1 Peter 3:15

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis

κύριον

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Θεὸν

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἁγιάσατε

G37

sanctify

to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ταῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καρδίαις

G2588

hearts

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

#10

ἕτοιμοι

G2092

be ready

adjusted, i.e., ready

#11

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

#12

ἀεὶ

G104

always

"ever," by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly

#13

πρὸς

G4314

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,

#14

ἀπολογίαν

G627

give an answer

a plea ("apology")

#15

παντὶ

G3956

to every man

all, any, every, the whole

#16

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

αἰτοῦντι

G154

that asketh

to ask (in genitive case)

#18

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#19

λόγον

G3056

a reason

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#20

περὶ

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

#21

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#23

ὑμῖν

G5213

you

to (with or by) you

#24

ἐλπίδος

G1680

the hope

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

#25

μετά

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#26

πρᾳΰτητος

G4240

meekness

mildness, i.e., (by implication) humility

#27

καί

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#28

φόβου

G5401

fear

alarm or fright

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Colossians 4:6 Colossians 4:6
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
— Speech be alway with grace
² 2 Timothy 2:15 2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
— Rightly dividing the word

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Peter. The concept of hope reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Peter Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes hope in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Peter chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding hope in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of hope differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Hope