1 Peter 3:5

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὕτως
after this manner
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#2
γάρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ποτε
in the old time
indefinite adverb, at some time, ever
#4
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
τοῖς
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἅγιαι
G40
the holy
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#7
γυναῖκες
women
a woman; specially, a wife
#8
τοῖς
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἐλπίζουσαι
trusted
to expect or confide
#10
ἐπὶ
in
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#11
τοῖς
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
θεὸν
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#13
ἐκόσμουν
adorned
to put in proper order, i.e., decorate (literally or figuratively); specially, to snuff (a wick)
#14
ἑαυτάς
themselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#15
ὑποτασσόμεναι
being in subjection
to subordinate; reflexively, to obey
#16
τοῖς
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἰδίοις
unto their own
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
#18
ἀνδράσιν
husbands
a man (properly as an individual male)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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