The Meaning of 1 Peter 3:20 Explained

1 Peter 3:20

KJV: Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

YLT: who sometime disbelieved, when once the long-suffering of God did wait, in days of Noah -- an ark being preparing -- in which few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water;

Darby: heretofore disobedient, when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah while the ark was preparing, into which few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water:

ASV: that aforetime were disobedient, when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water:

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Which sometime  were disobedient,  when  once  the longsuffering  of God  waited  in  the days  of Noah,  while the ark  was a preparing,  wherein  few,  that is,  eight  souls  were saved  by  water. 

What does 1 Peter 3:20 Mean?

Study Notes

once
Omit "once."

Context Summary

1Pe 3:13-22 - Following Christ In Bearing Injustice
It was said of Archbishop Cranmer that the way to make him a life-long friend was to do him some disservice, and surely these words of the Apostle have created many characters of the same type. The one aim and purpose of life should be to sanctify Christ as Lord; that is, to put Him on the throne. Let all the powers of our nature stand around to do His bidding, as the courtiers of a royal sovereign.
Keep a good conscience! Remember you have to live with yourself! A good conscience is the best bedfellow! Paul exercised himself always to have a conscience void of offense toward God and man, Acts 23:1; Acts 24:16. This is especially necessary when we are called on to give our witness for our Lord. We must not keep silent when we ought to speak, and when we speak we should do so reverently, simply and without heat.
Our Lord seems to have carried the news of redemption through the world of disembodied spirits. The Apostle compares baptism to the deluge, because it lies between the believer and his old worldly life, as Noah's flood lay between the old world and the new which emerged from its waters. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1Pe 3

1  He teaches the duty of wives and husbands to each other;
8  exhorting all men to unity and love;
14  and to suffer persecution
19  He declares also the benefits of Christ toward the old world

Greek Commentary for 1 Peter 3:20

Which aforetime were disobedient [απειτησασιν ποτε]
First aorist active participle of απειτεω — apeitheō (for which verb see 1 Peter 3:20) in the dative plural agreeing with πνευμασιν — pneumasin These spirits now in prison once upon a time (ποτε — pote) were disobedient (typical rebels, Hart calls them). [source]
Waited [απεχεδεχετο]
Imperfect middle of the double compound απεκδεχομαι — apekdechomai late verb, probably first by Paul (1 Corinthians 1:7), though in the apocryphal Acta Pauli (iii) and other late writings cited by Nageli (p. 43). Perfective use of the two prepositions A hundred years apparently after the warning (Genesis 5:32; Genesis 6:3; Genesis 7:6) Noah was preparing the ark and Noah as a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5) forewarned the people, who disregarded it.While the ark was a preparing (κατασκευαζω — kataskeuazomenēs kibōtou). Genitive absolute with present passive participle of κιβωτος — kataskeuazō old compound (Matthew 11:10), for εις ην — kibōtos (ark) see Matthew 24:38.Wherein “Into which” (the ark).That is (πσυχαι — tout' estin). Explanatory expression like our English idiom (Romans 10:6, etc.).Souls Persons of both sexes (living men) as in Acts 2:41; Acts 27:37, etc.Were saved (διασωζω — diesōthēsan). First aorist passive indicative of δι υδατος — diasōzō old compound, to bring safe through as in Acts 27:44.Through water “By means of water” as the intermediate agent, an apparent change in the use of dia in composition just before (local use) to the instrumental use here. They came through the water in the ark and so were saved by the water in spite of the flood around them. Peter lays stress (Hart) on the water rather than on the ark (Hebrews 11:7) for the sake of the following illustration. [source]
While the ark was a preparing [κατασκευαζω]
Genitive absolute with present passive participle of κιβωτος — kataskeuazō old compound (Matthew 11:10), for εις ην — kibōtos (ark) see Matthew 24:38. [source]
Wherein [τουτ εστιν]
“Into which” (the ark).That is (πσυχαι — tout' estin). Explanatory expression like our English idiom (Romans 10:6, etc.).Souls Persons of both sexes (living men) as in Acts 2:41; Acts 27:37, etc.Were saved (διασωζω — diesōthēsan). First aorist passive indicative of δι υδατος — diasōzō old compound, to bring safe through as in Acts 27:44.Through water “By means of water” as the intermediate agent, an apparent change in the use of dia in composition just before (local use) to the instrumental use here. They came through the water in the ark and so were saved by the water in spite of the flood around them. Peter lays stress (Hart) on the water rather than on the ark (Hebrews 11:7) for the sake of the following illustration. [source]
That is [πσυχαι]
Explanatory expression like our English idiom (Romans 10:6, etc.). [source]
Souls [διεσωτησαν]
Persons of both sexes (living men) as in Acts 2:41; Acts 27:37, etc.Were saved (διασωζω — diesōthēsan). First aorist passive indicative of δι υδατος — diasōzō old compound, to bring safe through as in Acts 27:44.Through water “By means of water” as the intermediate agent, an apparent change in the use of dia in composition just before (local use) to the instrumental use here. They came through the water in the ark and so were saved by the water in spite of the flood around them. Peter lays stress (Hart) on the water rather than on the ark (Hebrews 11:7) for the sake of the following illustration. [source]
Were saved [διασωζω]
First aorist passive indicative of δι υδατος — diasōzō old compound, to bring safe through as in Acts 27:44. [source]
Through water [δια]
“By means of water” as the intermediate agent, an apparent change in the use of dia in composition just before (local use) to the instrumental use here. They came through the water in the ark and so were saved by the water in spite of the flood around them. Peter lays stress (Hart) on the water rather than on the ark (Hebrews 11:7) for the sake of the following illustration. [source]
In which [εἰς ἣν]
Lit., into which. A pregnant construction; into which they were gathered, and in which they were saved. [source]
By water [διὰ]
Rev., through. Some take this as instrumental, by means of water; others as local, by passing through the water, or being brought safely through the water into the ark. Rev., in margin, were brought safely through water. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Peter 3:20

