1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give…”

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

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:

World English Bible

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. 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,

American Standard Version

but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear:

Geneva Bible 1599

But sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts: and 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 reuerence,

Darby Translation

but sanctify [the] Lord the Christ in your hearts, and [be] always prepared to [give] an answer [to] every one that asks you to give an account of the hope that [is] in you, but with meekness and fear;

Young's Literal Translation

and the Lord God sanctify in your hearts. And [be] ready always for defence to every one who is asking of you an account concerning the hope that [is] in you, with meekness and fear;

Bible in Basic English

But give honour to Christ in your hearts as your Lord; and be ready at any time when you are questioned about the hope which is in you, to give an answer in the fear of the Lord and without pride;

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Cross references

“sanctify”

Isaiah 29:23 Isaiah 5:16 Numbers 20:12 Numbers 27:14

Isaiah 29:23 · BSB

For when he sees his children around him, the work of My hands, they will honor My name, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and they will stand in awe of the God of Israel.

Isaiah 5:16 · BSB

But the LORD of Hosts will be exalted by His justice, and the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness.

Numbers 20:12 · BSB

But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”

Numbers 27:14 · BSB

for when the congregation contended in the Wilderness of Zin, both of you rebelled against My command to show My holiness in their sight regarding the waters.” Those were the waters of Meribah in Kadesh, in the Wildernes…

“and be”

Colossians 4:6 Matthew 10:18–20 Psalm 119:46 Daniel 3:16–18 Acts 5:29–31 Amos 7:14–17

Colossians 4:6 · BSB

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Matthew 10:18–20 · BSB

On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

Psalm 119:46 · BSB

I will speak of Your testimonies before kings, and I will not be ashamed.

Daniel 3:16–18 · BSB

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.

Acts 5:29–31 · BSB

But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

Amos 7:14–17 · BSB

“I was not a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees.

“a reason”

1 Samuel 12:7 Isaiah 1:18 Isaiah 41:21 Acts 24:25

1 Samuel 12:7 · BSB

Now present yourselves, so that I may confront you before the LORD with all the righteous acts He has done for you and your fathers.

Isaiah 1:18 · BSB

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.

Isaiah 41:21 · BSB

“Present your case,” says the LORD. “Submit your arguments,” says the King of Jacob.

Acts 24:25 · BSB

As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.”

“the hope”

Hebrews 6:1 Titus 1:2 Colossians 1:27 Colossians 1:23 Colossians 1:5 Hebrews 3:6

Hebrews 6:1 · BSB

Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God,

Titus 1:2 · BSB

in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.

Colossians 1:27 · BSB

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:23 · BSB

if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Colossians 1:5 · BSB

the faith and love proceeding from the hope stored up for you in heaven, of which you have already heard in the word of truth, the gospel

Hebrews 3:6 · BSB

But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast.

“with”

1 Peter 3:2 1 Peter 3:4 2 Timothy 2:26

1 Peter 3:2 · BSB

when they see your pure and reverent demeanor.

1 Peter 3:4 · BSB

but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

2 Timothy 2:26 · BSB

Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.

Also

1 Peter 1:17

1 Peter 1:17 · BSB

Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.”

16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.

Read 1 Peter 3