Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
But—"Rather." The "outward adornment" of jewelry, etc., is forbidden, in so far as woman loves such things, not in so far as she uses them from a sense of propriety, and does not abuse them. Singularity mostly comes from pride and throws needless hindrances to religion in the way of others. Under costly attire there may be a humble mind. "Great is he who uses his earthenware as if it were plate; not less great is he who uses his silver as if it were earthenware" [SENECA in ALFORD].
hidden—inner man, which the Christian instinctively hides from public view.
of the heart—consisting in the heart regenerated and adorned by the Spirit. This "inner man of the heart" is the subject of the verb "be," I Peter 3:3, Greek: "Of whom let the inner man be," namely, the distinction or adornment.
in that—consisting or standing in that as its element.
not corruptible—not transitory, nor tainted with corruption, as all earthly adornments.
meek and quiet—meek, not creating disturbances: quiet, bearing with tranquillity the disturbances caused by others. Meek in affections and feelings; quiet in words, countenance, and actions [BENGEL].
in the sight of God—who looks to inward, not merely outward things.
of great price—The results of redemption should correspond to its costly price (I Peter 1:19).
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing 1 Peter 3:4:
Song of Solomon 4:9
Isaiah 3:24
Matthew 5:5
Ephesians 3:16
Ephesians 5:22
Ephesians 6:24
1 Peter 3:15
1 Peter 5:5
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