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

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.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

⁴ 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

⁴ 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)

⁴ 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

⁴ 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

⁴ 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.

1 Peter 3:4 Cross References

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.

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.

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.

Titus 3:2

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

Matthew 23:26

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

Romans 7:22

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

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.

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].

Ephesians 4:2

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

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.

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].

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]?

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.

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,

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.

Matthew 5:5

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

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.

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.

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.

Colossians 3:3

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

Galatians 5:23

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

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]:

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.’”

Romans 1:23

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