The weaker vessel

It´s no secret that women in general is physically weaker than men, nor is it a surprise that women often is in a more vulnerable and depending position in marriage than the husband, for instance she is the one carrying children, gives birth and are bound to nurturing the child in it´s first year.

It is partially part of Gods design that wives are in a more vulnerable position but it is not Gods plan that women should suffer in the marital institution, in his first epistle the apostle Peter adress husbands and the way theys hould live with their wives.

ESV 1Peter 3:7 "likewise husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, Showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered"

Let´s break it down a little, I believe that the apostle here is pointing both back to creation and Gods original design of male and female as vessels carrying His image, as well as he is pointing to the glory of the gospel and the grace of Christ which both husbands and wives are equal heirs to.

The husband is so to live with his wife that he cover her weakness by building her up in the word imitating Christ

(Ephesians 5:22-33) and not use her weakness to oppress or demean her.

There is both a warning and a promise in the last words of the verse, because a Spirit of strife and unkind words hinders the return of prayers, but a spirit of unity and love release blessings on the marriage and the family.

Mike Petersen

Lord let husbands grow in understanding to live with their wives in your image and the example given in your Son Christ Jesus, let wives walk in the confidence and authority they share as heirs to your grace with their husbands, that your name be glorified.