1 Peter 3:7 – 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.
Key Words:
- husbands G3668 – gentlemen, men, sir, betrothed, used in the King James Concordance 212 times.
- in the same way G3668 – equally, so, in like manner
- live with, dwell, live together G4924 – to reside together
- your wives
- understanding, G1108 – knowledge, moral wisdom, right living, understanding way
- someone weaker G772 – helpless, without strength, more feeble, weak, infirm
- since she is a woman G1134 – female, wife
- show G632 – bestow, give, assign, portion out
- honor G5092 – deference, reverence, value, esteem, precious
- fellow heir G4789 – participant in common, joint heir, co-inheritor
- grace G5485 – kindness, blessing, gratitude, benefit, favor
- life G2222 – vitality, fulness of life, alive, living
- prayers G4335
What does this passage say? The passage in my own words: Gentlemen, in like manner, reside together with them using moral wisdom, as with one with less strength since she is a woman; and bestow value/esteem as a joint heir of the blessings of life, so that your prayers will not be impeded.
What does it mean? What is God telling me? How am I encouraged and strengthened? “According to knowledge” is certain a key phrase in this passage. How does a man, who loves his wife dearly, learn to express love in a way that she understands and relates to and appreciates. The answer: slowly, gently, using godly wisdom and understanding – it is something that is unique to her and has to be learned. No worries, she will tell you. Put God first and your wife second. Remember the context – 1 Peter 3:1-7. God is telling the husband to be cautious and a reminder of the consequences of failure – hindered prayer. Yes, our prayers can be hindered or impeded.
- men, type your personal questions here. Like, she is a mystery, Lord, how do I do this?
How does this apply to me? What will I do about it? When will I do it?
- Men need to be considerate, and treat his wife with honor. Study your Bible, pray, learn about her, find out what causes her stress. God is first and she is second. The consequences of dysfunction are serious. See the passage in Ephesians 5:25. We are to love our wives as Christ loved the church – a tall order.
- Resources: See the words of Shaunti Feldhahn – For men only and for women only, Emerson Eggerichs – Love and Respect. Bill and Pam Farrel – Men are like waffles and women are like spaghetti, Mark Gungor – Laugh your way to a better marriage. George Kenworthy – Marriage Makeover.
- Dig in men, there are plenty of resources available. Don’t forget to talk to her. And listen to what she’s saying.
Questions and ideas for further study and review:
What does the Bible say about .......... 