1 Peter 3:15–17
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
But sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts, & be ready alwayes to giue an answere to euery man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekenesse and ‖feare:
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- ‖Alternative wordingOr, reuerence.
Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Hauing a good conscience, that whereas they speake euill of you, as of euill doers, they may bee ashamed that falsly accuse your good conuersation in Christ.
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that yee suffer for well doing, then for euill doing.
Narration uses the Pure Cambridge Edition.
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SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE
Cross References
15 Essential passages are open for comparison.
From verse 15
- Colossians 4:6Rank 1 from verse 15
- 2 Timothy 2:25–26Rank 2 from verse 15
25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
25In meekenesse instructing those that oppose themselues, if God peraduenture will giue them repentance to the acknowledging of the trueth.
26And that they may †recouer themselues out of the snare of the deuill, who are †taken captiue by him at his will.
- Luke 21:14–15Rank 3 from verse 15
14Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
14*Settle it therfore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answere.
15For I will giue you a mouth and wisedome, which all your aduersaries shall not be able to gainsay, nor resist.
- 1 Peter 3:2Rank 4 from verse 15
- Matthew 10:18–20Rank 5 from verse 15
18And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
19But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
20For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
18And yee shall be brought before Gouernours and Kings for my sake, for a testimonie against them, and the Gentiles.
19*But when they deliuer you vp, take no thought, how or what ye shall speake, for it shall bee giuen you in that same houre what ye shall speake.
20For it is not yee that speake, but the Spirit of your Father, which speaketh in you.
- Hebrews 6:1Rank 6 from verse 15
1THEREFORE leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
1¶ Therefore leauing the ‖principles of the doctrine of Christ, let vs goe on vnto perfection, not laying againe the foundation of repentance from dead workes, and of faith towards God,
- Psalms 119:46Rank 7 from verse 15
- Colossians 1:27Rank 9 from verse 15
- 1 Samuel 12:7Rank 10 from verse 15
7Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the Lord of all the righteous acts of the Lord, which he did to you and to your fathers.
7Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD, of all the †righteous acts of the LORD, which he did †to you and your fathers.
- Colossians 1:23Rank 11 from verse 15
23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
23If ye continue in the faith grounded and setled, and be not moued away from the hope of the Gospel, which yee haue heard, and which was preached to euery creature which is vnder heauen, whereof I Paul am made a Minister.
- Colossians 1:5Rank 12 from verse 15
- Hebrews 6:18–19Rank 13 from verse 15
18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lye, wee might haue a strong consolation, who haue fled for refuge to lay hold vpon the hope set before vs.
19Which hope we haue as an anker of the soule both sure and stedfast, and which entreth into that within the vaile,
- Acts 5:29–31Rank 14 from verse 15
29¶ Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
29¶ Then Peter, and the other Apostles answered, and saide, Wee ought to obey God rather then men.
30The God of our fathers raised vp Iesus, whom yee slew and hanged on a tree.
31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to bee a Prince and a Sauiour, for to giue repentance to Israel, and forgiuenesse of sinnes.
- Daniel 3:16–18Rank 15 from verse 15
16Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
17If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
18But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
16Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king; O Nebuchad-nezzar, we are not carefull to answere thee in this matter.
17If it be so, our God whom wee serue, is able to deliuer vs from the burning fierie furnace, and he will deliuer vs out of thine hand, O king.
18But if not, bee it knowen vnto thee, O king, that we will not serue thy gods, nor worship thy golden image, which thou hast set vp.
- 1 Peter 1:3–4Rank 16 from verse 15
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ, which according to his †abundant mercy, hath begotten vs againe vnto a liuely hope, by the resurrection of Iesus Christ from the dead,
4To an inheritance incorruptible, and vndefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserued in heauen ‖for you,
- Hebrews 3:6Rank 17 from verse 15
- 1 Peter 3:4Rank 18 from verse 15
4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
4But let it bee the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, euen the ornament of a meeke and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
- Isaiah 29:23Rank 19 from verse 15
23But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.
23But when hee seeth his children the worke of mine hands in the midst of him, they shall sanctifie my Name, and sanctifie the Holy One of Iacob, and shall feare the God of Israel.
- Acts 4:8–12Rank 20 from verse 15
8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
9If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
10Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
8Then Peter filled with the holy Ghost, said vnto them, Ye rulers of the people, and Elders of Israel,
9If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what meanes he is made whole,
10Be it knowen vnto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Iesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whome God raised from the dead, euen by him, doeth this man stand here before you, whole.
11*This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12Neither is there saluation in any other: for there is none other name vnder heauen giuen among men whereby we must be saued.
