Husbands, in the same way, dwelling together with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the gracious gift of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
Truth to Learn
Though our wives are our equal, joint heirs of God, we husbands have a greater responsibility than they do in the marriage relationship.
Behind the Words
The word translated “understanding” is gnosis, which means “knowledge or understand.” We are to live with them in a knowing, or understanding, way.
“Honor” is translated from timē, meaning “value, esteem, or honor.” It refers to something that we consider of great worth.
The word “vessel” is from the Greek word skeuos, referring to “something which can be filled.” It is a reference to our very being, which can be filled with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 9:15, God refers to Saul (later called Paul) as a chosen vessel.
“Heirs together” is from sugklēronomos, meaning “those who inherit together.” We have an equal inheritance with our wives.
The word translated “hindered” is ekkoptō, which literally means “to cut out.” By application it refers to something that has been made ineffective or nonexistent.
Meaning Explained
Okay, men, this is where Peter drops the other shoe and it falls squarely on our toes. Earlier he started off this third chapter with “In the same way” as he talked to wives, and he now starts off with the same connective as he talks to husbands. He is not connecting this with what he said to wives; rather he is connecting this to his previous message on how to humbly live within society as a witness of God’s grace.
Peter tells us to dwell together with our wives knowingly, in an understanding way. We are to put effort into understanding their feelings and emotions and living in such a way as to take these things into account. Our responsibility in the marriage relationship is actually much greater than that of our wives. They are to voluntarily place themselves under our authority, but we are to be ever mindful of them. We are to give them special honor and we are to recognize that they are physically weaker, treating them as precious because of it. Also, the Apostle Paul says we are to love them:
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, (Ephesians 5:25)
This word for “love” is agapaō, the self-sacrificing, unconditional consideration for another, having more concern for their welfare than our own. If we don’t treat our wives with proper respect and loving care, Peter tells us that our prayers may become ineffective.
Christianity is the only major religion that places women in a position of equality with men with respect to the promises and blessings of God. We husbands are to model that to our wives, and to the world.
Application
Let me ask you men, does it sometimes feel like God is not listening to your prayers? Could it be the result of your not treating your wife with understanding and honor?
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved