1 Peter 3:4 kjv
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1 Peter 3:4 nkjv
rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
1 Peter 3:4 niv
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
1 Peter 3:4 esv
but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.
1 Peter 3:4 nlt
You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
1 Peter 3 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Sam 16:7 | "For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." | God values inner character over outward appearance. |
| Ps 51:10 | "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." | Desire for inward spiritual purity. |
| Prov 31:30 | "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." | Outer beauty is temporary; reverence for God is true praise. |
| Isa 61:3 | "To grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit..." | God provides inner beauty/adornment for sorrow. |
| Matt 5:5 | "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." | Beatitude on meekness/gentleness. |
| Matt 11:29 | "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." | Christ's example of gentleness. |
| Matt 15:19-20 | "For out of the heart come evil thoughts... these are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone." | Source of true defilement is the heart. |
| Luke 11:39 | "Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness." | Hypocrisy of external cleanliness vs. inner corruption. |
| Rom 2:28-29 | "For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly... A Jew is one inwardly..." | True identity and righteousness are inward, not external. |
| Rom 12:2 | "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..." | Inner transformation is key to Christian life. |
| 2 Cor 4:16 | "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." | Inner person renewed despite outer decay. |
| Gal 5:22-23 | "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." | "Gentleness" listed as a fruit of the Spirit. |
| Eph 4:22-24 | "...put off your old self... and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." | Transformation into a new inner self. |
| Col 3:12 | "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." | Admonition to put on virtues, including meekness. |
| Col 3:18-19 | "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them." | Complementary instruction to household codes, stressing loving relationships. |
| Titus 2:5 | "...to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled." | Practical godly conduct for wives, including quiet submissiveness. |
| 1 Tim 2:9-10 | "...not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works." | Similar instruction to focus on good works over lavish outward display. |
| Heb 4:12 | "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." | God's word reveals the inner man/heart. |
| 1 Pet 1:4 | "...to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading..." | Reference to "imperishable" inheritance as eternal. |
| 1 Pet 1:23-25 | "...born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God..." | Born of imperishable seed through God's word. |
| 1 Cor 9:25 | "Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." | Contrast between perishable worldly reward and imperishable heavenly reward. |
1 Peter 3 verses
1 Peter 3 4 Meaning
This verse directs believers, especially women, to prioritize the cultivation of an inner beauty—a Christ-like character—over fleeting external adornments. This true beauty, characterized by a gentle and quiet spirit, is described as "imperishable" and is of immense value and preciousness in the sight of God, in stark contrast to the superficiality and temporality of worldly beauty standards. It signifies that genuine worth is not determined by outward display but by the spiritual state of one's heart, which holds eternal significance before God.
1 Peter 3 4 Context
This verse is found within Peter's broader instructions for Christians living in a pagan society (1 Pet 1:1), often facing persecution or social pressures. Specifically, 1 Peter 3:1-7 addresses wives and husbands within the common "household codes" (Haustafeln) of the ancient world. Peter’s advice to wives (1 Pet 3:1-6) centers on winning over unbelieving husbands not through persuasive speech or outward attractiveness, but through "respectful and pure conduct" (v. 2). Verse 4 directly contrasts the superficiality of physical adornment (mentioned in v. 3—braided hair, gold, fine clothing) with the true and lasting beauty that comes from an inner spiritual state. It is not an absolute prohibition of adornment, but a reprioritization, asserting that true value and impact come from inner godliness. This emphasis served as a polemic against the societal norms of Roman and Greek women, where status and attractiveness were heavily tied to elaborate hairstyles, costly jewels, and luxurious clothing, sometimes used for vain display or seductive purposes. Peter redefines "beauty" in Christian terms.
1 Peter 3 4 Word analysis
- but: Introduces a strong contrast to the outward adornment mentioned in the previous verse (1 Pet 3:3), shifting the focus to what truly matters.
- let it be: An imperative, an instruction or command for how behavior or attitude should be manifested. It signifies what should be the priority and the source of beauty.
- the hidden: Greek: kryptos (κρυπτός). Meaning concealed, secret, inner. This highlights that true beauty is not visible on the surface but resides in the depths of a person, requiring spiritual discernment to be perceived.
- person: Greek: anthrōpos (ἄνθρωπος). Refers to the human being, indicating that this inner beauty encompasses the entire identity and character, not just a superficial trait.
