3:19–22

Verses 19–22 are difficult to understand. For more details of the debates, see the UBS Handbook Translator’s Handbook on 1 Peter. There is also a fairly long discussion in Key Biblical Terms on Translators Workplace, in the article on Spirit, sense A1(d). Because the interpretation of these verses is uncertain, it is best to translate them literally. Supply as little implied information as possible.

3:19

in whom: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in whom can also be translated as “in which.” Here it refers to the sphere of the Spirit and spiritual life mentioned in 3:18e. The Good News Translation makes this explicit:

in his spiritual existence (Good News Translation)

He also went and preached to the spirits in prison: The Greek text does not say exactly where the spirits in prison were. One way to translate this is:

he went to the spirits in prison and preached to them

also: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as also seems to function to introduce more information about the “spiritual realm” in 3:18e. It can also be translated as “even.” It is not translated in some versions such as the Revised Standard Version. Translate it in a way that is natural in your language.

preached: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as preached can also be translated as “proclaimed” or “announced.” The text does not say what Christ proclaimed to the spirits in prison. Commentators suggest two possibilities:

(1) Christ proclaimed his victory over the spiritual forces of darkness.

(2) Christ preached about the need to repent and come to God for salvation.

If you must choose, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), which has the support of most commentaries. This is based on the interpretation of “spirits” as evil spiritual beings. See the following note for more information.

Some other ways preached can be translated are:

proclaim his victory (God’s Word)
-or-
made a proclamation (New Revised Standard Version)

the spirits: There are two ways to understand the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as spirits :

(1) It refers to evil spiritual beings such as demons or fallen angels.

(2) It refers to the souls of dead people.

It is recommended that you use an expression that could refer to either of these. If you must choose between them, it is recommended that you choose interpretation (1). This is the normal meaning of spirits in the New Testament. It is also the view of the majority of modern commentators.

in prison: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as prison refers to a place where people are guarded and cannot leave. Presumably the spirits were in prison because they were waiting for God to judge them. Your translation should not give the idea that the spirits were in an earthly prison, but rather that they were held in some kind of custody so that they could not escape.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

who are being held/restrained
-or-
who are waiting for the judgment of God

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