1 Peter 3:20 web — who before were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ship was being built. In it, few,…

World English Bible

"who before were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ship was being built. In it, few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water."

— 1 Peter 3:20, World English Bible

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1 Peter 3:20 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

1 Peter 3 — Context

17

For it is better, if it is God's will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil.

18

Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

19

in which he also went and preached to the spirits in prison,

20

who before were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ship was being built. In it, few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

21

This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you--not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

22

who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him.

1 Peter 3:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Peter 3:20 say?
1 Peter 3:20 in the World English Bible reads: “who before were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ship was being built. In it, few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.”
Where is 1 Peter 3:20 in the Bible?
1 Peter 3:20 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Peter, chapter 3, verse 20.
Who wrote 1 Peter?
1 Peter is traditionally attributed to Peter the Apostle. It was written c. AD 62–64.
What is the book of 1 Peter about?
Peter writes to "elect exiles" suffering for their faith, anchoring them in a living hope, an incorruptible inheritance, and the example of Christ who suffered for them. The letter teaches believers how to live well as strangers in a hostile world.
What are the major themes of 1 Peter?
1 Peter explores themes including Suffering, Living Hope, Holiness, Submission, Shepherding. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Peter 3:20.
What translation should I read 1 Peter 3:20 in?
1 Peter 3:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Peter 3:20?
1 Peter 3:20 reads (WEB): “who before were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ship was being built. In it, few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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