1 Peter 3:6

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Peter 3:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose children ye now are, if ye do well, and are not put in fear by any terror.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose children ye now are, if ye do well, and are not put in fear by any terror.
1 Peter 3:6 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Peter 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose children ye now are, if ye do well, and are not put in fear by any terror.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, etc.] Going along with him wherever he went, as from Chaldea to Canaan, and into Egypt, and the land of the Philistines, saying the words he put into her mouth, (<011205>Genesis 12:5,11,13) and doing the things he bid her do, (<011806>Genesis 18:6) “calling him lord”; or “my lord”, as the Syriac and Ethiopic versions render it, and as it appears she did from (<011812>Genesis 18:12). The Jews use this instance to the same purpose the apostle does, saying f67, “the wife ought to take care of the family, to educate her children, to serve and minister to her husband in all things, “calling him her own lord”; which is what we learn from the example of Sarah, who…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Sara--an example of faith. calling him lord-- (Gen 18:12). ye are--Greek, "ye have become": "children" of Abraham and Sara by faith, whereas ye were Gentile aliens from the covenant. afraid with any amazement--Greek, "fluttering alarm," "consternation." Act well, and be not thrown into sudden panic, as weak females are apt to be, by any opposition from without. BENGEL translates, "Not afraid OF any fluttering terror coming from without" (Pe1 3:13-16). So the Septuagint, Pro 3:25 uses the same Greek word, which Peter probably refers to. Anger assails men; fear, women. You need fear no man in doing what is right: not thrown into fluttering agitation by any sudden outbreak of temper on the part…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Even as Sara obeyed Abraham - Sarah was one of the most distinguished of the wives of the patriarchs, and her case is referred to as furnishing one of the best illustrations of the duty to which the apostle refers. Nothing is said, in the brief records of her life, of any passion for outward adorning; much is said of her kindness to her husband, and her respect for him. Compare Genesis 12:5; Genesis 18:6. Calling him Lord - See Genesis 18:12. It was probably inferred from this instance, by the apostle, and not without reason, that Sarah habitually used this respectful appellation, acknowledging by it that he was her superior, and that he had a right to rule in his own house. The word lord…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Whose children ye are - In a spiritual as well as natural sense, and entitled to the same inheritance, while ye discharge your conjugal duties, not out of fear, but for conscience' sake. Gen 18:12. 1 Peter 3:7”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:6 and called him her master: See Gen 18:12. Peter views this address as indicative of Sarah’s overall attitude toward Abraham. • without fear of what your husbands might do: Christian wives married to unbelievers frequently found themselves pressured, both subtly and overtly, to abandon Christian principles and values. Peter urges them to continue to do what is right.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“as Sara: Gen 18:12 daughters: Gr. children, Rom 9:7-9; Gal 4:22-26 and: Pe1 3:14, Pe1 3:15; Gen 18:15; Isa 57:11; Dan 3:16-18; Mat 26:69-75; Act 4:8-13, Act 4:19 1 Peter 3:7”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification