1 Peter 3 6

1 Peter 3:6 kjv

Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

1 Peter 3:6 nkjv

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

1 Peter 3:6 niv

like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

1 Peter 3:6 esv

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

1 Peter 3:6 nlt

For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.

1 Peter 3 verses

1 Peter 3 6 Meaning

The verse establishes Sarah as an exemplary model for Christian wives, not just in external actions but, crucially, in inner disposition. It teaches that wives become true spiritual "daughters" of Sarah by embodying two core qualities: actively doing what is right and steadfastly refusing to be intimidated or give way to fear. This conduct, characterized by a quiet and gentle spirit previously mentioned, stems from faith and respect, akin to Sarah's respectful acknowledgment of Abraham's position, even in her private thoughts.

1 Peter 3 6 Context

This verse is situated within Peter's instructions for various groups regarding proper Christian conduct in society, specifically addressing wives in 1 Peter 3:1-6. The preceding verses (1 Pet 3:1-5) encourage wives, especially those with unbelieving husbands, to live out their faith through quiet, respectful conduct and inner spiritual beauty rather than outward ornamentation. Peter draws on a deeply respected Old Testament figure, Sarah, from Genesis 18:12, as an illustrative historical precedent. This passage then forms a parallel with Christ's example of submission and suffering (1 Pet 2:21-25) and broader calls for respectful behavior toward authorities. Historically, this counsel aimed to ensure the good reputation of Christianity in a society that often misunderstood its principles, while also providing guidance for peaceful household dynamics.

1 Peter 3 6 Word analysis

• just as Sarah: Peter points to Sarah, Abraham's wife and matriarch of Israel, as a significant figure for emulation. Her life, though marked by human failings, ultimately showed faith and responsiveness to divine leadership through Abraham.
• obeyed: (Greek: hupēkousen, ὑπήκουσεν) Implies "listening under" or "giving ear to," signifying a voluntary and respectful compliance. It's not passive servitude but an active response within her role and in accordance with Abraham's leading in their joint faith journey (e.g., following him to unknown lands).
• Abraham: The revered patriarch and recipient of God's covenant promises. Peter presents his leadership in the context of household order that God established.
• and called him her lord: (Greek: kalousa kurion, καλοῦσα κύριον) This directly references Genesis 18:12 where Sarah, laughing inwardly at the idea of bearing a child in old age, speaks of Abraham as "my lord." Peter highlights that this specific term for Abraham by Sarah indicates a deep, ingrained reverence and respect for his position, even in her private thoughts and expressions, reinforcing her "obedience." It's a key example of inner disposition.
• You are her daughters: (Greek: thugateres, θυγατέρες) Signifies spiritual lineage. Believers, particularly Christian wives, are invited to share in Sarah's spiritual heritage not by bloodline but by adopting her qualities of faith, inner character, and appropriate conduct.
• if you do what is right: (Greek: agathopoiousai, ἀγαθοποιοῦσαι) Translates to "doing good," "well-doing," or "acting virtuously." This emphasizes active righteousness. Submission is never to be used as an excuse for passively allowing evil or failing to perform moral good. It's an active pursuit of what pleases God.
• and do not give way to fear: (Greek: mē phoboumenai mēdemian ptoēsin, μὴ φοβούμεναι μηδεμίαν πτόησιν) Literally, "not fearing any fright/alarm." This is a crucial qualifier. It's not a call to be timid, but to be fearless in carrying out good. The fear mentioned is not reverence for God, but a cowering, anxious, or intimidating fear of external threats, social pressure, or negative consequences that would hinder one from doing what is right. It means having courageous conviction rooted in trust in God.

Words-group analysis:

• "obeyed Abraham and called him her lord": This phrase encapsulates Sarah's respectful posture and acknowledgment of Abraham's role. It emphasizes that genuine submission is often revealed not just in actions, but in a profound, inner disposition that shapes even private thoughts and address. Peter implies a consistent character where words align with attitude.
• "You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear": This outlines the condition for inheriting Sarah's spiritual legacy. It challenges Christian women to actively engage in good deeds and exhibit spiritual fortitude. Their submission is active, courageous, and motivated by righteousness, not a cowering timidity that might compromise their integrity or willingness to live according to God's standards.

1 Peter 3 6 Bonus section

The "fear" that Peter advises against (ptoēsin) specifically denotes a kind of alarm, dread, or being startled, a fear that incapacitates or causes one to recoil from doing good. This stands in contrast to the healthy "fear of the Lord" which is reverent worship and honor (Psa 111:10; Prov 9:10). By linking fearlessness with "doing what is right," Peter empowers women to live courageously in faith, irrespective of external pressures. While addressed to wives, the principles of doing good and acting without crippling fear, embodying faith in God's protection, are applicable to all believers in their respective callings. It emphasizes that a Christian's outward conduct is rooted in an inner state of faithful resolve.

1 Peter 3 6 Commentary

1 Peter 3:6 elevates Sarah as the quintessential role model for Christian wives, highlighting the interplay between an internal spirit of respectful submission and external conduct. The reference to Sarah calling Abraham "lord" is pivotal; it signifies an attitude of deep honor, not a superficial address, that originates from within. This internal reverence then manifests outwardly in obedience and doing what is right. Peter is not advocating for timidity or blind subservience, but rather a fearless dedication to righteousness even in challenging circumstances, such as being married to an unbeliever. The absence of fear here is spiritual courage, not being deterred by worldly intimidation or negative consequences from upholding Christian virtue. It’s a dynamic, faith-filled response, actively pursuing good, reflecting the beautiful inner spirit mentioned earlier in the chapter.Example: A Christian wife bravely but kindly upholds biblical truth in her home, even when it might cause minor social discomfort or slight disagreement with her husband's non-biblical views, without fear of repercussions or withdrawing from her godly conduct.