- of the heart: Greek: kardias (καρδίας). In biblical usage, the "heart" is the core of one's being – the seat of intellect, emotions, will, moral character, and spiritual life. This signifies that true beauty emanates from one's innermost disposition.
- with the imperishable: Greek: aphthartō (ἀφθάρτῳ). Meaning incorruptible, undecaying, immortal, unfading. This is a crucial contrast to perishable, earthly possessions or physical beauty that fades over time. It underscores the eternal nature and lasting value of inner godliness.
- beauty: Greek: kosmos (κόσμος). Here, meaning ornament, adornment. While often referring to the "world," in this context, it speaks of an inner embellishment, an arrangement of virtues that makes one beautiful in God's eyes. It redefines what constitutes true adornment.
- of a gentle: Greek: praeos (πραέος). Meaning meek, humble, mild, gentle. This quality reflects strength under control, submissiveness to God and His will, and a quiet, unassuming disposition toward others, similar to Christ's own character (Matt 11:29).
- and quiet: Greek: hēsychiou (ἡσυχίου). Meaning tranquil, peaceable, calm, undisturbed. This denotes an inner calmness and peace that is not easily ruffled, reflecting spiritual security and contentment. It contrasts with a clamorous, attention-seeking, or anxious spirit.
- spirit: Greek: pneumatos (πνεύματος). In this context, it refers to the inner disposition, temper, or attitude of a person, the core of one's non-physical self. These virtues (gentle and quiet) are rooted in and characterize the innermost being.
- which in God's sight: Greek: enōpion tou theou (ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ). Meaning "before the face of God" or "in the presence of God." This highlights that the ultimate judge of true beauty and worth is God Himself. What may be highly esteemed by the world often holds no value with God (Luke 16:15), and vice-versa (1 Sam 16:7).
- is very precious: Greek: polyteles (πολυτελὲς). Meaning very costly, expensive, of great value, priceless. This emphatically declares God's high regard for these inner spiritual qualities. It elevates the spiritual virtues above any material or temporary worth.
- the hidden person of the heart: This phrase collectively refers to one's true, innermost character and being, residing deep within and only fully known by God. It emphasizes that real identity and beauty are not external but spiritual.
- imperishable beauty: Directly contrasts with the perishable nature of physical beauty and worldly possessions, asserting that genuine spiritual qualities possess eternal value and never fade.
- gentle and quiet spirit: These two qualities form the core of the Christian "adornment" being advocated. They denote inner peace, humility, self-control, and a reliance on God rather than self-assertion or worldly striving. They reflect Christ's character and the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
- in God's sight is very precious: This whole clause underscores divine validation. The value of true inner character is not based on human opinion or fleeting trends, but on God's eternal and unfailing estimation, making it immensely superior to anything else.
1 Peter 3 4 Bonus section
The concept of "gentle and quiet" does not imply timidity or suppression of personality, but rather an inner tranquility and a controlled, humble demeanor that stems from deep security in Christ. It contrasts with being contentious, anxious, or demanding attention. The "quiet" aspect is more about an internal state of peacefulness than mere silence. It frees a person from anxiety over appearance or societal approval, allowing their true value to shine from within, recognized by God. This inner beauty is a transformative power, intended not just for wives but as a general principle for all believers seeking to honor God in their lives. It's about genuine heart posture and priorities, echoing the consistent biblical theme that God looks upon the heart.
1 Peter 3 4 Commentary
1 Peter 3:4 serves as a pivotal verse within Peter's instructions regarding conduct and beauty, especially for Christian wives. It starkly contrasts superficial external adornment with the profound, lasting value of an inner, spiritual beauty. The verse redirects the focus from what can be seen and fades (braided hair, gold, costly clothing from verse 3) to what is "hidden" and "imperishable." This hidden person of the heart, representing one's true self and character, finds its adornment in a "gentle and quiet spirit." These virtues are not a sign of weakness but of strength derived from trusting God, reflecting humility, peace, and submissiveness to His will. This spiritual character is profoundly valuable "in God's sight," surpassing any worldly measure of worth. It implies that a believer's true influence and lasting legacy stem from a Christ-like inner disposition rather than outward presentation, demonstrating that what God esteems truly endures.