Who are the "spirits" in 1 Peter 3:19?

Paleouss · Apr 30, 2026

Greetings to all my brothers. Grace and hope to you in our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am looking for positions and data points regarding 1 Peter 3:19 and in particular who are the "spirits in prison" and what is Christ doing there.

As I understand it there might be four major views, (A) the "spirits" are flood generation humans through which Noah preached the coming Savior (1Pet 2:5), (B) the "spirits" are simply all the pre-flood humans in the time of Noah in which Christ is preaching after descending into Hades, (C) the "spirits" are all the human spirits that are trapped in Sheol prior to Christ's victory over sin, death and Hades, (D) the "spirits" are those fallen angels imprisoned in chains (2Pet 2:4) to which Christ is proclaiming victory.

If you have another belief, I'd like to hear it.

Peace to you brothers

37818 · Apr 30, 2026

1 Peter 4,:6, For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Paleouss · May 1, 2026

37818 said:
1 Peter 4,:6, For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Geetings brother. Peace to you and yours.

At first blush I also thought 1 Peter 4:6 might related to 1 Peter 3:19. But after considering context of 1 Peter 4:1-5, I'm not so sure.

Context:

1Pet 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

Peter appears to be talking about suffering and arming yourselves.

2 that he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we [have spent] enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles--when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.

Peter talks about how we, as Christians, once lived.

4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with [them] in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of [you]. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Peter talks about what those who are not of the faith think of us (those who still walk in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries).

6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Then Peter says, "for this reason...". This "for this reason" seems to be like a "therefore", which means 'based on what I just said"... "the gospel was preached also to those who are dead,".

If in fact the "for this reason" is to be understood this way, then what Peter is referring to should be understood under the context of what was just said previously in 1 Peter 4:1-5. What was just said would appear to engender the concept of "the dead" being those living individuals who have not life within them, i.e., the living unsaved (or those of 1Pet 4:3-4). This would be like Romans 8:6-7 possibly.

(Rom 8:6 NKJV) 6 For to be carnally minded [is] death, but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.

Any thoughts about that?

Peace to you brother.

JesusFan · May 1, 2026

Paleouss said:
Greetings to all my brothers. Grace and hope to you in our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am looking for positions and data points regarding 1 Peter 3:19 and in particular who are the "spirits in prison" and what is Christ doing there.

As I understand it there might be four major views, (A) the "spirits" are flood generation humans through which Noah preached the coming Savior (1Pet 2:5), (B) the "spirits" are simply all the pre-flood humans in the time of Noah in which Christ is preaching after descending into Hades, (C) the "spirits" are all the human spirits that are trapped in Sheol prior to Christ's victory over sin, death and Hades, (D) the "spirits" are those fallen angels imprisoned in chains (2Pet 2:4) to which Christ is proclaiming victory.

If you have another belief, I'd like to hear it.

Peace to you brothers

Those who died in the flood

Paleouss · May 2, 2026

JesusFan said:
Those who died in the flood

Greetings JesusFan. Great to correspond with you again. Grace and hope to you in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who exactly are "those" that died in the flood? Do you have any verses for support?

Peace to you

Deacon · May 2, 2026

QUESTION—Who are the spirits he is referring to?

1. They are the spirits of the people of Noah’s generation [Alf, ICC, TG, TNTC; NJB, TEV].

2. They are supernatural beings.

2.1 They are fallen angels [NTC].

2.2 They are the fallen angels of Genesis 6:1–4 who married human women and had offspring by them [BNTC, EGT, IVP, NCBC, NIBC, NIC, Sel].

2.3 They are evil spirit beings who are the spiritual offspring of the fallen angels of Genesis 6:1–4 who married human women and had offspring by them [WBC].

