1 Peter 3:15
“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:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Context
Peter is instructing believers on how to live faithfully under pressure and even mistreatment. Verse 15 shows how to respond when others question the hope that sets believers apart.
What Does 1 Peter 3:15 Mean?
Peter calls believers to set Christ apart as Lord in their hearts and to be ready to explain the hope they hold, doing so gently and respectfully. The command begins inwardly: "sanctify the Lord God in your hearts" means to honor Him as holy and to give Him the supreme place, so that reverence for Him -- not fear of people -- governs the heart. Out of that settled inner devotion flows the readiness to speak.
"Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you" pictures the believer prepared to respond whenever someone notices a difference and asks about it. The word translated "answer" is a term used for a reasoned defense, suggesting thoughtful, honest explanation rather than mere argument. Peter assumes that a life shaped by Christ will prompt questions, especially among people whose own lives look very different. Crucially, the manner matters as much as the message: "with meekness and fear." Meekness is gentleness and humility; "fear" here is reverence -- toward God and respect toward the questioner. The witness Peter envisions is neither defensive nor combative but marked by a calm confidence and a gracious spirit, fitting for those who hold a living hope in the midst of trials.
In the Original Language
The Greek "apologia" (answer) means a reasoned defense or explanation, and "prautēs" (meekness) describes gentleness and humility of spirit.
Cross References
“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
- Colossians 4:6
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,”
- 2 Timothy 2:24
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
- Matthew 5:16
Application
Keep Christ in first place in your heart, and be prepared to explain your hope when others ask -- always with gentleness and respect rather than argument.