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 3:7KJV
Know the Bible

1 Peter 3:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 3:7 mean?

1 Peter 3:7 tells husbands to live with their wives in an understanding way, showing them honor as partners in life, recognizing that both husband and wife share equally in God’s gift of life. The verse warns that failing to do so can hinder a husband’s prayers.

Peter is writing to Christian husbands, urging them to treat their wives thoughtfully and respectfully, not taking their relationship for granted. The verse uses the image of the wife as a “weaker vessel,” a phrase often understood as recognizing physical or social vulnerability in that culture, but it emphasizes that both husband and wife are “heirs together” of God’s grace, sharing equal spiritual value.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 3:7

  • γνώσις (gnōsis, “knowledge”): The phrase “according to knowledge” means husbands are to be considerate and aware, not acting out of ignorance or selfishness. This stresses thoughtful, informed care in the marriage relationship.
  • τιμή (timē, “honour”): The word for “honor” carries the sense of giving real value and respect, not just polite treatment. Husbands are called to actively esteem their wives.
  • ἀσθενέστερος (asthenesteros, “weaker”): “Weaker vessel” is often understood as referring to physical strength or social standing, but the Greek word does not imply lesser worth. The focus is on care and protection, not superiority.
  • συγκληρονόμος (synklēronomos, “heirs together”): This word highlights that wives and husbands are equal recipients of God’s grace, countering any idea of spiritual inequality.

Why 1 Peter 3:7 matters

  • The verse corrects the idea that spiritual privilege or value is different for men and women; both are described as equal “heirs together” of God’s grace.
  • Peter links the way a husband treats his wife to his own spiritual life, showing that neglect or disrespect in marriage can affect one’s relationship with God.
  • The verse fits into a larger section where Peter addresses how Christians should live out their faith in everyday relationships, showing that faith is practical and relational, not just private or spiritual.

Where else these words appear

“together” Greek G4789 · used in 4 verses

  • Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
  • Ephesians 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
  • Hebrews 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

“be” Greek G1581 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Matthew 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
  • Luke 13:9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

“vessel” Greek G4632 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
  • Acts 10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
  • 2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

“weaker” Greek G772 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
  • Acts 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;