Abernathy, David. 2008. An Exegetical Summary of 1 Peter. 2nd ed. Dallas, TX: SIL International.

th1bill · May 2, 2026

They are the Old Testament Saints we find marching through the Holy City in Matt 27:51---

Paleouss · Sunday at 9:57 AM

Greetings Deacon. Thank you for the references and grace to you in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Deacon said:
1. They are the spirits of the people of Noah’s generation [Alf, ICC, TG, TNTC; NJB, TEV].

References are nice, thank you.

Deacon said:
2. They are supernatural beings.

2.1 They are fallen angels [NTC].

Possibly. The best augment I know of for this is that the term "spirit" is not used to refer to humans (without a qualifier).

Deacon said:
2.3 They are evil spirit beings who are the spiritual offspring of the fallen angels of Genesis 6:1–4 who married human women and had offspring by them [WBC].

Not a possibility, even if you believe that angels procreated with human women. Long argument short, according to the Book of Enoch the Nephilim evil spirts are said to not go where human spirits go but to roam the earth, i.e., they remain on earth after death to be evil spirits on earth.

Therefore, they couldn't be the "spirits in prison" because they are not in Hades or Sheol but on earth. So those that think this one haven't reasoned it through, it would seem.

Peace to you brother

Paleouss · Sunday at 9:59 AM

th1bill said:
They are the Old Testament Saints we find marching through the Holy City in Matt 27:51---

Greetings again Bill. Hope you are doing well.

Good one!

Peace to you

Jerome · Sunday at 10:25 AM

John Calvin preferred to see it as directed to godly souls looking with hope from a watchtower!
But if a prison, only that "the Law" had been "a kind of prison" to the same:

"Common has been the opinion that Christ’s descent into hell is here referred to; but the words mean no such thing"

"...I therefore have no doubt but Peter speaks generally, that the manifestation of Christ’s grace was made to godly spirits...But it may be inquired, Why he puts in prison the souls of the godly after having quitted their bodies? It seems to me that φυλακὴ rather means a watchtower in which watchmen stand for the purpose of watching, or the very act of watching....that godly souls were watching in hope of the salvation promised them, as though they saw it afar off."

"But if the word prison be preferred, it would not be unsuitable; for, as while they lived, the Law, according to Paul, (Galatians 3:23,) was a sort of prison in which they were kept; so after death they must have felt the same desire for Christ; for the spirit of liberty had not as yet been fully given. Hence this anxiety of expectation was to them a kind of prison."

JesusFan · Monday at 12:00 PM

Paleouss said:
Greetings Deacon. Thank you for the references and grace to you in our Lord Jesus Christ.

References are nice, thank you.

Possibly. The best augment I know of for this is that the term "spirit" is not used to refer to humans (without a qualifier).

Not a possibility, even if you believe that angels procreated with human women. Long argument short, according to the Book of Enoch the Nephilim evil spirts are said to not go where human spirits go but to roam the earth, i.e., they remain on earth after death to be evil spirits on earth.

Therefore, they couldn't be the "spirits in prison" because they are not in Hades or Sheol but on earth. So those that think this one haven't reasoned it through, it would seem.

Peace to you brother

The Spirit Involved: 1 Peter 3:18-19 notes that Jesus, in the Spirit, preached to spirits in prison, referring to those who disregarded God's patience during the 120 years of building the ark.

th1bill · Tuesday at 10:11 AM

JesusFan said:
The Spirit Involved: 1 Peter 3:18-19 notes that Jesus, in the Spirit, preached to spirits in prison, referring to those who disregarded God's patience during the 120 years of building the ark.

This caught me sideways. After death people are in Sheol awaiting The Great White Throne Judgement and there is no Salvation after death for the unrepentant sinner.

From the parable of Lazarus and the rich man we learn that there were two Waiting Areas for the dead. (Luke 16:19-31) I have been instructed that the Early Church Fathers taught that Yashuah went to Paradise/Abraham's Buxom and preached to the Old Testament Saints. This is also my belief, also.

