1 Peter 3:4

but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

Berean Standard Bible

Follow its threads on the canvas →

Study note

Setting — Peter addresses Christian readers, specifically wives, immediately after warning against relying on outward adornment like braided hair and gold. He frames this instruction within the pattern of past holy women who anchored their hope in God rather than external appearance.

The words — The supplied Greek lists κρυπτὸς (kruptos) as "hidden," καρδίας (kardias) as "heart," and ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) as "man." The text literally describes a hidden person in the heart, emphasizing an internal condition rather than external display.

The thread — This focus on unseen character and divine valuation runs through 1 Samuel 16:7, which states God does not see as man sees, and Colossians 3:12, which commands clothing oneself with compassion and humility. Matthew 11:29 further illustrates this by linking gentleness and humility of heart to finding soul-rest.

Why it lands — The text demands that readers measure worth by internal spiritual qualities rather than visible appearance. It requires prioritizing a gentle and quiet disposition because God values what remains unseen.

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 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.

Cross-references

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”
Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Romans 2:29 No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.
Titus 3:2 to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.
Matthew 23:26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well.
Romans 7:22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law.
2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.
Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
1 Thessalonians 4:11 and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.