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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Likewise {G3668}, ye wives {G1135}, be in subjection {G5293} to your own {G2398} husbands {G435}; that {G2443}, if any {G1536} obey not {G544} the word {G3056}, they {G2770} also {G2532} may {G2770} without {G427} the word {G3056} be won {G2770} by {G1223} the conversation {G391} of the wives {G1135};

Complete Jewish Bible

In the same way, wives, submit to your husbands; so that even if some of them do not believe the Word, they will be won over by your conduct, without your saying anything,

Berean Standard Bible

Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives

American Standard Version

In like manner, ye wives, bein subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 3:1 addresses Christian wives, instructing them to live in respectful submission to their own husbands, particularly those who do not believe or obey the gospel. The verse posits that through a godly and quiet demeanor, rather than through verbal persuasion or contention, a wife can potentially lead her unbelieving husband to faith in Christ, demonstrating the transformative power of a lived Christian witness within the most intimate of human relationships.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a new section within Peter's epistle, transitioning from general exhortations for all believers to specific instructions for various social groups. Peter has just concluded a lengthy discussion on Christian submission to governing authorities ([1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13-17 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Submission to Authority")) and to masters, even unjust ones ([1 Peter 2:18-25](/1_peter/2-18-25 "1 Peter 2:18-25 - Servants and Masters")), drawing heavily on the example of Christ's suffering and humble obedience. The command to wives in [1 Peter 3:1](/1_peter/3-1 "1 Peter 3:1 - Wives' Submission and Witness") is therefore framed within this broader theological framework of Christ-like submission and suffering for righteousness' sake, extending the principle of respectful conduct into the domestic sphere. The subsequent verses in [1 Peter 3:2-6](/1_peter/3-2-6 "1 Peter 3:2-6 - The Inner Beauty of Wives") elaborate on the nature of this "conversation" or conduct, emphasizing inner beauty over outward adornment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Roman and Jewish societies were intensely patriarchal, with husbands holding significant authority over their wives. Marriage was often a social and economic arrangement, and a wife's conversion to a new religion, especially one as counter-cultural as Christianity, could be seen as a challenge to the husband's authority, the family's honor, and even the social order. If a wife converted but her husband did not, it could create immense tension, potentially leading to divorce or ostracization. Peter's instruction here is remarkable because it does not advocate for rebellion or direct confrontation, but rather for a strategy of quiet, consistent, and respectful Christian living as the primary means of influence, reflecting a profound understanding of the social dynamics and the power of personal witness in a hostile environment.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [1 Peter](/1_peter/1 "The First Epistle of Peter") is living as "aliens and strangers" ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Living as Aliens and Strangers")) in a hostile world, enduring suffering with Christ-like humility and hope. This verse contributes to several key sub-themes: **Christian Submission**, not as inferiority, but as a voluntary ordering for the sake of peace and witness, echoing Christ's own submission to the Father's will ([1 Corinthians 15:28](/1_corinthians/15-28 "1 Corinthians 15:28 - Christ's Ultimate Subjection")); **Evangelism through Conduct**, highlighting the powerful impact of a transformed life as a silent sermon, particularly for those resistant to verbal persuasion; and the **Sanctity of Marriage**, underscoring the importance of maintaining marital harmony and leveraging the domestic sphere as a primary arena for Christian witness and spiritual influence, even in challenging circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Subjection (Greek, _hypotássō_):** From G5293, meaning "to subordinate; reflexively, to obey:--be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto." This term, often used in military contexts for ordered ranks, signifies a voluntary arrangement or alignment under authority, rather than inherent inferiority. It is a posture of respect and cooperation, seen throughout the New Testament in various relationships, including Christ's relationship to the Father.
* **Won (Greek, _kerdaínō_):** From G2770, meaning "to gain (literally or figuratively):--(get) gain, win." This word implies a positive outcome, a successful acquisition or persuasion. In this context, it refers to the spiritual gain of an unbelieving husband's salvation, emphasizing that the wife's conduct is a means to "gain" him for Christ, not merely to appease him.
* **Conversation (Greek, _anastrophḗ_):** From G391, meaning "behavior:--conversation." In the King James Version, "conversation" frequently refers to one's manner of life, conduct, or overall deportment, not merely verbal exchange. Here, it denotes the wife's entire lifestyle, character, and actions, which serve as a powerful, non-verbal testimony.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Likewise, ye wives, [be] in subjection to your own husbands;":** Peter extends his general principle of Christian submission to the specific context of marriage. The adverb "likewise" (Greek, _homoíōs_, G3668) links this instruction directly to the preceding commands for servants and citizens, implying a consistent theological basis for respectful conduct within various societal structures. The command for wives to be in "subjection" (Greek, _hypotássō_, G5293) to "your own" (Greek, _ídios_, G2398) husbands (Greek, _anḗr_, G435) highlights the personal and voluntary nature of this submission within the specific marital covenant, rather than a universal statement about women's inferiority.
* **"that, if any obey not the word,":** This clause introduces the specific scenario for which the preceding command is particularly purposed. The conjunction "that" (Greek, _hína_, G2443) indicates the purpose or result. "If any" (Greek, _eí tis_, G1536) refers to husbands who "obey not" (Greek, _apeithéō_, G544) "the word" (Greek, _lógos_, G3056). "The word" here signifies the gospel message, implying husbands who are either unbelievers or who are disobedient to the Christian faith, perhaps even hostile to it.
* **"they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;":** This final clause explains the means and desired outcome. The wives' conduct, their "conversation" (Greek, _anastrophḗ_, G391) or manner of life, becomes the instrument through which their unbelieving husbands "may... be won" (Greek, _kerdaínō_, G2770). The crucial phrase "without the word" (Greek, _áneu tou lógou_, G427 G3056) emphasizes that this winning is achieved not through verbal arguments, nagging, or direct preaching, but through the powerful, silent witness of a godly life. This highlights the transformative power of consistent, Christ-like character.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several literary devices to convey his message effectively. The use of **Parallelism** is evident as he extends the principle of submission from civil authorities and masters to the domestic realm, creating a consistent ethical framework throughout the epistle. There is a strong element of **Contrast** in the phrase "without the word," juxtaposing the typical means of evangelism (verbal proclamation) with the alternative, yet equally powerful, method of a transformed life. The term "conversation" (KJV) functions as a **Synecdoche**, where a part (one's manner of speaking or interaction) stands for the whole of one's behavior and lifestyle, emphasizing the comprehensive impact of a wife's conduct. Finally, the instruction implies a subtle **Paradox**: that the most effective way to "win" an unbelieving spouse is not through direct confrontation or persuasion, but through humble, respectful, and godly living, demonstrating that actions can indeed speak louder than words in matters of faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Peter 3:1 profoundly connects the theological principle of submission, not as a sign of weakness but as a spiritual strength, to the practical outworking of evangelism within the marital relationship. It underscores the New Testament emphasis on the transformative power of a lived faith, where character and conduct become powerful testimonies to the truth of the gospel. This passage demonstrates that the Christian life is meant to be a compelling witness, capable of influencing even the most resistant hearts, and that God can use the quiet, consistent faithfulness of one spouse to draw the other into His kingdom. It aligns with the broader biblical teaching that genuine faith is evidenced by good works and a changed life, which can be more persuasive than any argument.