JesusFan · Tuesday at 1:31 PM

th1bill said:
This caught me sideways. After death people are in Sheol awaiting The Great White Throne Judgement and there is no Salvation after death for the unrepentant sinner.

From the parable of Lazarus and the rich man we learn that there were two Waiting Areas for the dead. (Luke 16:19-31) I have been instructed that the Early Church Fathers taught that Yashuah went to Paradise/Abraham's Buxom and preached to the Old Testament Saints. This is also my belief, also.

Believe it should be translated as he proclaimed Victory over sin, death, and the grave, not a second chance to them

Paleouss · Wednesday at 9:07 AM

th1bill said:
This caught me sideways. After death people are in Sheol awaiting The Great White Throne Judgement and there is no Salvation after death for the unrepentant sinner.

From the parable of Lazarus and the rich man we learn that there were two Waiting Areas for the dead. (Luke 16:19-31) I have been instructed that the Early Church Fathers taught that Yashuah went to Paradise/Abraham's Buxom and preached to the Old Testament Saints. This is also my belief, also.

Greetings to you Bill. Love and peace to you and yours.

Apparently there were at least two prophets of God preaching during the time before the flood;

Noah
(1) 2Pe 2:5 "and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, [one of] eight [people], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;"

Enoch
(2) Jde 1:14 "Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints,"

My belief in what they were teaching and prophesying was the coming of a Savior (Gen 3:15). We see that some of these pre-flood individuals "began to call on the name of the LORD" (Gen 4:26).

However, upon death both profane and faithful went to Sheol (this is pre-Christ victory), because the power of sin, death and Hades still had dominion. As it is written, "Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come (Rom 5:14).

Apparently it was common knowledge among Jews that the Savior would not leave these (calling on the Lord) souls in Hades; "For You will not leave my soul in Hades," (Acts 2:27, Psa 16:10). So Christ conquers death and Hades, "I [am] He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death" (Rev 1:18).

(1Co 15:55 NKJV) 55 "O Death, where [is] your sting? O Hades, where [is] your victory?"

So Christ descends into Hades, proclaims victory and leads out those saints who were captive by the power of sin and death. Christ takes captivity captive (Eph 4:8).

(Mat 27:52-53 NKJV) 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

The question remains, I suppose, who were the "spirits" in 1 Peter 3:19?

Keep seeking God's truth of if hidden treasure (Prov 2:1-6)

Van · Wednesday at 5:02 PM

Paleouss said:
Greetings to all my brothers. Grace and hope to you in our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am looking for positions and data points regarding 1 Peter 3:19 and in particular who are the "spirits in prison" and what is Christ doing there.

As I understand it there might be four major views, (A) the "spirits" are flood generation humans through which Noah preached the coming Savior (1Pet 2:5), (B) the "spirits" are simply all the pre-flood humans in the time of Noah in which Christ is preaching after descending into Hades, (C) the "spirits" are all the human spirits that are trapped in Sheol prior to Christ's victory over sin, death and Hades, (D) the "spirits" are those fallen angels imprisoned in chains (2Pet 2:4) to which Christ is proclaiming victory.

If you have another belief, I'd like to hear it.

Peace to you brothers

1 Peter 3:18-20 NASB:
For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which He also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison, who once were disobedient when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.

1) Christ suffered and died not just for some humans, but for all of the unjust humans, which is every one of them as all were made sinners.

2) That Christ might bring us (born anew believers) to God.

3) He made "proclamation" to the "spirits" in prison, while in the Spirit. Here I think the idea is while His physical dead body was in the tomb, His Spirit completed actions while in the disembodied state.

4) The Greek word translated as "proclamation" probably refers to Christ presenting the gospel to the spirits held captive.

