In our English translation the command to “be subject” in 1 Peter 3:1 is identical to the command of 1 Peter 2:13 (as also in 1 Peter 2:18). In the Greek, however, the word for “be subject” in 1 Peter 2:13 is an imperative, while in 1 Peter 3:1 (and in 1 Peter 2:18) it is a participle. Grammatically, the participle of 1 Peter 3:1 must be understood as an imperative, as the English renders. But the fact of the participle in the Greek following the imperative of 1 Peter 2:13 makes clear that Peter intends the present instruction to serve as an application of the broader command of 1 Peter 2:13 (as was also true of 1 Peter 2:18–25). In other words, we may not isolate 1 Peter 3:1–6 from the instruction of 1 Peter 2:13–17.
1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,