1 Peter – Chapter 3

New Testament22 Verses

Chapter Summary

"In like manner also, let wives be subject to their husbands: that, if any believe not the word, they may be won without the word, by the…" — so begins 1 Peter 3. The chapter centers on Abraham, Sarah and Noah. Across its 22 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and family and covenant relationships. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1In like manner also, let wives be subject to their husbands: that, if any believe not the word, they may be won without the word, by the conversation of the wives,

2Considering your chaste conversation with fear.

3Whose adorning, let it not be the outward plaiting of the hair, or the wearing of gold, or the putting on of apparel:

4But the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptibility of a quiet and a meek spirit which is rich in the sight of God.

5For after this manner heretofore, the holy women also who trusted in God adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands:

6As Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters you are, doing well and not fearing any disturbance.

7Ye husbands, likewise dwelling with them according to knowledge, giving honour to the female as to the weaker vessel and as to the co-heirs of the grace of life: that your prayers be not hindered.

8And in fine, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, being lovers of the brotherhood, merciful, modest, humble:

9Not rendering evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing: for unto this are you called, that you may inherit a blessing.

10For he that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.

11Let him decline from evil and do good: Let him seek after peace and pursue it:

12Because the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears unto their prayers but the countenance of the Lord upon them that do evil things.

13And who is he that can hurt you, if you be zealous of good?

14But if also you suffer any thing for justice' sake, blessed are ye. And be not afraid of their fear: and be not troubled.

15But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you.

16But with modesty and fear, having a good conscience: that whereas they speak evil of you, they may be ashamed who falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

17For it is better doing well (if such be the will of God) to suffer than doing ill.

18Because Christ also died once for our sins, the just for the unjust: that he might offer us to God, being put to death indeed in the flesh, but enlivened in the spirit,

19In which also coming he preached to those spirits that were in prison:

20Which had been some time incredulous, when they waited for the patience of God in the days of Noe, when the ark was a building: wherein a few, that is, eight souls, were saved by water.

21Whereunto baptism, being of the like form, now saveth you also: not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but, the examination of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

22Who is on the right hand of God, swallowing down death that we might be made heirs of life everlasting: being gone into heaven, the angels and powers and virtues being made subject to him.

Important Verses in 1 Peter 3

But the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptibility of a quiet and a meek spirit which is rich in the sight of God.

1 Peter 3:4

Ye husbands, likewise dwelling with them according to knowledge, giving honour to the female as to the weaker vessel and as to the co-heirs of the grace of life: that your prayers be not hindered.

1 Peter 3:7

But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you.

1 Peter 3:15

Who is on the right hand of God, swallowing down death that we might be made heirs of life everlasting: being gone into heaven, the angels and powers and virtues being made subject to him.

1 Peter 3:22

Historical Context

1 Peter addresses persecuted Christians of Asia Minor, strengthened in hope and holiness within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 3 of 5 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 22 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Abraham, Sarah and Noah, the principal figures named in this chapter. It opens with the line: "In like manner also, let wives be subject to their husbands: that, if any believe not the word, they may be won without…" It concludes: "Who is on the right hand of God, swallowing down death that we might be made heirs of life everlasting: being gone into…" The wider setting of 1 Peter is this: Peter writes to Christians scattered across Asia Minor who suffer as social outcasts for their faith. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: About AD 62-64, from Rome ('Babylon').

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Peter, through the scribe Silvanus

When It Was Written

About AD 62-64, from Rome ('Babylon')

Catholic Commentary

The apostolic author instructs the Church on doctrine, morality, and community life. A pivotal line is verse 4: "But the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptibility of a quiet and a meek spirit which is rich in the sight of God." The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of suffering, hope, and holy living. Peter's teaching on Baptism and the priesthood of believers (CIC 1268). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 26).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, 1 Peter 3 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.

People in This Chapter

Abraham1 mentionSarah1 mentionNoah1 mention

Reflection for Today

1 Peter Chapter 3, containing 22 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 2772). Here the emphasis falls on courage in witness to the Gospel, which shapes how the Church understands suffering, hope, and holy living.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 133).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1 Peter Chapter 3 about?

1 Peter 3 contains 22 verses. It opens with "In like manner also, let wives be subject to their husbands: that, if any believe not the word, they may be won without…" and closes with "Who is on the right hand of God, swallowing down death that we might be made heirs of life everlasting: being gone into…". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in 1 Peter 3?

One of the most significant verses is verse 4: "But the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptibility of a quiet and a meek spirit which is rich in the sight of God." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 1 Peter Chapter 3?

This chapter mentions Abraham, Sarah, Noah.

Who wrote 1 Peter and when?

The Apostle Peter, through the scribe Silvanus. About AD 62-64, from Rome ('Babylon').

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