1 Peter 3:7

4. Toward Wives 3:7

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.

Expanded Translation

In the same conscientious manner, you husbands must dwell with your wives in accordance with knowledge (governed by intelligence and wisdom), treating her as one of honor and value, as the weaker vessel, as being those who are joint-heirs of (physical) life; in order that your prayers be not rendered ineffectual.

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Ye husbands, in like manner,

Just as wives are exhorted to be in subjection to their own husbands, so husbands also must do what is right and proper toward their wives. Peter certainly does not mean here that a husband is to be in subjection to his wife, just as she is to be in subjection to him. This would be a gross contradiction. The idea is, that he must be just as considerate and careful to maintain his God-given relationship to his wife, as she is in maintaining her rightful relationship to him.
His conduct in this relationship is to be considered a part of his Christianity. This, I believe, is the common denominator of the term in like manner as it occurs here and in 1 Peter 3:1, There was something about the slave's relationship to his master that the Christian wife was to do in like manner toward her husband. And there was something about the wife's conduct (and perhaps the slave'S) that a husband was to do in like manner. In each instance, the Christian being exhorted is told to act in a manner befitting a true child of God in the particular relationship discussed.

according to knowledge

Gnosis, here meaning intelligence, understanding, etc. He must strive to know and understand those matters, principles, and facts which will encourage, help, and edify his wife. He must be a considerate and thoughtful husband. He ought to know her physical, spiritual and emotional needs and how to fulfill them. How many marriages go on the rocks because of ignorance!

giving honor unto the woman

See under 1 Peter 1:7 where the word honor (time) is defined.

as unto the weaker vessel

The word vessel, skeuos, means literally a vessel, bowl, pottery, etc. The weaker the vessels, the greater must be the care lest they be broken. If one has a vase that is thin and fragile, he takes more care and caution with it than with the heavier, more sturdy container. Using Bible language, he honors it. The wife here is pictured as a vase or vessel that will not stand harsh or careless treatment.

as being joint-heirs of the grace of life

It is difficult to know precisely what is meant by this phrase. Evidently the Apostle wants to emphasize that both the husband and wife are heirs of this grace. But to what life is he referring? Some would refer it to God's precious gift of everlasting life. Others, to the life which now isthe Christian life. But it is not stated in this passage that both husband and wife are Christians. (The your prayers, may refer only to the prayers of husbands, rather than to the prayers of both mates.) It seems more probable that the reference here is to the gift of human life. God has seen fit to bring both into the world and sustain them up to the present hour. For this, they should both be thankful. The husband, particularly, should recognize the fact that God saw fit to bless his wife with this life just as much as himself.

that your prayers be not hindered

Ekkopto (ek, from, off, and kopto, to cut) to cut out; to cut off, metaphorically, to cut off occasion, remove, prevent, render ineffectual.

Sin in the heart and life is devastating to effectual prayer! Particularly is this so when squabbles, fights, hatreds, and animosities are present in the home. In the first place, the very desire to pray will probably be lost. How many husbands and wives who are continually at odds with one another, encourage one another to pray? How many times do you see such couples praying together at all? Even if such mates should pray, their sinful home life would clog up God's channel of blessing. Behold, Jehovah's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, so that He will not hear (Isaiah 59:1-2).

No, friend, you cannot be acting wrongly toward your mate, and be right with God!