Acts 23:24 To bring safe [hina diasōsōsin)]
Final clause with hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of ινα διασωσωσιν — diasōzō old verb, to save through (ινα — dia) to a finish. Eight times in the N.T. (Matthew 14:36; Luke 7:3; Acts 23:24; Acts 27:43, Acts 27:44; Acts 28:1, Acts 28:4; 1 Peter 3:20). [source]
Acts 23:24 Beasts [κτηνη]
For riding as here or for baggage. See note on Luke 10:34. Asses or horses, but not war-horses. Since Paul was chained to a soldier, another animal would be required for baggage. It was also seventy miles and a change of horses might be needed. The extreme precaution of Lysias is explained in some Latin MSS. as due to fear of a night attack with the result that he might be accused to Felix of bribery. Luke also probably accompanied Paul. To bring safe (hina diasōsōsin). Final clause with hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of ινα διασωσωσιν — diasōzō old verb, to save through (ινα — dia) to a finish. Eight times in the N.T. (Matthew 14:36; Luke 7:3; Acts 23:24; Acts 27:43, Acts 27:44; Acts 28:1, Acts 28:4; 1 Peter 3:20). Unto Felix the governor Felix was a brother of Pallas, the notorious favourite of Claudius. Both had been slaves and were now freedmen. Felix was made procurator of Judea by Claudius a.d. 52. He held the position till Festus succeeded him after complaints by the Jews to Nero. He married Drusilla the daughter of Herod Agrippa I with the hope of winning the favour of the Jews. He was one of the most depraved men of his time. Tacitus says of him that “with all cruelty and lust he exercised the power of a king with the spirit of a slave.” The term “governor” In the N.T. it is used of Pilate (Matthew 27:2), of Felix, (Acts 23:24, Acts 23:26, Acts 23:33; Acts 24:1), of Festus (Acts 26:30). [source]
1 Corinthians 1:7 Waiting for the revelation [απεκδεχομενους την αποκαλυπσιν]
This double compound is late and rare outside of Paul (1 Corinthians 1:7; Galatians 5:5; Romans 8:19, Romans 8:23, Romans 8:25; Philemon 3:20), 1 Peter 3:20; Hebrews 9:28. It is an eager expectancy of the second coming of Christ here termed revelation like the eagerness in προσδεχομενοι — prosdechomenoi in Titus 2:13 for the same event. “As if that attitude of expectation were the highest posture that can be attained here by the Christian” (F.W. Robertson). [source]
Galatians 5:5 Wait for [ἀπεκδεχόμεθα]
Quite often in Paul, and only twice elsewhere, Hebrews 9:28; 1 Peter 3:20. See on Philemon 3:20. [source]
Hebrews 11:7 An ark [κιβωτὸν]
Originally, a wooden chest Also of the ark of the covenant in the temple and tabernacle, as Hebrews 9:4; Revelation 11:19. Of Noah's ark, Matthew 24:38; Luke 17:27; 1 Peter 3:20 Λάρσαξ achest is found in Class. in the same sense. Every classical scholar will recall the charming fragment of Simonides on Danae and her infant son Perseus exposed in an ark: Ὁτε λάρνακι ἐν δαισαλέᾳ ἄνεσμος βρέμε πνέων κ. τ. λ. Also of the ark of Deucalion, the mythic Noah. [source]
James 5:7 Be patient [μακροθυμήσατε]
From μακρός , long, and θυμός , soul or spirit, but with the sense of strong passion, stronger even than ὀργή , anger, as is maintained by Schmidt (“Synonymik”), who describes θυμός as a tumultuous welling up of the whole spirit; a mighty emotion which seizes and moves the whole inner man. Hence the restraint implied in μακροθυμία is most correctly expressed by long-suffering, which is its usual rendering in the New Testament. It is a patient holding out under trial; a long-protracted restraint of the soul from yielding to passion, especially the passion of anger. In the New Testament the word and its cognates are sometimes rendered by patient or patience, which conceals the distinction from ὑπομονή , uniformly rendered patience, and signifying persistent endurance, whether in action or suffering. As Trench observes, “ ὑπομονή is perseverantia and patientia both in one.” Thus Bishop Ellicott: “The brave patience with which the Christian contends against the various hindrances, persecutions, and temptations that befall him in his conflict with the inward and outward world.” Ὑπομονή. contains an element of manliness. Thus Plato joins it with the adverb ἀνδρικῶς , in a manly way, and contrasts it with ἀνάνδρως , unmanly, cowardly. Μακροθυμία is exercised toward persons; ὑπομονή , toward things. The former is ascribed to God as an attribute (Luke 18:7; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:9, 2 Peter 3:15), the latter never; for the God of patience (Romans 15:5) is the God who imparts patience to his children. “There can be no resistance to God nor burden upon him, the Almighty, from things. Therefore ὑπομονή cannot find place in him” (Trench). Rev. retains A. V., be patient. The thought links itself naturally with that in the preceding verse: the righteous doth not resist. [source]
