📖WEB · 1 Peter 3:15
What does 1 Peter 3:15 mean?
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear:"
— 1 Peter 3:15 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Now who is he who will harm you, if you become imitators of that which is good?
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “Don’t fear what they fear, neither be troubled.”
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear:
having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good way of life in Christ.
For it is better, if it is God’s will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil.
Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;
Explanation
This verse calls believers to two connected actions: first, to set apart Christ as Lord within their own hearts, honoring him as holy and supreme; and second, to be prepared to explain the hope they carry whenever someone asks about it. Peter adds that this explanation should be given "with humility and fear" — that is, with gentleness and reverence, not arrogance or hostility. In plain language, the verse is saying: let God rule your inner life, and be ready to tell others, calmly and respectfully, why you live with hope rather than despair.
The letter of 1 Peter was written by the apostle Peter to scattered Christian communities across Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) who were facing social pressure, suspicion, and sometimes outright persecution for their faith. These believers were a minority in a pagan culture, often misunderstood or mistreated simply for following Christ. Just before this verse, Peter has been urging them not to fear those who threaten them, but instead to trust God even in suffering. Verse 15 sits in that context: instead of being intimidated into silence or responding with fear and retaliation, Christians are
Compare translations
Go deeper with ScriptureCompanion AI
Ask questions about any verse, follow reading plans, write personal prayers, and track your daily habit — all grounded in verified scripture text.