Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Peter 3:7

"Ye husbands, in like manner, dwell with [your wives] according to knowledge, giving honor unto the woman, as unto the weaker vessel, as being also joint-heirs of the grace of life; to the end that your prayers be not hindered." — 1 Peter 3:7 (ASV)

Peter’s instructions for the Christian husband are brief, probably because the family normally followed the husband’s religious choice. Yet the husband too needed instruction concerning the care of his wife. “In the same way” does not refer back to subjection to the wife (v.1) but rather to the husband doing in the relationship of marriage everything possible to foster the spiritual life of the home. A harsh or unthinking Christian husband can be a hindrance to the family’s spiritual growth. The woman is called the “weaker partner” (lit., “vessel”; GK 5007); but this is not to be taken morally, spiritually, or intellectually. It simply means that the woman has less physical strength. The husband must recognize this difference and take it into account. “As you live with” probably refers to sexual intercourse in addition to the broader aspects of living together. The husband is to show his wife “respect” (lit., “honor”; GK 5507) and not despise her physical weakness.

Men are also to remember that women are coheirs of “the gracious gift of life.” The sexual function and sexual distinctions are only for this age. Women will have an equal share in the new age; and even now in the life of the new age, they experience the grace of God equally with men (cf. Galatians 3:28). Men must also remember that selfishness and egotism in the marriage relationship will mar their relationship with God.