1 Peter 3 15

1 Peter 3:15 kjv

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

1 Peter 3:15 nkjv

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

1 Peter 3:15 niv

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

1 Peter 3:15 esv

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, 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 respect,

1 Peter 3:15 nlt

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

1 Peter 3 verses

1 Peter 3 15 Meaning

This verse calls believers to internally recognize and enthrone Christ as Lord of their lives. It is a foundational command to honor Him supremely. Flowing from this internal commitment, believers are to be in a constant state of readiness to explain the rational basis for the Christian hope that resides within them. This explanation or defense, when offered, must be delivered not with arrogance or aggression, but with a Spirit-controlled attitude of humble kindness and deep reverence, both for the person asking and for the divine truth being shared.

1 Peter 3 15 Context

This verse is situated within a broader section of Peter's letter (1 Pet 2:11–3:17) addressing Christian conduct in a hostile, pagan world. Peter has already exhorted believers to live as "strangers and aliens" (2:11) by submitting to human authorities (2:13), to masters (2:18), and wives to husbands (3:1). He has also encouraged them to "honor everyone, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the emperor" (2:17). The verses immediately preceding 1 Peter 3:15 (vv.13-14) affirm that righteousness generally protects against suffering, but suffering for righteousness' sake is a blessing. This leads into the present verse's instruction: rather than fearing those who cause them suffering or being troubled by hostility, believers are to "sanctify Christ as Lord in their hearts." The ability to give a "reason for the hope" with "gentleness and respect" is then presented as the outward expression stemming from this inner devotion to Christ. Their holy conduct (referenced in 3:16) serves as the basis that often prompts inquiry from onlookers. This passage directly confronts the temptation to fear men or respond to persecution with retaliatory anger, offering instead a model of courageous and gracious witness.

1 Peter 3 15 Word analysis

• But: Greek alla (ἀλλὰ). A strong adversative conjunction. It indicates a sharp contrast or redirection from what was previously said – a contrast to fearing what men fear (v.14) and being troubled. Instead of fear, the focus shifts to honoring Christ.
• in your hearts: Greek en tais kardiais hymōn (ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν). The heart in biblical thought is not just the seat of emotions but the core of one's being, including will, intellect, and conscience. It emphasizes that this sanctification is an internal, deepest reality, not mere outward profession.
• sanctify: Greek hagiásate (ἁγιάσατε). An aorist imperative verb, meaning "set apart as holy," "revere," "worship," or "consecrate." It's an active command for believers to treat Christ as uniquely sacred, sovereign, and worthy of ultimate veneration above all else. This connects to the Old Testament call to "sanctify the Lord of hosts" (Isa 8:13).
• Christ as Lord: Greek Christon Kurion (Χριστὸν Κύριον). Christon (Christ) is the Messiah, the Anointed One. Kurion (Lord) signifies absolute authority, sovereignty, and divine ownership. In the Septuagint, Kyrios is often used to translate Yahweh. Declaring Jesus as Lord means acknowledging His divinity, His rightful rule over one's life, and His ultimate power over all things. This was a radical confession in a Roman world where Caesar was "Lord."
• always: Greek aei (ἀεί). Signifies constant, persistent, without ceasing. This readiness is not occasional but a continuous state of mind and spirit.
• being prepared: Greek hetoimoi (ἕτοιμοι). An adjective meaning "ready," "prepared for action," "in a state of readiness." It implies foresight, diligence, and a proactive stance.
• to make a defense: Greek pros apologían (πρὸς ἀπολογίαν). Apología is a legal term, referring to a "verbal defense," "a reasoned answer," "an explanation of belief," often in response to accusation or questioning. It's not about being aggressive or argumentative but about offering a clear, rational account. This is the origin of the theological discipline of "apologetics."
• to everyone who asks you: Greek panti tō aitoūntu hymas (παντὶ τῷ αἰτοῦντι ὑμᾶς). Emphasizes that the opportunity for defense arises from others' inquiries, typically prompted by observing the distinct, godly conduct of believers (1 Pet 2:12; 3:16). It's a responsive witness, not an intrusive one.
• for a reason: Greek logos (λόγος). More than just a feeling; it refers to a logical, rational, intelligible explanation. It implies that Christian faith is not blind, but has a coherent basis that can be articulated.
• for the hope: Greek tēs elpidos (τῆς ἐλπίδος). Christian "hope" (elpis) is not mere wishful thinking or optimism, but a confident expectation and certain assurance of future realities (like Christ's return, resurrection, and eternal life), founded on the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Pet 1:3). This hope transforms present experience.
• that is in you: Greek tēs en hymin (τῆς ἐν ὑμῖν). The hope is internal, residing deep within the believer, not an external doctrine alone. It's an indwelling, life-transforming reality.
• yet with gentleness: Greek alla meta praütētos (ἀλλὰ μετὰ πραΰτητος). Alla (but) again provides a strong contrast, emphasizing the manner of defense. Praütēs (gentleness/meekness) denotes power under control. It is humility, courtesy, and a considerate disposition, free from harshness or self-importance. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23).
• and respect: Greek kai phobou (καὶ φόβου). Phobos can mean fear, reverence, or awe. Here, it signifies respect, reverence, and serious regard—both towards the questioner as a fellow human being (avoiding contempt) and, primarily, towards God and the sacred truth being conveyed (treating it with solemnity). It underlines humility and moral seriousness in presenting divine truth.

