1 Peter 3:3

Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

Whose {G3739} adorning {G2889} let it {G2077} not {G3756} be {G2077} that outward {G1855} adorning of plaiting {G1708} the hair {G2359}, and {G2532} of wearing {G4025} of gold {G5553}, or {G2228} of putting on {G1745} of apparel {G2440};

Your beauty should not consist in externals such as fancy hairstyles, gold jewelry or what you wear;

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes,

Whoseadorninglet it not be the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on apparel;

Context of 1 Peter 3:3

In 1 Peter chapter 3, the apostle Peter shifts his focus to practical Christian living, particularly within the context of marriage. He begins by addressing Christian wives, especially those whose husbands may not be believers, emphasizing the power of a godly life to win them over (1 Peter 3:1-2). Verse 3 then sets the stage for the crucial contrast between outward, superficial adornment and the true, lasting beauty that comes from within. This passage provides timeless guidance on priorities for believers, particularly women, regarding their appearance and spiritual condition.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Prioritizing Inward Beauty: The primary message of 1 Peter 3:3 is a call to prioritize inner character over external display. While not a blanket prohibition against all forms of personal care or tasteful attire, it highlights the danger of excessive focus on outward appearance.
  • Modesty and Humility: The verse encourages a spirit of modesty, cautioning against ostentatious displays of wealth or vanity common in the Greco-Roman world. "Plaiting the hair" refers to elaborate, often time-consuming hairstyles, and "wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel" points to expensive jewelry and luxurious clothing.
  • True Christian Witness: Peter's instruction encourages believers to reflect their faith not through worldly standards of beauty or status, but through a transformed heart and life. This inner transformation is what truly distinguishes a Christian and has the power to influence others, as noted in the preceding verses.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "adorning" in this verse is kosmos (κόσμος), which can mean "order," "arrangement," or "ornament." It's the same word used for "world" elsewhere, often referring to the ordered system or fashion of the world. Here, it specifically denotes external decoration. Peter uses it to refer to the kind of adornment that is superficial and fleeting. The phrase "plaiting the hair" (Greek: emplokēs trikhōn) specifically refers to intricate, braided hairstyles that were popular and often a sign of social status or vanity in that era. By listing these specific examples, Peter points to a preoccupation with outward appearance and worldly fashion that can detract from spiritual focus.

Related Scriptures

This instruction prepares the way for the positive command in the very next verse, 1 Peter 3:4, which describes the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. The apostle Paul gives similar counsel regarding Christian women's attire in 1 Timothy 2:9-10, emphasizing modesty and good works as the appropriate adornment for those professing godliness. The principle of valuing inner character over outward show is also echoed in passages like Proverbs 31:30, which states, "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."

Practical Application

For a general audience today, 1 Peter 3:3 serves as a vital reminder about where we place our value and derive our confidence. It's not a call to neglect personal hygiene or to dress poorly, but to re-evaluate our priorities. Are we overly concerned with current fashion trends, expensive accessories, or elaborate hairstyles at the expense of cultivating our inner spiritual life? The verse challenges both men and women to invest more in developing a Christ-like character—marked by virtues like humility, gentleness, and a quiet spirit—rather than seeking validation through external appearance. True beauty, from a biblical perspective, radiates from a heart transformed by God, a beauty that is eternal and truly attractive.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Timothy 2:9

    ¶ In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

  • 1 Timothy 2:10

    But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

  • Romans 12:2

    And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

  • Isaiah 3:18

    In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of [their] tinkling ornaments [about their feet], and [their] cauls, and [their] round tires like the moon,

  • Isaiah 3:24

    And it shall come to pass, [that] instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; [and] burning instead of beauty.

  • 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 2:15

    ¶ These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

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