1 Peter 3:1
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;
Original Language Analysis
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰδίοις
to your own
G2398
ἰδίοις
to your own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
6 of 22
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγου
the word
G3056
λόγου
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
14 of 22
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
15 of 22
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 3:18Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.Ephesians 5:33Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.1 Corinthians 11:3But 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.1 Corinthians 7:16For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?Genesis 3:16Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.1 Peter 3:7Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.Romans 7:2For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.1 Corinthians 14:34Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.Matthew 18:15Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Historical Context
In Roman household structure, husbands had absolute authority (patria potestas). Wives converting to Christianity without husbands' consent risked severe consequences—divorce, violence, loss of children. Peter offers realistic counsel: maintain submission and godly conduct; let lifestyle witness speak. This strategy proved effective—Tertullian notes many pagans converted by observing Christian spouses' character. The phrase 'without the word' doesn't prohibit verbal witness but emphasizes conduct's priority when words are rejected or unwelcome.
Questions for Reflection
- How can Christian wives (or any believers in difficult relationships) maintain godly witness when verbal gospel sharing is rejected or prohibited?
- What does submission 'to your own husband' mean in context of ultimate submission to Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter addresses Christian wives married to unbelieving husbands. "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands" (homoiōs gynaikes hypotassomenai tois idiois andrasin)—voluntary submission (same word used for citizen's submission to government, 2:13). The challenging situation: "that, if any obey not the word" (hina kai ei tines apeithous in tō logō)—pagan husbands disobedient to gospel. The evangelistic strategy: "they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives" (dia tēs tōn gynaikōn anastrophēs aneu logou kerdēthēsontai). Christian witness through conduct, not preaching, may win husbands to Christ. Silent godly living speaks louder than words.