teachings on wifely submission could be seen as counter-cultural or subversive depending on how it was practiced, yet Peter emphasizes it as a means to gain an unbelieving husband, implying a strategy for family evangelism that aligned with prevailing social structures rather than outright defiance.

1 Peter 3 1 Word analysis

• Wives (γυναικές, gynaikes): The common Greek word for women or wives. Here, clearly denoting women in a marital relationship.
• likewise (ὁμοίως, homoiōs): This crucial adverb links this command to previous instructions in 1 Peter, particularly 2:13 ("Submit yourselves...") and 2:18 ("Servants, be submissive..."). It signifies that the principle of submission, even under duress or in unequal relationships, applies here as well. It implies a consistent Christian approach to ordered relationships in society.
• be submissive (ὑποτασσόμεναι, hypotassomenai): This is a present participle, indicating a continual action or state. The verb hypotasso means "to arrange under," "to be subject to," or "to place in subjection." It refers to a voluntary yielding or cooperation, not inherently a lesser status or forced servitude. In a biblical sense, it signifies respecting a divinely ordained order for mutual benefit, reflecting a humble attitude towards Christ's will. It’s a spiritual, volitional act.
• to your own (ἰδίοις, idiois): "Own" emphasizes that this submission is specific to her husband, not to all men or to husbands generally. It points to the intimacy and particularity of the marital covenant. This implies responsibility and a specific sphere of influence.
• husbands (ἀνδράσιν, andrasin): The standard Greek term for men or husbands.
• that even if some do not obey (εἰ καί τινες ἀπειθοῦσιν, ei kai tines apeithousin): This clause introduces the specific and challenging scenario of an unbelieving or disobedient husband. Apeithousin (do not obey/disbelieve) suggests both a refusal to submit to the "word" (of God) and perhaps a general unresponsiveness to the Gospel message or godly conduct.
• the word (λόγῳ, logō): Refers to the divine message, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This highlights that the husband's disobedience is spiritual.
• they may be won (κερδηθήσονται, kerdēthēsontai): From kerdaino, meaning "to gain," "to profit," or "to win." This implies a positive spiritual outcome—the husband coming to faith in Christ. It's an evangelistic goal. The passive voice indicates that the "winning" is enabled by God, though through the wife's actions.
• without a word (ἄνευ λόγου, aneu logou): This is the counterpoint to the husband's "disobeying the word." It does not mean never speaking, but rather that nagging, preaching, or argumentative verbal attempts at conversion are less effective than the wife's non-verbal, lived-out faith. It emphasizes the power of example over eloquent speech or incessant exhortation.
• by the conduct (διὰ τῆς ἀναστροφῆς, dia tēs anastrophēs): Anastrophe refers to one's manner of life, behavior, or conduct. It encompasses daily actions, character, and disposition. This is the means by which the husband is to be "won." It suggests a lifestyle consistent with Christian virtues.
• of their wives (τῶν γυναικῶν, tōn gynaikōn): Again, emphasizing the source of this influential conduct.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Wives, likewise, be submissive": Connects wifely submission to broader principles of Christian conduct under authority as previously described in 1 Peter 2. It's a continuity of a counter-cultural (in some ways) yet effective witness. The imperative applies a foundational Christian virtue to a specific relational sphere.
• "to your own husbands": Highlights the specific and unique nature of the marital relationship, where submission is personal and particular, not general. This is about establishing a godly order within her personal sphere of influence.
• "that even if some do not obey the word": Identifies the challenging scenario—an unsaved or disobedient spouse. This clause demonstrates Peter's pastoral practicality, addressing a common real-world situation in the early church where one spouse converted but the other did not.
• "they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives": This is the heart of the verse. It offers a spiritual strategy: the exemplary life (conduct) of the Christian wife can speak louder and more effectively than constant verbal persuasion (without a word). It shows faith in the power of Spirit-filled living to evangelize. This highlights that "winning" here means winning to Christ.

1 Peter 3 1 Bonus section

• The call to "submission" (ὑποτάσσω) is consistently applied across various relationships in Peter (church to elders, servants to masters, citizens to rulers, wives to husbands) and Pauline epistles, suggesting it is a fundamental Christian attitude rooted in humility and deference to Christ’s authority.
• The phrase "without a word" does not prohibit a wife from ever speaking about her faith to her husband, but rather prioritizes a different method of evangelism – the silent sermon of a holy life – as potentially more effective in resistant situations. Verbal witness can then follow if the heart is softened.
• This passage demonstrates the holistic nature of Christian witness, where outward actions and inner character profoundly influence those around us, especially in the closest relationships. It reveals that evangelism isn't just about sharing information but embodying transformation.
• The instruction acknowledges the reality that not all conversions happen through direct preaching; sometimes the Spirit uses a quiet, godly example to convict and draw people to faith, even within a family.

1 Peter 3 1 Commentary

1 Peter 3:1 is a profoundly practical and evangelistic instruction within Peter’s overall theme of how believers are to live as pilgrims and strangers in a hostile world. It calls wives to embody voluntary, Spirit-empowered submission not as a sign of inferiority, but as a strategic act of spiritual warfare and a testimony to their unsaved husbands. The "likewise" ties this command back to Christ's own suffering and submissive example (1 Pet 2:21-25) and the calls for submission to governing authorities and masters.

The key insight is that for a husband who "does not obey the word" (i.e., is not a Christian or is resistant to Christian truth), a wife’s quiet, respectful, and Christ-like "conduct" can be far more persuasive than verbal arguments or nagging. This "conduct" refers to a complete way of life, characterized by integrity, purity, humility, and godliness (as further elaborated in verses 2-6). The aim is not just marital peace, but the husband's salvation. This approach avoids driving the husband further away through contentious behavior and instead provides a living, breathing sermon that illustrates the transforming power of the Gospel. It underscores the profound influence a believing spouse can have through a quiet, steadfast example of Christ-centered living. This teaching does not, however, condone abuse; biblical submission is always in the context of the Lord, mutual love (Eph 5:21), and husband's honoring the wife (1 Pet 3:7).