1 Peter 3:4
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
But
G235
ἀλλ'
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίας
of the heart
G2588
καρδίας
of the heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
5 of 20
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀφθάρτῳ
that which is not corruptible
G862
ἀφθάρτῳ
that which is not corruptible
Strong's:
G862
Word #:
9 of 20
undecaying (in essence or continuance)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρᾳέος
even the ornament of a meek
G4239
πρᾳέος
even the ornament of a meek
Strong's:
G4239
Word #:
11 of 20
mild, i.e., (by implication) humble
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡσυχίου
quiet
G2272
ἡσυχίου
quiet
Strong's:
G2272
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, keeping one's seat (sedentary), i.e., (by implication) still (undisturbed, undisturbing)
πνεύματος
spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
14 of 20
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ὅ
which
G3739
ὅ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
15 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 3:12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;1 Samuel 16:7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.Romans 2:29But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.Matthew 11:29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.Matthew 23:26Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.Titus 3:2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.Romans 7:22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:2 Corinthians 4:16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.1 Thessalonians 4:11And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;Ephesians 4:2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Historical Context
Ancient world valued assertiveness, self-promotion, status. Peter elevates opposite virtues—meekness, quietness. These aren't weakness but Spirit-produced character reflecting Christ (Matthew 11:29). This radically challenged cultural values. God prizes what humans often despise—humble, gentle spirit over proud, assertive personality. This applies to men and women, though context addresses wives specifically. Early church's elevation of formerly despised virtues (humility, meekness, servanthood) demonstrated Christianity's counter-cultural nature.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God values 'meek and quiet spirit' as precious challenge your pursuit of worldly assertiveness or recognition?
- What's the difference between 'meekness' (biblical virtue) and 'weakness' (human failure)?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter describes true beauty's source. "But let it be the hidden man of the heart" (all' ho kryptos tēs kardias anthrōpos)—the inner person, heart's unseen character. The quality: "in that which is not corruptible" (en tō aphthartō)—imperishable, unlike external beauty that fades. The description: "even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit" (tou praeōs kai hēsychiou pneumatos). "Meek" (praeōs) is gentle, humble, not assertive or domineering. "Quiet" (hēsychiou) is tranquil, peaceful, not anxious or contentious. This spirit is "in the sight of God of great price" (ho estin enōpion tou theou polyteles)—precious, valuable, costly in God's eyes, though world may despise it.