What does 1 Peter 3:1 mean?

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 1 Peter 3:1

Explanation

1 Peter 3:1 is a verse that speaks to the role of a wife in a Christian marriage, particularly in the context of a wife who is a believer married to an unbelieving husband. The verse calls for women to be submissive to their own husbands so that even if these husbands do not believe the word of God, they may be won over by observing their wives’ pure and reverent behavior. This verse suggests that the conduct of a wife is a powerful testimony to her faith and can influence her husband’s salvation without the need for words.

Historical Context

During the time this letter was written by the Apostle Peter, society was patriarchal, with men holding legal and moral authority over their families. Wives were generally expected to be obedient and submissive to their husbands. This verse addresses Christian wives, some of whom would have been married to non-Christian men. The early church was still establishing its identity and practices, often amidst a society that did not share their beliefs. This verse reflects the social norms of the time while also providing guidance on how Christian beliefs could be lived out within marriage.

Theological Insights

Various theological perspectives offer different insights into this verse:

• Traditional Complementarian View: This view holds that the verse establishes a God-given order of authority within marriage. It suggests that wives should willingly submit to their husbands as a reflection of their submission to Christ.

• Egalitarian View: Egalitarians emphasize mutual submission within marriage. They may interpret this verse as cultural advice, not a prescription, that was relevant in the first-century context to address specific challenges faced by Christian women married to non-believers.

• Evangelistic Purpose: Another perspective is that the verse underscores the evangelistic role of a Christian’s life witness. By displaying Christ-like behavior, a wife can lead her husband to faith.

Practical Applications

In contemporary practice, this verse might be applied in various ways:

• It can be a reminder to believers that their actions often speak louder than their words and can have a profound impact on others, including family members.

• It can encourage people in mixed-belief marriages to focus on love and respectful behavior as tools for relational harmony and potential spiritual influence.

• It can also serve as a call for patience and strength to those facing challenges in their marriages, particularly in terms of differing beliefs.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 5:22-24: “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord…”
• Colossians 3:18: “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord…”
• 1 Corinthians 7:13-14: “And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him…”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• Subjection/Submissive (Hypotasso): This term means to arrange under, to subordinate, or to subject oneself. It indicates a voluntary ordering of oneself under another.

• Conversation (Anastrophē): Often translated as behavior, it encompasses all forms of conduct including speech, actions, and value systems.

These terms help us understand that the verse is advocating for a voluntary respect and deference in conduct, rather than enforced subjugation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other religious texts and ancient cultures, similar themes of marital roles are common. For example, in traditional Judaism, the wife’s role included certain duties to her husband. Hinduism also advocates for a form of submission within the framework of dharma, especially in historical contexts. The way 1 Peter 3:1 addresses these duties, however, is distinct in the context of its evangelistic and exemplary purpose.

Scientific Perspectives

While the scientific perspective doesn’t directly address the theological implications of the text, psychology may offer insights into the dynamics of interpersonal influence. Research suggests that behavioral modeling can be a potent force in changing attitudes and beliefs, bearing out the principle that actions can speak powerfully to observers.

commentaries

Commentaries on this verse offer a range of interpretations:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary posits that the submission called for is one of affection and not implying inferiority. It is aimed at winning over the husband to Christianity.

• John MacArthur emphasizes the effectiveness of a godly life in leading others to Christ and sees the submissive heart as a powerful means for evangelism within marriage.

• The ESV Study Bible notes the cultural context and the remarkable nature of this instruction, seeing it as a transformative way for Christian wives to relate to their unbelieving husbands in a manner that could lead to their conversion.