"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
— 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
1 Peter 3:15 is the "give a reason for the hope that is in you" verse, Peter's word to believers on how to explain their faith when someone asks. This page gives the verse, what the key words mean, where it sits in 1 Peter 3, and a plain reading. For more on the theme, see Bible verses about gentleness, Bible verses about hope, and Bible verses about evangelism.
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The verse
The King James reads: "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."
"Revere" (KJV "sanctify") is hagiazo (G37), to set apart as holy. "Prepared" (KJV "ready") is hetoimos (G2092). "Answer" is apologia (G627), a reasoned reply or defense, and "reason" is logos (G3056), an account. "Hope" is elpis (G1680). "Gentleness" (KJV "meekness") is prautes (G4240), and "respect" (KJV "fear") is phobos (G5401).
Where it sits in 1 Peter 3
Peter is writing to believers who were being mistreated for their faith. Just before verse 15 he says, "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened'" (1 Peter 3:14).
Right after it he adds, "keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander" (1 Peter 3:16). The answer Peter has in mind comes from people under pressure, not from people winning a debate.
What the verse is saying
The verse has three parts. First, settle in your heart that Christ is Lord. Second, be ready to explain your hope when someone asks. Third, explain it with gentleness and respect.
The word apologia is where "apologetics" comes from, but Peter's focus is hope, not arguments for their own sake. The manner matters as much as the answer. Paul says the same thing in Colossians 4:6: "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." See also 1 Peter 4:8 and Romans 12:12.
Questions people ask
What does 1 Peter 3:15 say?
In the NIV it says, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." The KJV reads, "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."
What does "give a reason for the hope that is in you" mean?
It means being able to explain, in plain words, why you trust Christ and what you hope for. The Greek apologia is a reasoned reply, the kind of answer a person gives when asked to account for something.
Why does 1 Peter 3:15 say "with gentleness and respect"?
Because how you answer is part of the answer. Verse 16 says the goal is a clear conscience and good behavior that puts slander to shame, which harsh or proud answers would undercut.
Is 1 Peter 3:15 about apologetics?
The English word "apologetics" comes from apologia, the word used here. But the verse is about explaining your hope to someone who asks, not about winning arguments.
What other verses are like 1 Peter 3:15?
Colossians 4:6 (let your conversation be full of grace), Romans 1:16 (I am not ashamed of the gospel), and Matthew 5:16 (let your light shine before others) are close companions.
