1 *Y <7rora,6c6luevoi, subject ) In the progress of the discourse, by a change of construction which is full of character, the participle is put for the imperative : ver. 7, 8. — xa/ u ring, even if any) Peter speaks with mildness. — Xoyy \6yov, the word : word) Used in a double sense by the figure ^ntanaclasis : in the former place, the Gospel is signified ; in the latter, discourse. The conversation itself breathes the force of the doctrine. — xtpbriQyjiswvrai) The future Sub- junctive, of rare occurrence. So xau^<fw/4a/, 1 Cor. xiii. 3 ; e,u(3s.rr dyjffvrou, Dan. iii. 11, vi. 7. It is a more remote future, as in Latin, lucraturus eris , you will be about to gain.
2. ’Ev ^6/3w, in fear) This is to be referred to uyvijv, chaste; not to uvGtff-potpriV) conversation. Fear is something general, commended by the apostle to all Christians, but especially commended to women, that their conversation be chaste.
3. rnv zffru, whose let it be) A graphic painting of the inward cha- racter by the outward gestures.2 Women themselves are thus to resolve : we claim for ourselves, we regard as our own, not outward ornament, but the inner man, etc. — ob 6 — xotr/xog, not — adorning) Although they use such adorning , as the occasion permits, yet they do not consider it as adorning. — zprrXonrig' Kepids<reug- svbvasug, of plaiting ; of wearing ; of putting on) The verbals imply the labour bestowed on dress, which consumes much time.
4. ’a XX* 6 xpvvrbg, but the hidden) The inner is opposed to the outward : but instead of the inner it is called the hidden ; by which a just desire of concealing itself is included in the idea. — ccvQpuKog, man) Eph. iii. 16, note. — ev, in) Understand which is. This hidden man is not the ornament itself, but is adorned by the orna- ment : the ornament itself is that which is incorruptible, etc., whence those women are so adorned whose hidden man rejoices in such a spirit. — upQupru, incorruptible) Eph. vi. 24, note. This is opposed to outward adorning, which is corrupted. Concerning gold , comp. ch. i. 18. Meekness and quietness ought to be incorruptible. Moreover the corruption of this spirit is turbulent obstinacy (contumacy) and fear. — rrpuiog xa i ^<ru^/ou, of a meek and quiet spirit) The meek is he
1 Antanaclasis. See Append.
2 See Append, on Ethopoeia. — E.