1 Peter 3:5
For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,
Truth to Learn
The example of proper adornment is in the Old Testament women.
Behind the Words
The Greek word hagiai, is translated here as “holy.” It is the feminine plural form of hagios, which we have studied in the past, meaning “holy” or “pure.” It carries with it the idea of being separated from the things of the world and from sin. It is also the word that is translated “saint” throughout the New Testament. These are those wives in the Old Testament who had set themselves apart from the things of the world to the things of God.
“Adorned” is translated from a form of kosmos, which as we have recently learned means “an orderly arrangement.” It is used here in the imperfect tense indicating past, repeated action.
The word translated “hoped” is elpidzō which comes from the primary word elpo, meaning “to anticipate, usually with pleasure.” Elpidzō means “to hope with full expectation of fulfillment.” These women were not simply hoping that God was going to take care of them, they trusted God’s promises.
Meaning Explained
Peter now makes a reference which sounds like a grandfather talking to his grandson, “Why, I remember in the old days wives used to …” Actually, Peter’s reference is to the times of the patriarchs, which we know because he uses Sarah as an example in the next verse. What was it about these women, and Sarah particularly, that interests Peter? First of all, they were holy. They did not succumb to the temptations of their day to assert themselves as something special independent of their husbands. They were not swayed by the fads and trends of those around them. Instead, they were committed, first to God, then to their husbands.
Secondly, these women “hoped in God.” They fully expected that God would be pleased with them because of their obedience to Him and because of their submission to their husbands. Today we would say that they were women of faith. Not only did they believe in God, but they also had such a confident expectation that God would take care of them that peace ruled in their lives no matter what happened.
These holy women of faith used to adorn themselves with a humble and quiet spirit, being subordinate to their husbands, according to Peter. These were not women who were interested in glorifying themselves, but God. They were not subordinate to their husbands because they were forced to, but because they knew that it was God’s will for them.
Application
Ladies, let me say once again that it is not wrong to arrange your appearance in an orderly manner (adorn yourselves). A Christian woman should present herself as set-apart for God’s use. Not by means of elaborate clothing and jewelry, and not by means of plain, drab clothing, long straight hair, and no make-up. Her outward appearance is to be modest, and the attitude of her heart, her submission to God and to her husband, is what makes her attractive to others.
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2009 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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