1 Peter 3:20 Which aforetime were disobedient [απειτησασιν ποτε]
First aorist active participle of απειτεω — apeitheō (for which verb see 1 Peter 3:20) in the dative plural agreeing with πνευμασιν — pneumasin These spirits now in prison once upon a time (ποτε — pote) were disobedient (typical rebels, Hart calls them). [source]
2 Peter 2:5 Noah the eighth person []
So the A. V., literally. Rev. is more perspicuous however: Noah with seven others. Compare 1 Peter 3:20. [source]
2 Peter 2:5 A preacher of righteousness [δικαιοσυνης κηρυκα]
“Herald” as in 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11 alone in N.T., but κηρυσσω — kērussō is common. It is implied in 1 Peter 3:20 that Noah preached to the men of his time during the long years. [source]
2 Peter 2:5 Preserved [επυλαχεν]
Still part of the long protasis with ει — ei first aorist active indicative of πυλασσω — phulassō seven others “Eighth,” predicate accusative adjective (ordinal), classic idiom usually with αυτον — auton See 1 Peter 3:20 for this same item. Some take ογδοον — ogdoon with κηρυκα — kēruka (eighth preacher), hardly correct.A preacher of righteousness (δικαιοσυνης κηρυκα — dikaiosunēs kēruka). “Herald” as in 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11 alone in N.T., but κηρυσσω — kērussō is common. It is implied in 1 Peter 3:20 that Noah preached to the men of his time during the long years.When he brought First aorist active participle (instead of the common second aorist active επαγαγων — epagagōn) of εισαγω — eisagō old compound verb to bring upon, in N.T. only here and Acts 5:28 (by Peter here also).A flood (κατακλυσμον — kataklusmon). Old word (from κατακλυζω — katakluzō to inundate), only of Noah‘s flood in N.T. (Matthew 24:38.; Luke 17:27; 2 Peter 2:5).Upon the world of the ungodly Anarthrous and dative case κοσμωι — kosmōi The whole world were “ungodly” (ασεβεις — asebeis as in 1 Peter 4:18) save Noah‘s family of eight. [source]
2 Peter 3:15 Is salvation [σωτηριαν]
Predicate accusative after ηγειστε — hēgeisthe in apposition with μακροτυμιαν — makrothumian (long-suffering), an opportunity for repentance (cf. 1 Peter 3:20). The Lord here is Christ.Our beloved brother Paul (ο αγαπητος αδελπος Παυλος — ho agapētos adelphos Paulos). Paul applies the verbal αγαπητος — agapētos (beloved) to Epaphras (Colossians 1:7), Onesimus (Colossians 4:9; Philemon 1:16), to Tychicus (Colossians 4:7; Ephesians 6:21), and to four brethren in Rom 16 (Epainetus Romans 16:5, Ampliatus Romans 16:8, Stachys Romans 16:9, Persis Romans 16:12). It is not surprising for Peter to use it of Paul in view of Galatians 2:9., in spite of Galatians 2:11-14.Given to him First aorist passive participle of διδωμι — didōmi with dative case. Peter claimed wisdom for himself, but recognises that Paul had the gift also. His language here may have caution in it as well as commendation. “St. Peter speaks of him with affection and respect, yet maintains the right to criticise” (Bigg). [source]
Revelation 11:19 The ark of His covenant [ἡ κιβωτὸς τῆς διαθήκης αὐτοῦ]
Κιβωτὸς arkmeaning generally any wooden box or chest used of the ark in the tabernacle only here and Hebrews 9:4. Elsewhere of Noah's ark. See Matthew 24:38; Luke 17:27; Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:20. For covenant, see note on testament, Matthew 26:28. This is the last mention in scripture of the ark of the covenant. It was lost when the temple was destroyed by the Chaldeans (2 Kings 25:10), and was wanting in the second temple. Tacitus says that Pompey “by right of conquest entered the temple. Thenceforward it became generally known that the habitation was empty and the sanctuary unoccupied do representation of the deity being found within it” (“History,” v., 9). According to Jewish tradition Jeremiah had taken the ark and all that the Most Holy Place contained, and concealed them, before the destruction of the temple, in a cave at Mount Sinai, whence they are to be restored to the temple in the days of Messiah. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Peter 3:20 mean?

