1 Peter 3:7

Likewise. The apostle now speaks of the duties of husbands. God expects no less of the Christian husband than He does of the Christian wife.

According to knowledge. That is, thoughtfully and considerately, fulfilling all the duties of marriage wisely and unselfishly. A Christian wife is to respect her husband as the head of the home, but the husband is not to take advantage of his prerogative. With knowledge born of divine love, the Christian husband will never take advantage of his wife, nor will he make unreasonable demands upon her (see on 1 Cor. 7:2–5).

Giving honour. That is, respect.

Weaker. That is, in comparison with men.

Vessel. Or, “instrument,” here meaning “person.”

Heirs together. Or “coheirs.” In God’s sight there is no inequality between men and women. Both are to share equally as “coheirs” of the eternal kingdom.

Grace of life. That is, the gift of eternal life, the product of God’s gracious kindness (see on John 3:16).

Prayers be not hindered. The husband who does not treat his wife with Christian respect need not expect God to answer his prayers (cf. Matt. 18:19). God cannot consistently bestow blessings on men who deal with their wives in an unreasonable, selfish, and tyrannical spirit. In a sense, the mistreated wife’s petitions to God cancel out her husband’s hypocritical prayers.