1 Peter 3:7 (NKJV)
7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers MAY NOT BE HINDERED.
In this text, Peter discusses good and cordial relationships between husband and wife. The husband is addressed in vs. 7; he is to dwell with his wife in honour and understanding and Peter gives a reason for this; “that your prayers MAY NOT BE HINDERED.”
This has been interpreted to mean that God would deny the husband’s prayers if he doesn’t live in peace with his wife but this interpretation is contrary to the nature of God. He gives liberally and doesn’t reproach or find fault (James 1:5), He gives good gifts in accordance with His good, unchanging nature (James 1:17, Luke 11:9-13). So what exactly is Peter referring to? First note that the word “your” (in 1 Peter 3:7) is in the plural in the Greek. This means that “your” refers to both husband and wife. So, husband are to live peacefully with their wives so that BOTH the prayers of the husband and the wife will not be hindered.
Now, what does “hindered” mean? It translates the Greek word “egkoptó” which means to prevent, cut into or hinder. Simply put, husbands and their wives cannot pray together if they are fighting all the time! So, Peter advises they live peacefully so they can continue the act of praying together (their prayer times are not hindered by malice and outbursts of anger).
© Josh Banks Ministries. 2021.
