You husbands, in like manner, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.
weaker vessel -- The phrase likely refers to physical build and strength [and perhaps her social status in that ancient world]. Such a contrast was obvious in a labor-intensive culture. The context does not suggest any spiritual, intellectual, or moral inferiority since both males and females were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). - FSB