King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 3:7 Mean?

1 Peter 3:7 in the King James Version says “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, a... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

5

For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

6

Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. daughters: Gr. children

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.

8

Finally , be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: love as: or, loving to the

9

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding your wife as equal 'co-heir of grace' despite physical differences affect how you treat her?
  2. Why does mistreating your spouse 'hinder prayers,' and what does this reveal about relationship between human and divine relationships?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Οἱ1 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄνδρες2 of 25

ye husbands

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ὁμοίως3 of 25

Likewise

G3668

similarly

συνοικοῦντες4 of 25

dwell with

G4924

to reside together (as a family)

κατὰ5 of 25

them according to

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

γνῶσιν6 of 25

knowledge

G1108

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

ὡς7 of 25

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἀσθενεστέρῳ8 of 25

unto the weaker

G772

strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)

σκεύει9 of 25

vessel

G4632

a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))

τῷ10 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γυναικείῳ11 of 25

unto the wife

G1134

feminine

ἀπονέμοντες12 of 25

giving

G632

to apportion, i.e., bestow

τιμήν13 of 25

honour

G5092

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

ὡς14 of 25

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

καὶ15 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

συγκληρονόμοι16 of 25

being heirs together

G4789

a co-heir, i.e., (by analogy) participant in common

χάριτος17 of 25

of the grace

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

ζωῆς18 of 25

of life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

εἰς19 of 25

that

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ20 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὴ21 of 25

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐκκόπτεσθαι22 of 25

be

G1581

to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate

τὰς23 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προσευχὰς24 of 25

prayers

G4335

prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)

ὑμῶν25 of 25

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Peter. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Peter 3:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Peter 3:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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