Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

1 PETER 3:20KJV
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1 Peter 3:20 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 3:20 mean?

1 Peter 3:20 describes how, in the days of Noah, God patiently waited while the ark was being built, even though people were disobedient, and only a few—eight people—were saved through the water. The verse highlights both God’s patience and the small number who responded during a time of widespread disobedience.

Peter is writing to early Christians, reminding them of a time when most people ignored God’s warnings, but God still gave them time before judgment came. The mention of Noah’s family being saved “by water” sets up a comparison to Christian baptism in the next verse, showing how God can use even judgment as a means of rescue for those who trust Him.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 3:20

  • “longsuffering” (μακροθυμία, makrothymia): This word means patience or forbearance, and here it emphasizes how God gave people time to turn back before the flood, not acting in haste.
  • “few” (ὀλίγος, oligos): The Greek word stresses how very small the group was—just eight people—making the contrast with the rest of the world’s disobedience even sharper.
  • “saved by water” (δι’ ὕδατος, di’ hydatos): The phrase means “through water,” pointing out that the same water that judged the world also lifted the ark and saved Noah’s family, showing both judgment and rescue in one event.

Why 1 Peter 3:20 matters

  • 1 Peter 3:20 clarifies that God’s patience has limits, but He gives real opportunities for people to respond before judgment comes.
  • The verse connects the story of Noah to the experience of Peter’s readers, encouraging them that even if they feel like a small minority, God notices and saves those who trust Him.
  • By mentioning being “saved by water,” Peter sets up a link to baptism, helping readers see how Old Testament events can point to deeper spiritual truths in the Christian faith.

Where else these words appear

“ark” Greek G2787 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
  • Luke 17:27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
  • Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

“waited” Greek G1551 · used in 8 verses

  • John 5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
  • Hebrews 10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

“Noah” Greek G3575 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
  • Luke 3:36 Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech,
  • Luke 17:27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

“saved” Greek G1295 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 14:36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
  • Acts 23:24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
  • Acts 27:44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.