1 Peter 3 15 Bonus section

The connection between this verse and Isa 8:12-13 ("Do not fear what they fear... But the Lord of hosts, Him you shall honor as holy") is profoundly significant. Peter subtly but powerfully applies an Old Testament command concerning Yahweh to Jesus Christ. By telling believers to "sanctify Christ as Lord," he implicitly equates Christ's divine authority with that of Yahweh. This deep theological statement forms the very foundation of the believer's readiness to give a defense; their allegiance is to the true and living God, not to worldly powers or anxieties. Therefore, the Christian witness, flowing from the internal enthronement of Christ, is not merely intellectual, but deeply spiritual and counter-cultural. The quality of Christian living, as emphasized elsewhere in 1 Peter, acts as the magnet, drawing questions, making the 'apologia' a response rather than a confrontation.

1 Peter 3 15 Commentary

1 Peter 3:15 stands as a foundational text for Christian apologetics, yet its depth goes beyond merely defending the faith. It begins with an imperative for internal sanctification: "sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts." This means setting Christ apart as supreme, granting Him absolute authority over one's life, beliefs, and fears, contrasting sharply with the fear of worldly pressures or human opposition. This internal reality is the indispensable prerequisite for effective external witness.

Flowing from this inner consecration is the outward readiness: "always being prepared to make a defense." The Christian life should provoke questions because of its distinct character, especially amidst suffering. The believer is called not to proselytize aggressively, but to respond thoughtfully to genuine inquiry, providing a "reason" (logos)—a rational, intelligible explanation—for the profound "hope" that dwells within them. This hope is not a fleeting wish but a firm certainty rooted in Christ's resurrection (1 Pet 1:3-4), offering meaning and endurance in the face of adversity.

Crucially, the manner of this defense is as important as its content: "yet with gentleness and respect." Gentleness (praütēs) signifies humility and a Spirit-controlled demeanor, avoiding arrogance, harshness, or self-righteousness. Respect (phobos) reflects a reverence for the inquirer as made in God's image and a profound awe for the divine truth being communicated. It acknowledges the gravity of the spiritual conversation. The defense is offered from a position of confident humility, not superior knowledge, recognizing that ultimate persuasion belongs to God.

For practical application, consider these short examples:

• Instead of arguing vehemently about theological points, simply articulate why your hope helps you forgive someone who wronged you.
• When a colleague asks how you remain so calm amidst workplace stress, explain the peace Christ provides, without judging their anxiety.
• Rather than feeling offended when your faith is challenged, patiently explain the historical and experiential basis for your trust in Christ's resurrection.