Strong’s Greek 4423 portrays the state of inward alarm produced by threats or hostile treatment. Scripture uses it once, capturing the believer’s refusal to be thrown into panic by external pressures.

Biblical Context (1 Peter 3:6)

Peter exhorts Christian wives to emulate Sarah, “doing what is good and not fearing any intimidation” (1 Peter 3:6). The apostle addresses households where a believing wife might live under an unbelieving or hostile husband (1 Peter 3:1). In that vulnerable setting, intimidation could be expected; yet Sarah’s daughters are called to quiet courage. Peter later widens the principle to the whole church: “Do not fear their threats; do not be shaken” (1 Peter 3:14), linking intimidation with suffering for righteousness.

Historical Setting

First-century believers in Asia Minor faced mounting social and legal pressures. Ridicule in domestic spheres, civic ostracism, and the possibility of state action threatened to silence their witness. Peter’s letter—likely written shortly before Nero’s severe persecutions—fortifies ordinary Christians for faithful endurance. By using the term only once, Peter underlines a singular focus: intimidation must not dictate conduct.

Theological Significance

1. God-Centered Fear versus Man-Centered Fear

Scripture repeatedly contrasts holy fear of God with destabilizing fear of man (Proverbs 29:25; Matthew 10:28). The unique occurrence of 4423 reinforces this contrast. Submission to human authority (1 Peter 2:13-17) is framed by ultimate allegiance to Christ, who “committed no sin” yet “entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:22-23). Thus, intimidation loses its power when believers recognize divine sovereignty.

2. Faith Expressed in Good Deeds

Peter links freedom from intimidation to active goodness—“doing what is good.” The virtue of a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4) is not passive resignation but fearless obedience. Genuine faith produces works that outlast hostile threats.

3. Eschatological Perspective

The epistle opens by blessing God for “a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3). Fixing hope on the return of Christ relativizes temporal dangers. Intimidation is exposed as short-lived compared with “an inheritance imperishable” (1 Peter 1:4).

Related Biblical Themes

• Courage in Persecution: Acts 4:13, Acts 5:29
• The Spirit’s Empowerment: 2 Timothy 1:7
• Fearlessness and Witness: Philippians 1:28, Hebrews 13:6
• Women of Faith: Genesis 18:12, Hebrews 11:11

Practical Application for Ministry

1. Pastoral Care

Counsel those facing domestic or workplace hostility. Emphasize identity in Christ and the call to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

2. Discipleship of Women

Highlight Sarah’s legacy. Encourage study groups focusing on biblical heroines who resisted intimidation.

3. Evangelistic Boldness

Teach believers that fearless conduct under pressure often opens doors for testimony (1 Peter 3:15).

4. Corporate Worship

Incorporate prayers and songs that confess God’s supremacy over human threats, fostering congregational resilience.

Historical Reception

Early Christian writers such as Clement of Rome and Polycarp echoed Peter’s admonition, urging churches to endure opposition without anxiety. Reformation leaders applied the same principle when confronting state-mandated conformity. Throughout missionary history, refusal to bow to intimidation has marked gospel advance, from William Carey in India to twentieth-century underground churches.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 4423 crystallizes the believer’s stance against panic-inducing threats. Rooted in reverence for God, sustained by hope in Christ, and expressed through persistent good works, freedom from intimidation stands as a hallmark of authentic Christian discipleship.