NT Text: 1 Peter 3:6
OT Source(s):
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): Analogy
Significance: Peter cites Sarah as a model of submission and faith: "as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord" (hōs Sarra hypēkousen tō Abraam kyrion auton kalousa). This alludes to Genesis 18:12, where Sarah refers to Abraham as "my lord" (adoni) in her inner thoughts when she hears the promise of a son. The term kyrios in the LXX of Genesis 18:12 matches Peter's kyrios. Peter's use of this detail is notable — he draws the positive pattern of respectful deference from a narrative that also includes Sarah's laughter of doubt (Gen 18:12-15). Peter selects the element of honor in Sarah's address of Abraham while applying it analogically to Christian wives, encouraging them to "do good and not give way to fear" (3:6b). The analogy grounds wifely conduct in the patriarchal narrative while extending it to the new covenant context.