Cheryl Schatz

Craig,
Thanks for your questions.

Under question #1:

The Greek term asthenes can refer to weak or powerless. The grammar is “comparative” which doesn’t mean that this is her essence, but in comparison to his power in society, she is seen as powerless. The term skeuos can refer to vessel or instrument as in a material object used to meet some need in an occupation or other responsibility (BDAG) Which is the best way to view these terms?

We have several clues that will help us unravel Peter’s meaning. First of all husbands are to dwell with their wives with understanding. This is the Greek term gnosis which means knowledge – the comprehension or intellectual grasp of something. What is this knowledge to bring to the woman? Peter said that it is to give honor to the wives. While women typically have been in a weak position in society, God has said from the beginning even before her creation that man needs her. If the husband dwells with his wife with the knowledge of her place of importance, then he too will give her honor just as the woman gives her husband respect.

Another clue that Peter gives is term “likewise” in verse 7. Just as Sarah honored her husband and was submissive to him, giving him respect and honor, so the husband is to honor the wife, treating her with the honor that goes with being the one who was designed to meet the “not good” need of the man. Honor is the manifestation of esteem, honor, reverence and respect (BDAG).

Peter then writes that she is a co-heir (heir together) with the man of spiritual and eternal life. Peter gives a highly important incentive which is given uniquely regarding the woman. He writes that the man must give this kind of reverence, respect and honor towards the woman so that his prayers are not hindered. The Greek term enkopto means to thwart, hinder, impede, delay, detain, to make progress slow or difficult. The term for prayer can mean prayer, request, approach to God.

I think that with all of this together, one should be able to understand that the woman is in a disadvantaged place in society but she is needed in the body and it is so much of God’s will that she be given an equal place of honor as a co-heir of God’s grace that if she is not treated with this kind of respect and honor, God will hold back the man in his spiritual life.

I believe that when men recognize the importance of their sisters in Christ in the body as equal heirs of God’s grace, God’s message and God’s gifts, God will bind us together in love and the church will go forth in power rather than being stifled and held back.

Paul sums up the respect of the wife to the husband and the respect and honor of the husband to the wife by saying:

1 Peter 3:8–9 (NASB95)
8. To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;
9. not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.

The end result of giving out honor to one another will be for our own good. We will inherit a blessing when we consider one another and deal with each other in a humble and kindhearted way.