1 Peter 3:5

For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

For {G1063} after this manner {G3779} in the old time {G4218} the holy {G40} women {G1135} also {G2532}, who {G3588} trusted {G1679} in {G1909} God {G2316}, adorned {G2885} themselves {G1438}, being in subjection {G5293} unto their own {G2398} husbands {G435}:

This is how the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves and submit to their husbands,

For this is how the holy women of the past adorned themselves. They put their hope in God and were submissive to their husbands,

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

Commentary on 1 Peter 3:5 (KJV)

1 Peter 3:5 serves as a foundational verse within a broader passage (1 Peter 3:1-6) where the Apostle Peter addresses Christian wives, particularly concerning their conduct within marriage. This verse reinforces the instruction from the preceding verses by drawing upon historical examples of godly women from the Old Testament, showcasing their manner of "adornment."

Context

This verse directly follows Peter's advice in 1 Peter 3:3-4, where he contrasts outward physical adornment (like elaborate hairstyles, gold jewelry, or fine apparel) with the "hidden man of the heart." Peter emphasizes that a woman's true beauty and adornment should come from an "incorruptible ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." Verse 5 then provides historical validation for this principle, pointing to the practices of "holy women" of the past.

Key Themes

  • Inner Beauty and Character: The verse underscores that genuine beauty, pleasing to God, emanates from a woman's inner character and spiritual disposition, not external display. This aligns with a timeless biblical emphasis on the heart over outward appearance, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7.
  • Trust in God: The phrase "who trusted in God" is crucial. It highlights that the conduct of these holy women was rooted in their faith and reliance on divine strength and wisdom. Their submission and godly behavior were not born of weakness or fear, but of profound trust in God's design and sovereignty.
  • Biblical Submission in Marriage: Peter highlights "being in subjection unto their own husbands" as a key aspect of how these holy women "adorned themselves." This concept of biblical submission (from the Greek hypotassō) implies a voluntary attitude of respect, cooperation, and alignment within the marriage structure, rather than forced subservience. It speaks to an ordered relationship where each partner plays a complementary role, as also taught in Ephesians 5:22 and Colossians 3:18.
  • Historical Precedent: By referencing "the old time," Peter grounds his instruction in the examples of godly women from Israel's history, most notably Sarah, who is specifically mentioned in the very next verse. This provides a powerful, tangible model for Christian wives to emulate.

Linguistic Insights

The word "adorned" comes from the Greek kosmeō, which means "to arrange, to put in order, to adorn, to beautify." It's the root of our word "cosmetic." Peter uses this word intentionally to contrast the external, superficial "adornment" with the true, internal "adornment" of a godly character. The genuine beauty is found in their faithful conduct and respectful attitude, not in outward display.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Peter 3:5 serves as a powerful reminder that true value and lasting beauty are found in spiritual qualities and a heart that trusts God. It encourages Christian wives to prioritize the development of a meek and quiet spirit and to express respect and cooperation within their marriages as a reflection of their faith. This doesn't diminish the importance of appropriate personal presentation but reorders priorities, emphasizing that inner character and a Christ-like demeanor are of far greater significance and eternal value than any outward embellishment. It calls for a life lived in faith, reflecting God's order and grace within the home.

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.

  • 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 2:4

    That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

  • 1 Timothy 5:5

    Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

  • Luke 2:37

    And she [was] a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served [God] with fastings and prayers night and day.

  • 1 Timothy 5:10

    Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

  • Luke 8:2

    And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

  • Luke 8:3

    And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

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