Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 1 Peter 3:7 - 3:7
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1Pe_3:7
7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
1Pe_3:7 "You husbands" This section to believing husbands is much shorter than that addressed to believing wives; however, it reflects a radically positive balance for Peter's day, much like Paul's (cf. Eph_5:21-31).
▣ "in an understanding way" This could refer to (1) the truths of Scripture (i.e., Gen_1:26-27; Gen_2:18-25; Gal_3:28) or (2) being mindful of women's unique physical structure (see note below).
▣ "weaker vessel" This means physically (cf. Job_4:19; Job_10:9; Job_33:6; 2Co_4:7), not spiritually or intellectually (cf. Gal_3:28). Some commentators relate it to social status. This same "vessel" may be used in 1Th_4:4 as a reference to one's wife (or an idiom of describing an eternal spirit within a physical body made from clay, cf. Gen_2:7; Gen_3:19).
▣ "show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life" This reflects the spiritual equality (i.e., co-heirs, cf. 1Pe_1:4-5) of men and women (cf. Gen_1:27; Gen_2:18; Gal_3:28). In some ways even now salvation removes the consequences of the Fall (cf. Gen_3:16) and restores the mutuality between men and women of Genesis 1-2.
▣ "so that your prayers will not be hindered" How believing couples treat one another affects their relationship with God (cf. 1Co_7:5).