1 Peter 3:6
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
Even as
G5613
ὡς
Even as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 17
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ὑπήκουσεν
obeyed
G5219
ὑπήκουσεν
obeyed
Strong's:
G5219
Word #:
3 of 17
to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριον
lord
G2962
κύριον
lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 17
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
calling
G2564
καλοῦσα
calling
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
8 of 17
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
ἧς
whose
G3739
ἧς
whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐγενήθητε
ye are
G1096
ἐγενήθητε
ye are
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
10 of 17
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἀγαθοποιοῦσαι
as long as ye do well
G15
ἀγαθοποιοῦσαι
as long as ye do well
Strong's:
G15
Word #:
12 of 17
to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
14 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
φοβούμεναι
afraid
G5399
φοβούμεναι
afraid
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
15 of 17
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
Cross References
Genesis 18:12Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?Acts 4:19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.Isaiah 57:11And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?Genesis 18:15Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.
Historical Context
Sarah, despite imperfections (laughing at God's promise, Hagar situation), demonstrated faith and appropriate submission to Abraham. Peter doesn't endorse her failures but highlights her virtues. The phrase 'calling him lord' shocked modern readers but reflected ancient respectful address (like 'sir'). Peter's point: godly women trust God, respect husbands, and live courageously without fear. Early church taught that spiritual daughterhood of Sarah comes through faith and godly conduct, not mere ethnicity. The 'fear not' element is crucial—godly submission isn't cowardice but courageous faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How does being Sarah's 'daughter' through faith and godly conduct (not mere ethnicity) shape your identity?
- What does it mean to live without 'fear' while trusting God in difficult circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter cites Sarah as exemplary holy woman. "Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord" (hōs Sarra hypēkousen tō Abraam, kyrion auton kalousa)—referencing Genesis 18:12 where Sarah, speaking of Abraham, used term of respect. "Obeyed" (hypēkousen) indicates submission to Abraham's leadership. "Calling him lord" showed respect, honor. Peter applies this: "whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well" (hēs egenēthēte tekna agathopoiousai)—Christian women are Sarah's spiritual daughters when they follow her example of godly conduct. The encouragement: "and are not afraid with any amazement" (kai mē phoboumenai mēdemian ptoēsin)—don't give way to fear or intimidation. Trusting God produces courage, not anxiety.