1 Peter 3:7

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
ἄνδρες
ye husbands
a man (properly as an individual male)
#3
ὁμοίως
Likewise
similarly
#4
συνοικοῦντες
dwell with
to reside together (as a family)
#5
κατὰ
them according to
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#6
γνῶσιν
knowledge
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
#7
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#8
ἀσθενεστέρῳ
unto the weaker
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
#9
σκεύει
vessel
a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))
#10
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
γυναικείῳ
unto the wife
feminine
#12
ἀπονέμοντες
giving
to apportion, i.e., bestow
#13
τιμήν
honour
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
#14
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#15
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
συγκληρονόμοι
being heirs together
a co-heir, i.e., (by analogy) participant in common
#17
χάριτος
of the grace
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
#18
ζωῆς
of life
life (literally or figuratively)
#19
εἰς
that
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#20
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
μὴ
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#22
ἐκκόπτεσθαι
be
to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate
#23
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
προσευχὰς
prayers
prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
#25
ὑμῶν
your
of (from or concerning) you

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Peter. The concept of grace reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes charis in Greek or hen in Hebrew, emphasizing unmerited divine favor, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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