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

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Study note

Setting — Peter addresses believers facing potential suffering for righteousness and slander, instructing them on how to conduct themselves amid opposition.

The words — ἁγιάσατε (hagiasate) = "do sanctify" or "set apart"; κύριον (kurion) = "Lord". The text commands believers to establish Christ's authority within their inner life before engaging external questioning.

The thread — The expectation of prepared, respectful speech under pressure runs through Colossians 4:6, 2 Timothy 2:25, and Luke 21:14. Luke 21:14 explicitly instructs believers not to worry beforehand about how to defend themselves.

Why it lands — The text requires believers to maintain readiness to explain their hope while answering with gentleness and respect. It demands a clear conscience and observable good behavior to counteract slander.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

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:

Cross-references

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
2 Timothy 2:25 He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.
Luke 21:14 So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves.
1 Peter 3:2 when they see your pure and reverent demeanor.
Matthew 10:18 On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.
Psalms 119:46 I will speak of Your testimonies before kings, and I will not be ashamed.
Hebrews 6:1 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 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.
Colossians 1:27 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.
1 Samuel 12:7 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.