1 Peter 3:15

but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. And always be ready for a defense to every man who asks you a word about the hope in you, with mildness and fear.

A Conservative Version

In The 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:

In Context

14But even if ye should suffer because of righteousness, ye are blessed. But do not fear their terror nor be shaken,

16Having a good conscience, so that, in what they speak against you as of evil-doers, they may be ashamed, those who revile your good behavior in Christ.

Read all of 1 Peter 3

Cross References

Numbers 20:12And LORD said to Moses and Aaron, Because ye did not believe in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the sons of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.

1 Samuel 12:7Now therefore stand still that I may plead with you before LORD concerning all the righteous acts of LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.

Isaiah 1:18Come now, and let us reason together, says 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.

Isaiah 29:23But when he sees his children, the work of my hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name. Yea, they shall sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall stand in awe of the God of Israel.

Jeremiah 26:12Then Jeremiah spoke to all the rulers and to all the people, saying, LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard.

Amos 7:14Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, nor was I a prophet's son, but I was a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees.

Matthew Henry on 1 Peter 3:9-16

Duties towards Friends and Enemies. ( a. d. 66.) 8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 1 Peter 3:15