- Amos 7:14–17Rank 21 from verse 15
14¶ Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:
15And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.
16¶ Now therefore hear thou the word of the Lord: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac.
17Therefore thus saith the Lord; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.
14¶ Then answered Amos, and sayde to Amaziah; I was no Prophet, neither was I a Prophets sonne, but I was an heardman, and a gatherer of ‖Sycomore fruit.
15And the LORD tooke me †as I followed the flocke, and the LORD said vnto me, Goe, prophecie vnto my people Israel.
16¶ Now therefore heare thou the worde of the LORD; Thou sayest, *Prophecie not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac.
17Therfore thus sayth the LORD; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sonnes and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be diuided by line: and thou shalt die in a polluted land, and Israel shall surely goe into captiuitie foorth of his land.
- Isaiah 1:18Rank 22 from verse 15
18Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
18Come now and let vs reason together, saith the LORD: though your sinnes be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimsin, they shall be as wooll.
- Isaiah 41:21Rank 23 from verse 15
- Isaiah 5:16Rank 24 from verse 15
- Acts 24:25Rank 25 from verse 15
25And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
25And as he reasoned of righteousnesse, temperance, and iudgement to come, Felix trembled and answered, Go thy way for this time, when I haue a conuenient season, I will call for thee.
- 1 Peter 1:17Rank 26 from verse 15
- Acts 21:39–5Rank 27 from verse 15
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Verse text is unavailable.
- Jeremiah 26:12–16Rank 28 from verse 15
12¶ Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard.
13Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your God; and the Lord will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.
14As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you.
15But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the Lord hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears.
16¶ Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets; This man is not worthy to die: for he hath spoken to us in the name of the Lord our God.
12¶ Then spake Ieremiah vnto all the Princes, and to all the people, saying, The LORD sent me to prophecie against this house, and against this citie, all the wordes that yee haue heard.
13*†Therefore nowe amend your wayes, and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God, and the LORD will repent him of the euill that he hath pronounced against you.
14†As for mee, behold, I am in your hand: doe with mee as seemeth good and meet vnto you.
15But know ye for certaine, That if ye put mee to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood vpon your selues, and vpon this citie, and vpon the inhabitants thereof: for of a trueth the LORD hath sent mee vnto you, to speake all these words in your eares.
16¶ Then said the Princes, and all the people, vnto the priests, and to the prophets; This man is not worthy to die: for hee hath spoken to vs in the Name of the LORD our God.
- Numbers 20:12Rank 29 from verse 15
12¶ And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
12¶ And the LORD spake vnto Moses and Aaron, Because ye beleeue me not, to sanctifie me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this Congregation into the land which I haue giuen them.
- Numbers 27:14Rank 30 from verse 15
14For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.
14For ye *rebelled against my Commandement (in the desart of Zin, in the strife of the Congregation) to sanctifie me at the water, before their eyes: that is the *water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wildernesse of Zin.
From verse 16
- 1 Peter 2:12Rank 1 from verse 16
12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
12Hauing your conuersation honest among the Gentiles, that ‖whereas they speake against you as euill doers, they may by your good works which they shall behold, glorifie God in the day of visitation.
- 1 Peter 2:15Rank 2 from verse 16
- Hebrews 13:18Rank 3 from verse 16
- Matthew 5:11Rank 5 from verse 16
- 1 Peter 2:19Rank 6 from verse 16
- 1 Timothy 1:5Rank 7 from verse 16
- Acts 24:16Rank 8 from verse 16
- Romans 9:1Rank 9 from verse 16
- 1 Peter 3:21Rank 10 from verse 16
21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
21The like figure whereunto, euen Baptisme, doth also now saue vs, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answere of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Iesus Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 1:12Rank 11 from verse 16
12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
12For our reioycing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicitie and godly sinceritie, not with fleshly wisedome, but by the grace of God, wee haue had our conuersation in the world, and more aboundantly to youwards.
- 1 Peter 3:1–2Rank 12 from verse 16
1LIKEWISE, 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;
2While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
1¶ Likewise, ye wiues, be in subiection to your owne husbands, that if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be wonne by the conuersation of the wiues:
2While they beholde your chaste conuersation coupled with feare:
- 2 Corinthians 4:2Rank 13 from verse 16
2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
2But haue renounced the hidden things of †dishonesty, not walking in craftines, nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the trueth, commending our selues to euery mans conscience, in the sight of God.
- Hebrews 9:14Rank 14 from verse 16
14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit, offered himselfe without ‖spot to God, purge your conscience from dead workes, to serue the liuing God?
