3:15a

But: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But introduces a contrast to the negative commands in 3:14b–c. This is what the believers were to do instead of being frightened and disturbed. Introduce this contrast in a way that is natural in your language.

in your hearts: Peter used the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as hearts as a figure of speech. It refers to a person’s inner being, his deepest affections and convictions. See the General Comment on 3:15a below for translation advice on translating the meaning of this figure of speech.

sanctify Christ as Lord: In this context, the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “sanctify” means to recognize or acknowledge Christ to be holy. In this context Peter was saying that believers are to honor and revere Jesus Christ as their Lord.

Other ways to translate this include:

revere Christ as Lord (New International Version)
-or-
hold Christ…in reverence as Lord (Revised English Bible)

General Comment on 3:15a

Peter was not referring to doing something privately and secretly, as the translation “in your hearts” might suggest. To avoid suggesting this meaning, some English versions translate hearts with “life” or “lives.” For example:

dedicate your lives to Christ as Lord (God’s Word)
-or-
Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
you must worship Christ as Lord of your life (New Living Translation (2004))

3:15b

Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone: Peter wanted his readers to be ready and willing to speak about Christ at any time. Some other ways to translate this clause are:

Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you (Good News Translation)
-or-
Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you (New Century Version)

3:15c

the reason for the hope that is in you: In some languages it may be natural to simplify this expression. For example:

about your hope (Contemporary English Version)

the hope that is in you: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as hope here refers to trusting in Christ for salvation. See how you translated this word in 1:3, 1:13, 1:21 and 3:5. Here is another way to translate this phrase:

your Christian hope (New Living Translation (2004))

In many languages it may be natural to translate hope as a verb:

you are hoping/trusting ⌊in Christ⌋

General Comment on 3:15b–c

In some languages it may be natural to reverse the order of 3:15b and 3:15c. For example:

15c When anyone asks you why you are trusting ⌊in Christ⌋, 15b be ready to tell him ⌊the reason⌋.

This is a long and complicated sentence. In some languages it may be natural to translate it using shorter sentences. For example:

Some people may ask you why you hope in Christ. Be ready to give them an answer.

3:15d

But: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But and the Revised Standard Version as “yet” introduces a command. Peter told the believers not to explain their hope in an aggressive or discourteous manner. Translate this conjunction in a way that is natural for your language.

respond with gentleness and respect: The phrase respond with gentleness and respect means “answer gently and respectfully.” Other ways to translate this include:

you must do this in a gentle and respectful way (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
give a kind and respectful answer (Contemporary English Version)

gentleness: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as gentleness can also be translated as “meekness.” Here it refers to a quiet and humble manner of speaking. See “gentle” in 3:4b. Here is another way to translate this word:

courtesy (Revised English Bible)

respect: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as respect is literally “fear.” Commentators agree that in this context it refers to fearing God. There are at least two ways to translate this word:

• Use a word that implies that God is the object. For example:

reverence (New American Standard Bible)

• Supply the object “God.” For example:

fear/awe ⌊of God⌋

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