having disobeyed at one time when was waiting the - of God longsuffering in [the] days of Noah being prepared of [the] ark in which a few that is eight souls were saved through water
ἀπειθήσασίν ποτε ὅτε ἀπεξεδέχετο τοῦ Θεοῦ μακροθυμία ἐν ἡμέραις Νῶε κατασκευαζομένης κιβωτοῦ εἰς ἣν ὀλίγοι τοῦτ’ ἔστιν ὀκτὼ ψυχαί διεσώθησαν δι’ ὕδατος

ἀπειθήσασίν  having  disobeyed 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀπειθέω  
Sense: not to allow one’s self to be persuaded.
ποτε  at  one  time 
Parse: Particle
Root: ποτέ  
Sense: once i.
ἀπεξεδέχετο  was  waiting 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἀπεκδέχομαι  
Sense: assiduously and patiently waiting for.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεοῦ  of  God 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
μακροθυμία  longsuffering 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: μακροθυμία  
Sense: patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance.
ἡμέραις  [the]  days 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Plural
Root: ἡμέρα  
Sense: the day, used of the natural day, or the interval between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night.
Νῶε  of  Noah 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Νῶε  
Sense: the tenth in descent from Adam, second father of the human race.
κατασκευαζομένης  being  prepared 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: κατασκευάζω  
Sense: to furnish, equip, prepare, make ready.
κιβωτοῦ  of  [the]  ark 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: κιβωτός  
Sense: a wooden chest or box.
ὀλίγοι  a  few 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ὀλίγος  
Sense: little, small, few.
τοῦτ’  that 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: οὗτος  
Sense: this.
ὀκτὼ  eight 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Feminine Plural
Root: ὀκτώ  
Sense: eight.
ψυχαί  souls 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Plural
Root: ψυχή  
Sense: breath.
διεσώθησαν  were  saved 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Plural
Root: διασῴζω  
Sense: to preserve through danger, to bring safely through.
δι’  through 
Parse: Preposition
Root: διά  
Sense: through.
ὕδατος  water 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: ὕδωρ  
Sense: water.