5) The reason the spirits were being held captive is not stated, but they needed the gospel so they needed to receive the reconciliation provided through Christ's sacrifice of His life on the cross. In 1 Peter 4:6 we learn that the gospel was preached to those who are dead. This is vague and might mean they heard the gospel while physically alive, but are now dead. However, I think this is a reference to Christ preaching the gospel to those in Abraham's bosom. Thus, the OT saints held in the comfortable captivity of Abraham's bosom, while they waited until Christ completed His sacrifice and provided deliverance from the bonds of sinful unjustified unholiness.

6) Who once were disobedient during the time of the building of the ark. Clearly we could identify the 8 in Noah's family that fit this description. But the issue is are these 8 the only "spirits" (Old Testament Saints) in view? I think not, because the reference simply illustrates the Ark of Christ which will save all those held captive in Abraham's bosom. In other words, those in that prison had been disobedient before the Ark of Christ was available.

7) Bottom line, the "spirits" were the OT Saints that had to wait in Abraham's bosom until they could be made perfect with the blood of the Lamb. He took them out of Abraham's bosom, led captive the captives, and into the kingdom of God! Ephesians 4:8

th1bill · Wednesday at 6:35 PM

Paleouss said:
Greetings to you Bill. Love and peace to you and yours.

Apparently there were at least two prophets of God preaching during the time before the flood;

Noah
(1) 2Pe 2:5 "and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, [one of] eight [people], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;"

Enoch
(2) Jde 1:14 "Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints,"

My belief in what they were teaching and prophesying was the coming of a Savior (Gen 3:15). We see that some of these pre-flood individuals "began to call on the name of the LORD" (Gen 4:26).

However, upon death both profane and faithful went to Sheol (this is pre-Christ victory), because the power of sin, death and Hades still had dominion. As it is written, "Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come (Rom 5:14).

Apparently it was common knowledge among Jews that the Savior would not leave these (calling on the Lord) souls in Hades; "For You will not leave my soul in Hades," (Acts 2:27, Psa 16:10). So Christ conquers death and Hades, "I [am] He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death" (Rev 1:18).

(1Co 15:55 NKJV) 55 "O Death, where [is] your sting? O Hades, where [is] your victory?"

So Christ descends into Hades, proclaims victory and leads out those saints who were captive by the power of sin and death. Christ takes captivity captive (Eph 4:8).

(Mat 27:52-53 NKJV) 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

The question remains, I suppose, who were the "spirits" in 1 Peter 3:19?

Keep seeking God's truth of if hidden treasure (Prov 2:1-6)

Shalom, my brother. The Luke 16 passage I referenced has a good deal to learn, as do most of our Lord's teachings. The rich man was in heated torment and at the time pictured, only Enoch and Elijah are recorded as being with Jehovah, Yashua and Ruah. The rich man was so over-heated that a single drop of water on his tongue was all he longed for, just a drop from the finger!

The request, it turns out was impossible to fill because there was (is) a great gulf fixed between Paradise/Abraham's Buxom (not Heaven) and the point the rich man found himself residing in. It is a place no man can cross... from either side. It makes the point that Ruah has taught me, Salvation must be dealt with before the First Death. After that, Eternity is set.

Paleouss · Thursday at 8:15 AM

th1bill said:
Shalom, my brother.

Greetings to you brother. Grace and Hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

th1bill said:
Salvation must be dealt with before the First Death. After that, Eternity is set.

Luke 16 relates, thank you.

I agree that God has so designed this life to contain all it needs for a just opportunity. Therefore, I also think that the spirits in prison, whoever they are, are not being given a second chance but are being given a proclamation of victory by Christ. Further, those saints that were there due to the power of death and Hades are being set free to then be in the presence of God before the second resurrection.

Peace to you brother

Paleouss · Thursday at 9:21 AM

Greetings brother Van. Peace to you. Thank you for your time.

Van said:
4) The Greek word translated as "proclamation" probably refers to Christ presenting the gospel to the spirits held captive.

Do you have any verse or reasoning why you think the "proclamation" is the "presenting the gospel" and not a proclamation of victory?

