1 Peter 3:7
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.
Original Language Analysis
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
them according to
G2596
κατὰ
them according to
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
5 of 25
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
γνῶσιν
knowledge
G1108
γνῶσιν
knowledge
Strong's:
G1108
Word #:
6 of 25
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
7 of 25
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἀσθενεστέρῳ
unto the weaker
G772
ἀσθενεστέρῳ
unto the weaker
Strong's:
G772
Word #:
8 of 25
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
σκεύει
vessel
G4632
σκεύει
vessel
Strong's:
G4632
Word #:
9 of 25
a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τιμήν
honour
G5092
τιμήν
honour
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
13 of 25
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
14 of 25
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συγκληρονόμοι
being heirs together
G4789
συγκληρονόμοι
being heirs together
Strong's:
G4789
Word #:
16 of 25
a co-heir, i.e., (by analogy) participant in common
χάριτος
of the grace
G5485
χάριτος
of the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
17 of 25
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
εἰς
that
G1519
εἰς
that
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
21 of 25
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 3:19Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.Ephesians 5:33Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.1 Corinthians 7:3Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.Matthew 18:19Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.1 Thessalonians 4:4That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
Historical Context
In patriarchal Roman culture, wives often received little respect. Peter demands husbands honor wives as equal spiritual heirs despite physical differences. This was radically counter-cultural. The 'weaker vessel' terminology shouldn't suggest inferiority but physical differences requiring considerate treatment. Peter's warning that mistreating wives hinders prayers shows God cares how husbands treat wives—domestic conduct affects spiritual life. Early church elevated women's dignity in cultures that often devalued them. This teaching laid groundwork for Christian egalitarianism (spiritual equality) while maintaining complementarian roles.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding your wife as equal 'co-heir of grace' despite physical differences affect how you treat her?
- Why does mistreating your spouse 'hinder prayers,' and what does this reveal about relationship between human and divine relationships?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter addresses Christian husbands. "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge" (hoi andres homoiōs synoikountes kata gnōsin)—live with wives according to understanding, wisdom, insight. The description of wife: "giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel" (hōs asthenesterō skeuei tō gynaikeiō aponemontes timēn). "Weaker vessel" likely refers to physical strength, not moral or spiritual inferiority. "Giving honour" requires special consideration, protection, respect. The theological basis: "as being heirs together of the grace of life" (hōs kai synklēronomoi charitos zōēs)—wives are equal co-heirs with husbands of eternal life. The consequence: "that your prayers be not hindered" (eis to mē enk optesthai tas proseuchas hymōn)—mistreating wives damages prayer life, indicating broken relationship with God.