1 Peter 3:6
as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's often missed here is that Peter doesn't just highlight Sarah's obedience, but her attitude in calling Abraham "lord." This wasn't about Sarah being a doormat; rather, her "lord" was a title of profound respect, demonstrating her inner trust and acknowledging his God-given role, a posture Peter commends to believers facing external pressures.
Peter is encouraging wives to live a life that reflects Christ’s love, even in difficult circumstances, specifically mentioning how they can win over their unbelieving husbands through their godly conduct. He uses Sarah’s example of respectful submission to Abraham, not as a blanket command for all situations, but as a picture of inner character that should guide their outward actions. This example serves to illustrate the kind of respectful attitude that, when coupled with doing good and not being easily intimidated, is deeply pleasing to God.
Peter points to Sarah, a figure of faith and strength. But he highlights her calling Abraham 'lord'. What does this seemingly simple act reveal about true respect and partnership?
Calling Him 'Lord'
Peter uses Sarah's habit of calling Abraham 'lord' not to promote blind submission, but to illustrate profound respect and trust. In a patriarchal society, this title signified more than just a husband; it acknowledged his headship, his responsibility, and her confidence in his leadership.
This wasn't about Sarah being a doormat. The text later in chapter 3 (verses 7 and her own story in Genesis) shows her as a woman of faith and agency. Her calling him 'lord' was an act of voluntary deference, reflecting a partnership where she honored his role while God honored her.
It’s about recognizing and respecting the roles God has established, whether in marriage, family, or community, not out of fear, but out of a commitment to peace and godly order.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 1 Peter 3:6 is available in the Sola app.
The verse hinges on a crucial choice: 'you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.' What does it mean to embody Sarah's spirit by refusing to be paralyzed by fear?
Doing Good Despite Fear
Peter casts his readers as spiritual 'children' of Sarah. This connection isn't just about obedience, but about inheriting her character – specifically, her underlying courage rooted in faith.
Sarah faced daunting situations – famine, potential threat to her husband, God's miraculous promise at an old age. Yet, she consistently acted with faith and, when necessary, courage. Her 'lord' moment was part of a larger life lived under God's sovereign hand.
The call here is to action: 'do good.' This good-doing is to be performed not in a vacuum of comfort, but precisely when fear tries to grip us. True faith isn't the absence of fear, but the decision to obey God and do what is right even when fear is present.
Understand the original words
kyrios · Greek Noun
A term of respect or authority, indicating recognition of a superior position or status within a relationship or social hierarchy. In a biblical context, it often denotes someone who has rightful authority or headship.
agathopoieō · Greek Verb
The act of performing actions that are morally right, pleasing to God, and beneficial to others, often contrasted with evil or sin. It is a fundamental expectation of the believer's life in Christ.
phobos · Greek Noun
A feeling of anxiety, dread, or intimidation caused by external circumstances or threats. The Bible frequently commands believers to avoid this, trusting instead in God's sovereignty and protection.
Peter uses Sarah's life as an example of faithful submission within marriage, highlighting her obedience to Abraham and her role as a mother to believers, even amidst challenging and potentially frightening circumstances.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham's Call and Covenant
God calls Abram (later Abraham) from Ur and makes a covenant with him, promising descendants and land. This marks the beginning of Abraham's journey of faith.
c. 1900 BC— this verse
Sarah's Travels with Abraham
Sarah accompanies Abraham through various lands, including Egypt and Gerar. During these journeys, she faces situations where Abraham, fearing for his life, presents her as his sister.
c. 1890 BC
Birth of Isaac
Despite advanced age, Sarah conceives and gives birth to Isaac, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham and Sarah.
c. 1875 BC
Binding of Isaac
God tests Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Isaac. Sarah is likely aware of this profound trial of faith for both her husband and son.
c. 1800 BC
Sarah's Death
Sarah dies at the age of 127 and is buried in the cave of Machpelah, a significant burial site for the patriarchs and matriarchs.
This passage directly quotes Sarah's thought when she called Abraham 'lord' after he had spoken to her, illustrating the behavior Peter is referencing.
Ephesians 5:22This verse speaks to wives submitting to their own husbands 'as to the Lord,' echoing the theme of honoring a husband, though it's within a broader context of mutual submission and Christ's love for the church.
Proverbs 31:30This proverb highlights that charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised, connecting to Peter's emphasis on 'doing good' and inner character over outward fear.
1 Samuel 25:3This passage describes Abigail, a wise and beautiful woman who ultimately saved her household by wisely intervening and showing respect to David, even though her husband Nabal was foolish, mirroring Sarah's respected role.
What's often missed here is that Peter doesn't just highlight Sarah's obedience, but her attitude in calling Abraham "lord." This wasn't about Sarah being a doormat; rather, her "lord" was a title of profound respect, demonstrating her inner trust and acknowledging his God-given role, a posture Peter commends to believers facing external pressures.
Peter is encouraging wives to live a life that reflects Christ’s love, even in difficult circumstances, specifically mentioning how they can win over their unbelieving husbands through their godly conduct. He uses Sarah’s example of respectful submission to Abraham, not as a blanket command for all situations, but as a picture of inner character that should guide their outward actions. This example serves to illustrate the kind of respectful attitude that, when coupled with doing good and not being easily intimidated, is deeply pleasing to God.
Peter is encouraging wives to live a life that reflects Christ’s love, even in difficult circumstances, specifically mentioning how they can win over their unbelieving husbands through their godly conduct. He uses Sarah’s example of respectful submission to Abraham, not as a blanket command for all situations, but as a picture of inner character that should guide their outward actions. This example serves to illustrate the kind of respectful attitude that, when coupled with doing good and not being easily intimidated, is deeply pleasing to God.
"as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening." — What's often missed here is that Peter doesn't just highlight Sarah's obedience, but her attitude in calling Abraham "lord." This wasn't about Sarah being a doormat; rather, her "lord" was a title…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
