A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Peter 3

In like manner (ομοιως). Adverb closely connected with υποτασσομενο, for which see 2:18.

Ye wives (γυναικες). Without article. About wives see also Col 3:18; Ephesians 5:22; Titus 2:4.

To your own husbands (τοις ιδιοις ανδρασιν). Ιδιοις occurs also in Ephesians and Titus, but not in Colossians. It strengthens the idea of possession in the article τοις. Wives are not enjoined to be in subjection to the husbands of other women, as some think it fine to be (affinities!)

Even if any obey not the word (κα ε τινες απειθουσιν τω λογω). Condition of first class and dative case of λογος (1:23,25; 2:8), that is, remain heathen.

That they be gained (ινα κερδηθησοντα). Purpose clause with ινα and first future passive indicative of κερδαινω, old verb, to gain (from κερδος, gain, interest) as in Mt 18:15. See the future with ινα also in Lu 20:10; Revelation 3:9.

Without the word (ανευ λογου). Probably here "word from their wives" (Hart), the other sense of λογος (talk, not technical "word of God").

By the behaviour of their wives (δια της των γυναικων αναστροφης). Won by pious living, not by nagging. Many a wife has had this blessed victory of grace.

Beholding (εποπτευσαντες). First aorist active participle of εποπτευω, for which see 2:12. See 2:12 also for αναστροφην manner of life).

Chaste (αγνην). Pure because "in fear" (εν φοβω), no word in the Greek for "coupled," fear of God, though in Eph 5:33 fear (reverence for) of the husband is urged.

Whose adorning (ων κοσμος). Genitive plural of the relative referring to γυναικων (wives). Κοσμος has here its old meaning of ornament (cf. our cosmetics), not the common one of world (John 17:5) considered as an orderly whole. Mundus in Latin is used in this double sense (ornament, world).

Let it be (εστω). Imperative third singular of ειμ. Not the outward adorning of plaiting the hair (ουχ ο εξωθεν εμπλοκης τριχων). The use of ουχ here rather than μη (usual negative with the imperative) because of the sharp contrast in verse 4 (αλλ'). The old adverb εξωθεν (from without) is in the attributive position like an adjective. Εμπλοκη is a late word (from εμπλεκω, to inweave, 2 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 2:20) in Strabo, but often in the papyri for struggle as well as plaiting, here only in N.T.

Of wearing (περιθεσεως). Late and rare word (Galen, Arrian) from περιτιθημ (Matthew 27:28), to put around, a placing around. Ornaments of gold were worn round the hair as nets and round the finger, arm, or ankle.

Or of putting on (ενδυσεως). Old word from ενδυω (to put on), here only in N.T. Peter is not forbidding the wearing of clothes and ornaments by women, but the display of finery by contrast. Cf. 1 Timothy 2:9–13; Isaiah 3:16f..

But the hidden man of the heart (αλλ' ο κρυπτος της καρδιας ανθρωπος). Here ανθρωπος is in contrast with κοσμος just before. See Paul's use of ανθρωπος for the outer and old, the inner and new man (2 Corinthians 4:16; Romans 7:22; Colossians 3:9; Ephesians 3:16; 4:22,24). See also the Jew εν κρυπτω (Romans 2:29) and what Jesus said about God seeing "in secret" (Matthew 6:4,6).

In the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit (εν τω αφθαρτω του ησυχιου κα πραεως πνευματος). No word in the Greek for "apparel" (κοσμω). For αφθαρτος see 1:4,23. For πραυς see Mt 5:5; 11:29. Πνευμα (spirit) is here disposition or temper (Bigg), unlike any other use in the N.T. In 3:18,19; 4:6 it means the whole inner man as opposed to σαρξ or σωμα, very much as ψυχη is used as opposed to σωμα.

Which (ο). Spirit just mentioned.

Of great price (πολυτελες). Old word (from πολυ and τελος, cost), in N.T. only here, Mr 14:3; 1 Timothy 2:9.

Adorned themselves (εκοσμουν εαυτας). Imperfect active of customary action, "used to adorn themselves." Κοσμεω is old verb from κοσμος in the sense in verse 3. See Heb 11:11,35 for like tribute to holy women of the O.T. The participle υποτασσομενα repeats verse 1.