1 Peter 3:15 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

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.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

¹⁵ 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:

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

¹⁵ But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully. [Isa. 8:12, 13.]

American Standard Version (1901)

¹⁵ 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:

Common English Bible

¹⁵ Instead, regard Christ the Lord as holy in your hearts. Whenever anyone asks you to speak of your hope, be ready to defend it.

Catholic Public Domain Version

¹⁵ But sanctify Christ the Lord in your hearts, being always ready to give an explanation to all who ask you the reason for that hope which is in you.

Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version

¹⁵ But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you.

1 Peter 3:15 Cross References

Acts 21:39

Paul answered, “[No], I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of an important city, and I beg you to allow me to speak to these people.”

Acts 24:25

And as he discussed the matters of doing right, and [maintaining] self control and the coming judgment, Felix became terrified and answered, “Go on away for now; I will call you back when it is convenient for me.”

Colossians 1:23

[This will happen] if you continue in the faith [Note: This means either “continue to observe God’s teaching” or, “continue to believe”], firmly grounded and established, and not moved away from the hope offered by the Gospel message, which you have heard and which was preached to people throughout the entire created world under heaven. I, Paul, was made a minister of this Gospel.

Colossians 1:27

He was pleased to make known to these people the wealth of His splendor among the Gentiles; this hidden secret, which is Christ among you, [is] the hope of being honored [i.e., in heaven].

Colossians 1:5

[You have these qualities] because of the hope stored up for you in heaven, which [hope] you previously heard about through the message of truth when the Gospel

Colossians 4:6

Your speech should always be favorable, seasoned with salt [i.e., interesting and appropriate], so that you may know how to properly answer each person [you talk with].

Titus 1:2

[and provides] hope for never ending life. God, who cannot lie, promised this [life] before the beginning of time,

Hebrews 3:6

but Christ [was faithful] as a Son over God’s household. And we [Christians] are that household, if we hold on to our confidence [in Christ], and to the boasting [i.e., joy] of our hope [in God], firmly to the end [of our lives].

Hebrews 6:1

So, we should leave the basic principles of Christ’s teaching and go on to maturity. [We should] not lay again a foundation of repentance [i.e., turning away] from deeds of death [i.e., acts that lead to spiritual death or that spring from a spiritually dead person], and of faith in God;

1 Peter 1:17

And if you call upon [God as your] Father, who judges each person’s work impartially, [then] conduct yourselves during the time you spend in this life showing reverence [to God].

1 Peter 3:2

be won by observing your godly and respectful behavior.

1 Peter 3:4

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.