- 1 Timothy 1:19Rank 15 from verse 16
- 2 Timothy 1:3Rank 16 from verse 16
From verse 17
- 1 Peter 3:14Rank 1 from verse 17
- 1 Peter 4:19Rank 2 from verse 17
- Matthew 26:39Rank 3 from verse 17
39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my father, if it be possible, let this cup passe from me: neuerthelesse, not as I will, but as thou wilt.
- 1 Peter 2:15Rank 4 from verse 17
- 1 Peter 2:20Rank 5 from verse 17
20For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
20For what glory is it, if when yee be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently: but if when yee doe well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is ‖acceptable with God.
- Acts 21:14Rank 6 from verse 17
- Matthew 26:42Rank 7 from verse 17
- 1 Peter 4:15Rank 8 from verse 17
WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE
Definitions
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DEFINED WORDS
1 Peter 3:15
Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
To set apart as holy, consecrate, dedicate, hallow, cleanse, purify, or treat as holy.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
1. A title of God or Jesus Christ acknowledging authority and rule. 2. A respectful title or address for one in authority.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The one true God.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The possessive form of ye or you, ordinarily plural, marking what belongs to, concerns, proceeds from, or stands in relation to the persons addressed.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The inward lives of persons: their thoughts, understanding, conscience, affections, desires, purposes, will, courage, or disposition.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Prepared; in a state requiring no delay; willing or prompt.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
To grant, hand, offer, supply, yield, or cause to have.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: A reply or response. Sense 2: As a verb, to reply, respond, or give account.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Each individual or member of the class, group, place, time, side, or kind named; all distributively.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The second-person plural pronoun referring to those being addressed.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
A ground or cause; understanding or judgment; to think, discuss, or argue.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893
1. Expectation, trust, reliance, or the good expected. 2. The person or ground on which expectation rests. 3. To expect, look for, trust, or rely upon.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
Mildness of disposition or manner; a gentle, non-contentious spirit.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Alarm, dread, terror, or apprehension. 2. Reverence, awe, or respectful regard. 3. A person, thing, or event feared or revered. 4. To fear, dread, or reverence.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
1 Peter 3:16
Sense 1: Right, morally upright, beneficial, pleasing, useful, suitable, sound, favourable, or excellent. Sense 2: A good thing, benefit, welfare, possession, or goods. Sense 3: In ‘make good,’ to repair, repay, fulfil, establish, or prove.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
conscience
The inward moral awareness that bears witness concerning one's conduct, accusing or excusing and approving or condemning.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Considering that. 2. While or when in fact. 3. In contrast to the fact that.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: To utter words or articulate sounds, or to use a language. Sense 2: To address or converse with someone. Sense 3: To state, declare, make mention of, or otherwise make a matter known.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: Moral wickedness, sin, wrong, or corruption. Sense 2: Harm, misery, calamity, adversity, or punishment.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The second-person plural pronoun referring to those being addressed.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Persons who do evil or commit moral wrong.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Brought to shame, dishonour, confusion, or disappointed expectation. 2. Feeling or showing shame or embarrassment because of conduct, condition, or exposure. 3. Unwilling or reluctant to own, acknowledge, associate with, or do something because of shame.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Untruthfully, deceitfully, or treacherously; contrary to truth.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
To charge with a fault or offence; to allege guilt or blame against.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The possessive form of ye or you, ordinarily plural, marking what belongs to, concerns, proceeds from, or stands in relation to the persons addressed.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
conversation
Sense 1: Conduct, behaviour, or manner of life. Sense 2: A person's commonwealth or place of belonging.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The Anointed One; the same title as Messias.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Cawdrey 1604 · Webster 1828
DEFINED WORDS
1 Peter 3:17
1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: More excellent, more fitting, or to a greater degree. Sense 2: To improve or make better.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
The one true God.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. To permit, allow, let, or tolerate. 2. To endure, bear, experience, undergo, or be subjected to something.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. In a good, right, or sound manner. 2. A source of water.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Moral wickedness, sin, wrong, or corruption. Sense 2: Harm, misery, calamity, adversity, or punishment.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
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14But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
14But and if ye suffer for righteousnes sake, happy are ye, and be not *afraid of their terrour, neither be troubled:
15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
15But sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts, & be ready alwayes to giue an answere to euery man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekenesse and ‖feare:
Selected passage16Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
16Hauing a good conscience, that whereas they speake euill of you, as of euill doers, they may bee ashamed that falsly accuse your good conuersation in Christ.
Selected passage17For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
17For it is better, if the will of God be so, that yee suffer for well doing, then for euill doing.
Selected passage18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
18For Christ also hath once suffered for sinnes, the iust for the vniust, that he might bring vs to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.