1 Peter 3:5
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:
Original Language Analysis
οὕτως
after this manner
G3779
οὕτως
after this manner
Strong's:
G3779
Word #:
1 of 18
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
who
G3588
τοῖς
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅγιαι
the holy
G40
ἅγιαι
the holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
6 of 18
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
τοῖς
who
G3588
τοῖς
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοῖς
who
G3588
τοῖς
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
12 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐκόσμουν
adorned
G2885
ἐκόσμουν
adorned
Strong's:
G2885
Word #:
13 of 18
to put in proper order, i.e., decorate (literally or figuratively); specially, to snuff (a wick)
ἑαυτάς
themselves
G1438
ἑαυτάς
themselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
14 of 18
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ὑποτασσόμεναι
being in subjection
G5293
ὑποτασσόμεναι
being in subjection
Strong's:
G5293
Word #:
15 of 18
to subordinate; reflexively, to obey
τοῖς
who
G3588
τοῖς
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Timothy 5:5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.1 Timothy 5:10Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
Historical Context
Peter roots New Testament instruction in Old Testament precedent, showing continuity. The patriarchal narratives present women like Sarah as examples of faith and godly character. This challenged both Jewish readers (who might dismiss wife's role) and Gentile converts (unfamiliar with biblical models). Peter emphasizes these women's trust in God as foundation for their conduct—submission flowed from faith, not fear or cultural expectation. Early church taught that biblical womanhood transcends culture, rooted in creation order and redemptive history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'trusting in God' (rather than appearance or human approval) shape priorities for women and men?
- What does it mean that biblical patterns of relationship transcend cultural accommodation?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter appeals to holy women of Old Testament as examples. "For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves" (houtōs gar pote kai hai hagiai gynaikes hai elpizousai eis theon ekosmoun heautas). These godly women focused on internal beauty, not external adornment. Their defining characteristic: "trusted in God" (elpizousai eis theon)—hope/trust placed in God, not appearance, wealth, or human approval. The behavior: "being in subjection unto their own husbands" (hypotassomenai tois idiois andrasin)—voluntary submission characterized Old Testament godly women. This wasn't cultural accommodation but biblical pattern.