1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Original Language Analysis
κύριον
the Lord
G2962
κύριον
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
1 of 28
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεὸν
God
G2316
Θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 28
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἁγιάσατε
sanctify
G37
ἁγιάσατε
sanctify
Strong's:
G37
Word #:
5 of 28
to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίαις
hearts
G2588
καρδίαις
hearts
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
8 of 28
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
ἀεὶ
always
G104
ἀεὶ
always
Strong's:
G104
Word #:
12 of 28
"ever," by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
13 of 28
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
a reason
G3056
λόγον
a reason
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
19 of 28
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
20 of 28
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλπίδος
the hope
G1680
ἐλπίδος
the hope
Strong's:
G1680
Word #:
24 of 28
expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence
μετά
with
G3326
μετά
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
25 of 28
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Cross References
Colossians 4:6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.1 Peter 3:2While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.1 Samuel 12:7Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.Colossians 1:27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:Titus 1:2In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;Hebrews 6:1Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,Psalms 119:46I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.Colossians 1:5For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;Colossians 1:23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;Hebrews 3:6But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
Historical Context
In the context of Roman persecution (AD 62-64), Christians faced hostile interrogation from authorities, skeptical questioning from neighbors, and accusations of atheism, disloyalty, and antisocial behavior. Peter's command prepares believers for both informal conversations and formal legal proceedings, where inadequate answers could mean death. The emphasis on "meekness and fear" counters the temptation to respond defensively or disrespectfully to persecutors, maintaining Christian witness even under duress. Early Christian apologists like Justin Martyr and Tertullian exemplified this balance of reasoned defense and humble deportment.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific objections or questions about your faith do you encounter most frequently, and how prepared are you to give thoughtful, Scripture-based answers?
- How can you maintain the balance between bold truth-telling and gentle humility when defending the faith, especially with hostile questioners?
Analysis & Commentary
The command "sanctify the Lord God in your hearts" (kyrion de ton Christon hagiasate en tais kardiais hymōn) means to set apart Christ as Lord, enthroning Him as supreme authority over every area of life, especially when facing opposition. This inward lordship produces outward readiness: "always ready" (hetoimos aei) indicates constant preparedness, not occasional convenience. The Greek apologia (defense/answer) is the legal term for formal courtroom defense, suggesting reasoned explanation rather than mere testimony. Believers must give account (logon, rational explanation) for "the hope that is in you"—not just doctrinal beliefs but the living hope of resurrection and eternal inheritance (1:3-4) that sustains Christians through suffering. Critically, this apologetic witness must be delivered "with meekness and fear" (meta prautētos kai phobou)—gentleness toward opponents and reverence toward God—avoiding arrogant triumphalism. The balanced approach combines intellectual rigor, personal conviction, and Christlike humility, making the gospel attractive even when its content offends.