1 Peter 3:6

Authorized King James Version

Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὡς

G5613

Even as

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

Σάῤῥα

G4564

Sara

sarra (i.e., sarah), the wife of abraham

ὑπήκουσεν

G5219

obeyed

to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority

τῷ

G3588

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

Ἀβραάμ

G11

Abraham

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

κύριον

G2962

lord

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

αὐτὸν

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καλοῦσα

G2564

calling

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

ἧς

G3739

whose

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#10

ἐγενήθητε

G1096

ye are

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#11

τέκνα

G5043

daughters

a child (as produced)

#12

ἀγαθοποιοῦσαι

G15

as long as ye do well

to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#14

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#15

φοβούμεναι

G5399

afraid

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

#16

μηδεμίαν

G3367

with any

not even one (man, woman, thing)

#17

πτόησιν

G4423

amazement

alarm

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 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Hope