Van said:
5) The reason the spirits were being held captive is not stated, but they needed the gospel

Same question about the gospel here.

Do you think it might be the case that the preaching of a Savior was already preached to the souls prior to the flood by....

Noah
(1) 2Pe 2:5 "and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, [one of] eight [people], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;"

Enoch
(2) Jde 1:14 "Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints,"

These two pre-flood figures, there may be more since Genesis 4:26 states that men began to call upon the name of the Lord, seemed to have been messengers to the hearts and minds of the pre-flood people.

What do you think?

Van said:
This is vague and might mean they heard the gospel while physically alive, but are now dead.

Ok. So my previous you seem to think might be possible. But you prefer...

Van said:
However, I think this is a reference to Christ preaching the gospel to those in Abraham's bosom. Thus, the OT saints held in the comfortable captivity of Abraham's bosom, while they waited until Christ completed His sacrifice and provided deliverance from the bonds of sinful unjustified unholiness.

Two questions:
(1) Do you base the Abraham's bosom off of Luke 17?
(2) Is there any significance to the preposition "in prison" here? In other words, is it most reasonable to think that "spirits" in the state of being "in prison" would be considered in Abraham's bosom (which is a state of comfort, rest, and safety)?

Van said:
6) Who once were disobedient during the time of the building of the ark. Clearly we could identify the 8 in Noah's family that fit this description. But the issue is are these 8 the only "spirits" (Old Testament Saints) in view?

Following this through. Do you think that it is most reasonable (by this I mean most likely based on evidence) to use "disobedient" and "8 in Noah's family" as synonymous?

I think it can be clearly seen that "spirits" in Abraham's bosom can be considered "in prison" and not in the presence of the Lord, yet. However, the "disobedient" seems to be a hurdle.

This seems to be the reading of the text...

Who and What State:
spirits <-- in prison,

Who and Adjective:
spirits <-- who once were disobedient

Who and Time reference:
spirts <-- when <-- the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah,
.......... <-- when <-- during the construction of the ark,
.......... <-- when <-- in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.

The problem I see with Abraham bosom option, which I think is possible, is that the natural reading of the text seems to be speaking specifically about particular "spirits" that it narrows down for us by the time reference. Suggesting possibly that the "eight persons" are contemporaries. This narrowing down of time reference seems to interfere with a general "Abraham bosom" all the saints view. Now that doesn't mean to say that Christ didn't free the saints in Abraham's bosom through His victory. Just that here in 1 Peter it seems to be narrowing the field with the qualifiers for a more particular reference of "spirits".

What do you think?

Van said:
I think not, because the reference simply illustrates the Ark of Christ which will save all those held captive in Abraham's bosom. In other words, those in that prison had been disobedient before the Ark of Christ was available.

Are those in Abraham's bosom considered "disobedient"?

Peace to you brother.

th1bill · Thursday at 11:12 AM

Paleouss said:
Greetings to you brother. Grace and Hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 16 relates, thank you.

I agree that God has so designed this life to contain all it needs for a just opportunity. Therefore, I also think that the spirits in prison, whoever they are, are not being given a second chance but are being given a proclamation of victory by Christ. Further, those saints that were there due to the power of death and Hades are being set free to then be in the presence of God before the second resurrection.

Peace to you brother

ok but, that is an opinion, as you stated. I try, hard, never to form opinions and to listen, instead, to the Spirit of Truth that indwells all Christ Followers. From whince do you form this opinion.

percho · Thursday at 6:08 PM

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Heb 1:13,14

Heb 12:23 YLT to the company and assembly of the first-born in heaven enrolled, and to God the judge of all, and to spirits of righteous men made perfect,

Do these verses speak of men as being spirits as also of angels being spirits?

I am not sure 1 peter 3:19 is speaking of men at all. Maybe it is speaking of the angels of Rev 12:9. And or; For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And or; And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

Who are the "spirits" in 1 Peter 3:19?

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