* [Ephesians 5:22-24](/ephesians/5-22-24 "Ephesians 5:22-24 - Wives and Husbands")
* [Colossians 3:18](/colossians/3-18 "Colossians 3:18 - Wives, Submit to Your Husbands")
* [1 Corinthians 7:16](/1_corinthians/7-16 "1 Corinthians 7:16 - Saving Your Spouse")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Peter 3:1 offers profound guidance for Christian wives, particularly those in mixed-faith marriages, but its principles extend to all believers seeking to influence others for Christ. It calls for a radical trust in the power of God to work through humble and consistent obedience, even when direct verbal evangelism seems unfruitful or counterproductive. The passage challenges us to consider the quality of our daily lives as our most potent witness. It encourages a focus on developing inner spiritual virtues—such as patience, gentleness, respect, and quiet confidence in God—which are ultimately more attractive and persuasive than outward appearances or contentious arguments. For wives, this means intentionally cultivating a Christ-like character that honors their husbands, not out of fear or inferiority, but out of reverence for Christ and a desire for their husband's salvation. This approach fosters an environment where the Holy Spirit can work, softening hearts and opening eyes to the truth of the gospel through the compelling evidence of a transformed life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might a wife's "subjection" in this context reflect strength and strategic wisdom rather than weakness?**
* **In what ways can a godly "conversation" (conduct) be more effective than verbal persuasion in evangelism, especially within close relationships?**
* **What specific virtues or character traits, beyond mere obedience, are implied in the "conversation" that Peter advocates for?**
* **How does this verse challenge our modern understanding of influence and evangelism, particularly in intimate relationships?**

### FAQ

**What does "subjection" mean in this context, and does it imply inferiority?**

Answer: The Greek word for "subjection" (G5293, _hypotássō_) means to "place oneself under" or "to arrange under." It does not imply inferiority in worth or intelligence, but rather a voluntary and respectful ordering within a relationship. In the New Testament, this term is used in various contexts, including Christ's submission to the Father ([1 Corinthians 15:28](/1_corinthians/15-28 "1 Corinthians 15:28 - Christ's Ultimate Subjection")), believers' submission to governing authorities ([Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")), and even mutual submission among believers ([Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Mutual Submission")). For wives, it means honoring their husband's headship in the marital structure, reflecting a divine order, and doing so willingly out of reverence for Christ, particularly as a means of witness to an unbelieving spouse.

**Is this verse still relevant in contemporary society, given changing views on gender roles?**

Answer: Yes, the core principles of [1 Peter 3:1](/1_peter/3-1 "1 Peter 3:1 - Wives' Submission and Witness") remain profoundly relevant. While societal structures and gender roles have evolved, the verse's emphasis is not primarily on cultural norms but on the spiritual power of a transformed life and the strategy of evangelism through godly conduct. It teaches that respectful, humble, and consistent Christian living is a powerful testimony, especially in intimate relationships where verbal arguments might be ineffective or counterproductive. The principle that actions speak louder than words, and that a Christ-like demeanor can attract others to the gospel, transcends specific cultural contexts and remains a timeless truth for all believers seeking to influence their loved ones for Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Peter 3:1 finds its deepest fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the principle of humble submission for the sake of redemption. Christ, though fully God, "made himself nothing, by taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), submitting Himself to the will of the Father even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). His entire life was a "conversation" of perfect obedience and self-sacrificing love, a silent sermon that "won" humanity back to God without coercion or argument, but through the compelling power of His character and ultimate sacrifice. Just as Christ's suffering and humble obedience led to His exaltation and the salvation of many ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")), so too does the Christian wife's Christ-like submission and godly conduct become a channel through which God's redemptive power can work to "win" her unbelieving husband. Her witness, empowered by the Spirit of Christ, mirrors the quiet, yet infinitely powerful, work of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), demonstrating that true spiritual influence flows from a life surrendered to God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 3:18

¶ Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

Ephesians 5:33

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife [see] that she reverence [her] husband.

Ephesians 5:22

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

Ephesians 5:24

Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing.

Titus 2:3

The aged women likewise, that [they be] in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

Titus 2:6

Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

1 Corinthians 11:3

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God.