1 Peter 3:4 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

But [the kind of adornment you should display is] that of the inner person, with its enduring qualities of a meek and calm spirit, which are extremely valuable in God’s eyes.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

but 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.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.

American Standard Version (1901)

but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Common English Bible

Instead, make yourselves beautiful on the inside, in your hearts, with the enduring quality of a gentle, peaceful spirit. This type of beauty is very precious in God’s eyes.

Catholic Public Domain Version

Instead, you should be a hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptibility of a quiet and a meek spirit, rich in the sight of God.

Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version

But the hidden man of the heart in the incorruptibility of a quiet and a meek spirit, which is rich in the sight of God.

1 Peter 3:4 Cross References

Matthew 11:29

Accept my reins [on your life], and learn about me, because I am gentle and humble, and [in my service] you will experience rest in your spirits.

Matthew 21:5

[Zech. 9:9], ‘You should tell the daughter of Zion [i.e., the people of Jerusalem], look, your King is coming to you. He is gentle and [will be] riding on a donkey, [even] on a colt, the offspring of the donkey.’”

Matthew 23:26

You blind Pharisees! First wash the inside of the cup and dish, so [then] the outside will be clean also.

Matthew 5:5

“Those persons who have a humble attitude [toward themselves] are blessed because they will inherit [the best of] the earth.

Luke 11:40

You foolish people! Did not the One [i.e., God] who made the outside [i.e., your body] also make the inside [i.e., your spirit]?

Luke 16:15

And He said to them, “You are people who claim to be just in the eyes of [other] people, but God knows [what is in] your hearts. For that which is held up as most important among people [i.e., fame or fortune (?)] is disgusting in the eyes of God.

Romans 1:23

and exchanged the honor belonging to the immortal God for the statues of mortal men, and birds, and animals and reptiles.

Romans 2:29

But the [true] Jew is the person who is one on the inside, and [his] circumcision is a heart condition, [produced] by the Holy Spirit and not by the written Law of Moses. [Note: Some translate “Spirit” here as “spirit” and make it simply an amplification of “heart”]. This person receives his praise from God and not [merely] from people.

Romans 6:6

We know that our old self was [figuratively] crucified with Christ, in order that the body of sin [i.e., our whole life of sin] might be destroyed [i.e., become powerless to control our actions and thoughts], so that we should not be enslaved to the practice of sin any longer.

Romans 7:22

For in my heart I am delighted with God’s law,

2 Corinthians 10:1

Now I Paul, who am humble [when speaking] face to face with you, but bold when I am away from you, urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ [Note: This means either Paul was imitating Christ’s behavior or that the Corinthians were to do so]:

2 Corinthians 4:16

Therefore, we do not get discouraged, for though our physical body is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed daily.

Galatians 5:23

gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things.

Ephesians 4:2

Live in a humble, gentle and patient way, showing tolerance [for the weaknesses] of one another out of love [for them].

Colossians 3:12

So, as God’s elect [i.e., His people], holy and dearly loved [by Him], clothe yourselves with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:3

For you died [with Christ, See 2:20], and your life is [now] hidden with Christ in [fellowship with] God.

1 Thessalonians 4:11

[We also urge you to] make it your aim to live a quiet life, and to attend to your own business matters, and to work with your hands, as we urged you. [Note: Possibly this exhortation was directed toward the tendency of some people there to neglect ordinary responsibilities in view of an imminent return of Christ].

2 Thessalonians 3:12

Now we command and urge such people, in [the fellowship of] the Lord Jesus Christ, that they work quietly and earn their own living.

1 Timothy 2:2

[Offer them] for kings and for all people in prominent [governmental] positions, so that we can live a peaceful and quiet life in all reverence [toward God] and respectability [toward people].

2 Timothy 2:25

[He must] gently correct those people who oppose [him], in hope that God will give them [opportunity for] repentance, leading to a [full] knowledge of the truth,

Titus 3:2

to slander no one, to be peaceful, to be considerate [or, “gentle”] and to show every courtesy to all people.

James 1:21

Therefore, you should put away [from you] all moral filth and overflowing wickedness and humbly receive the word [of God], planted within you [by the Holy Spirit. See John 16:8], which is capable of saving your souls.

1 Peter 1:23

You have experienced new birth, not from seed that can decay, but from seed that cannot decay, through the living and enduring word of God.

1 Peter 3:15

But instead, set aside a place in your hearts where Christ is [in full control as] Lord, and be prepared always to give a suitable reply to every person who asks you for a reason why you have an inner hope. But [be sure you do it] in a meek and respectful way, however.