Does this verse forbid outward adornment or wearing jewelry?

No, this verse does not explicitly forbid outward adornment or wearing jewelry. Rather, it prioritizes and redefines true "adornment." Peter is not issuing a blanket prohibition but is contrasting the *source* and *value* of beauty. He emphasizes that genuine beauty, which is "of great price" in God's sight, comes from an "incorruptible ornament of a meek and quiet spirit" (1 Peter 3:4). The focus is on the heart's condition and spiritual character as being far more valuable and lasting than any external embellishment.

What does "being in subjection unto their own husbands" mean in this context?

The Greek word for "subjection" is hypotássō, which implies a voluntary, respectful ordering or alignment, rather than forced subservience. In the context of marriage, it refers to a wife's willing cooperation with, respect for, and deference to her husband's leadership, as part of God's design for the marital relationship. This is not about inferiority, but about complementary roles within a loving, Christ-centered union. It is a posture of humility and order that, when lived out in trust in God, becomes a beautiful expression of faith and a form of spiritual "adornment." This concept is further elaborated in other New Testament passages such as Ephesians 5:21-33.

Is this teaching only for women, or does it have broader application?

While the immediate context of 1 Peter 3:5 is specifically directed at Christian wives, the underlying principles have broader application for all believers. The emphasis on inner character, trust in God, and a "meek and quiet spirit" are virtues that all Christians are called to cultivate, regardless of gender or marital status. The New Testament consistently teaches that true godliness is an internal transformation that manifests in outward conduct, humility, and respect for others, as seen in passages like Philippians 2:3-4 and Romans 12:10.

3:4 3:4

1 Peter 3:5

3:6 3:6

Bible Versions

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:

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

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.

Bible Versions

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