1 Peter 3 7

1 Peter 3:7 kjv

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

1 Peter 3:7 nkjv

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

1 Peter 3:7 niv

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

1 Peter 3:7 esv

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

1 Peter 3:7 nlt

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

1 Peter 3 verses

1 Peter 3 7 Meaning

This verse instructs husbands on their conduct toward their wives. It commands them to live considerately, acknowledging their wives with understanding and honor. This honor is due not despite, but because of, her relative physical delicacy (as the "weaker vessel"), and, critically, because she is an equal spiritual heir with him of God’s grace leading to eternal life. The motivation and consequence of this conduct are spiritual: if husbands fail in these responsibilities, their prayers will be hindered.

1 Peter 3 7 Context

First Peter 3:7 concludes Peter's counsel on living as Christians within existing societal structures, which began in 2:13 with submission to human authority, continued with slaves submitting to masters (2:18-25), and then wives submitting to husbands (3:1-6). The "likewise" (or "in the same way") directly links the husband's responsibility to the preceding instructions for wives, implying a reciprocal although distinct responsibility within marriage. This verse stands in stark contrast to the dominant Greco-Roman and even some Jewish cultural norms of Peter's time, where wives often had minimal legal rights and were seen as subordinates to be ruled, not honored. Peter elevates the status of the wife by emphasizing her inherent value and, profoundly, her spiritual equality and joint inheritance with her husband, thereby promoting a revolutionary Christian ethos within the household.

1 Peter 3 7 Word analysis

• Husbands (ἄνδρες - andres): Specifically refers to married men. This addresses the male spouse directly and lays upon him a distinct responsibility.
• likewise (ὡσαύτως - hosautos): A crucial connective. It signifies that just as wives have specific conduct towards their husbands, so husbands have specific conduct towards their wives, highlighting a mutual responsibility within the covenant of marriage.
• dwell with them (συνοικούντες - synoikountes): More than just cohabitation; it implies living together intimately in shared domestic life. It means to conduct oneself in the marriage relationship, in day-to-day interactions.
• with understanding (κατὰ γνῶσιν - kata gnōsin): Not merely intellectual knowledge, but a thoughtful, discerning, and empathetic consideration. It implies practical wisdom in recognizing the wife's unique needs, personality, and nature. It calls for husbands to live reflectively and considerately, not arbitrarily or dominantly.
• giving honor (ἀπονέμοντες τιμὴν - aponemontes timēn): To ascribe or attribute worth and respect. This command directly counteracts any cultural tendency to devalue or disregard the wife. It means to treat her with high regard, value, esteem, and public acknowledgment.
• to the wife (τῷ γυναικείῳ - tō gunaikeiō): Specifically referring to the female spouse.
• as to the weaker vessel (ὡς ἀσθενεστέρῳ σκεύει - hōs asthenesterō skeuē):
  • "vessel" (skeuos): A common biblical metaphor for a human being (cf. 2 Cor 4:7), body, or instrument used by God. It implies both preciousness and fragility.
  • "weaker" (asthenes): Primarily refers to physical constitution and vulnerability, not spiritual, intellectual, or moral inferiority. It highlights physical differences between men and women, requiring protection and gentleness from the husband. It mandates not devaluation but sensitive, protective care, seeing the wife as precious but delicate.
• and as being heirs together (καὶ ὡς συγκληρονόμοις - kai hōs synklēronomois): This profoundly equalizing phrase emphasizes complete spiritual parity. Synklēronomois means co-heirs or joint-heirs. Both husband and wife equally inherit God’s promised salvation and future blessings. This underscores a spiritual partnership that transcends physical differences and worldly status.
• of the grace of life (χάριτος ζωῆς - charitos zōēs): Refers to the totality of God's unmerited favor leading to spiritual life now and eternal life in the age to come. It encompasses all spiritual blessings received through Christ.
• that your prayers may not be hindered (εἰς τὸ μὴ ἐγκόπτεσθαι τὰς προσευχὰς ὑμῶν - eis τὸ mē enkoptesthai tas proseuchas hymōn):
  • "hindered" (enkoptesthai): To cut into, impede, prevent, obstruct. This is the direct spiritual consequence of a husband failing to live according to the above instructions. Unrighteous conduct in the home can create a barrier between the husband and God, specifically affecting his prayer life. It shows that interpersonal relationships deeply impact one's vertical relationship with God.
• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding": Commands a conscious, thoughtful, and discerning approach to cohabitation, recognizing and responding to the wife's individuality and needs rather than being insensitive or domineering.
  • "giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel": Instantly addresses potential misinterpretations. Honor is not diminished by recognizing physical delicacy; instead, the physical "weaker" aspect is precisely a reason for the husband's careful and protective honor, not for her subjugation or mistreatment.
  • "and as being heirs together of the grace of life": This establishes profound spiritual equality as believers, making their union a shared spiritual journey toward eternal destiny, overriding all cultural, social, or physical distinctions.
  • "that your prayers may not be hindered": Reveals the deep spiritual consequence and imperative. Marital harmony and righteous treatment of one's spouse are not merely good social practice but vital for maintaining an unhindered relationship and communion with God.

1 Peter 3 7 Bonus section

The concept of "vessel" (skeuos) carries a connotation of being divinely fashioned for a specific purpose (Rom 9:21-23; Acts 9:15). Therefore, the wife as a "weaker vessel" isn't merely a statement of physical fragility, but recognition of a divinely designed form requiring particular care and esteem to fulfill her purpose. This revolutionary teaching in a patriarchal society elevated women's dignity and rights far beyond contemporary norms, reflecting Christ's valuing of all individuals. It establishes marital harmony as a spiritual discipline directly linked to communion with God, implying that treating one's spouse unjustly is a form of spiritual negligence that affects one's standing before the Lord.

1 Peter 3 7 Commentary

First Peter 3:7 is a profound call for Christian husbands to treat their wives with conscious, intelligent consideration and deep respect. The instruction to "dwell with them with understanding" implies a mindful engagement with their wives' inner worlds, feelings, and needs. Honoring the wife "as the weaker vessel" does not suggest inferiority but highlights physical differences, requiring a husband's protective and gentle care rather than exploitation or dominance. The paramount reason for this honor is her standing "as being heirs together of the grace of life." This powerfully affirms their spiritual equality before God, sharing the same glorious inheritance in Christ. This joint heirship demands mutual respect and partnership. The practical outcome and solemn warning attached, "that your prayers may not be hindered," underscore that the quality of a husband’s relationship with his wife directly impacts his fellowship and communion with God. Neglecting her well-being or devaluing her can erect a barrier to divine communication, illustrating the interconnectedness of horizontal (human) and vertical (divine) relationships in a believer's life.

• Example 1: A husband who intentionally listens to his wife's concerns and adapts his plans to accommodate her physical comfort is dwelling with understanding and honoring the weaker vessel.
• Example 2: A husband who makes decisions that consider his wife's spiritual growth and encourages her ministry gifts, knowing they are joint heirs, is living out this verse.
• Example 3: A husband who continually expresses gratitude and appreciation for his wife, valuing her personhood and contributions, demonstrates honor in action, fostering an environment where his own prayers can flow freely.