There is variance among the Greek manuscripts of 1 Peter 3:15. The majority text, on which the King James Version is based has “Lord God” – as the original Hebrew in Isaiah 8:13. But the Alexandrian manuscripts have “Christ the Lord”
1 Peter 3:15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in. (ESV)
Some Trinitarian commentators have argued that this is equating Christ to Yahweh. And want to add this verse to other verses which certainly do reemploy language about God in the Old Testament to God’s Son the Lord Jesus in the New Testament.
Difficult to know what to say. Given that the Greek text isn’t certain, any time spent arguing from it will be inconclusive. It is probably best to try and explain why the New Testament does sometimes reemploy Old Testament language about God in a new context.
For reference:
Isaiah 8:12-13 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.
13 Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. (KLV)
Isaiah 8:12 μήποτε εἴπητε σκληρόν πᾶν γάρ ὃ ἐὰν εἴπῃ ὁ λαὸς οὗτος σκληρόν ἐστιν τὸν δὲ φόβον αὐτοῦ οὐ μὴ φοβηθῆτε οὐδὲ μὴ ταραχθῆτε 8:13 κύριον αὐτὸν ἁγιάσατε καὶ αὐτὸς ἔσται σου φόβος (LXX)
1 Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (KJV)
1 Peter 3:14 ἀλλ᾽ εἰ καὶ πάσχοιτε διὰ δικαιοσύνην μακάριοι τὸν δὲ φόβον αὐτῶν μὴ φοβηθῆτε μηδὲ ταραχθῆτε 15 κύριον δὲ τὸν Θεὸν ἁγιάσατε ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν ἕτοιμοι δὲ ἀεὶ πρὸς ἀπολογίαν παντὶ τῷ αἰτοῦντι ὑμᾶς λόγον περὶ τῆς ἐν ὑμῖν ἐλπίδος μετά πραΰτητος καί φόβου (Greek Textus Receptus)
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