Right from the onset, the Bible gives clear descriptions and instructions concerning the male and female genders. These are well spread out in the Bible. However, towards the end of the New Testament, one of Jesus’ apostles refers to women as weaker vessels (1 Peter 3:7). What? Did Peter live in a different time from when women would carry pregnancies for nine months, followed by labour? Did he not live in a time when women worked in and managed their homes, cooked, cleaned, and ironed? So what does Peter mean by calling women weaker vessels? Could he mean that they are more vulnerable physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally?
Are women more vulnerable physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally?
These are some of the questions that I seriously grappled with. And I suspect I’m not alone. I remember bumping into a video on social media showing how men and women live with the flu differently. The video portrayed the woman working around the home as she battled with her flu, while the man stayed covered in bed. I found the video very funny, realising that it was, of course, meant for entertainment purposes. Nevertheless, it all the more stirred my battle with 1 Peter 3:7. Therefore, I resorted to searching through the scriptures for a better understanding. This article is some of the fruits, as I seek to offer a biblical lens for the statement that women are weaker vessels.
As Always, Context is Key
Even before we answer the question of what Peter does or doesn’t mean, we must be attentive to the context of his words. Context is crucial. It keeps us from misinterpretation, faulty theology, and confusion. Meaning is derived not only from a single verse but also from the passage surrounding it. Each verse connects to those before and after it, thus connecting the whole passage.
Context keeps us from misinterpretation, faulty theology, and confusion.
As we read 1 Peter 3:7 it’s easy to think that he’s propping up the old patriarchal system, where women are seen as less valuable than men. But a look at the context shows that he is giving a command to husbands, to live in understanding with their wives as “weaker vessels.” Why? For two reasons:
- They are heirs with them of the grace of life (similarly Galatians 3:28).
- So that their prayers may not be hindered.
But this verse in some ways concludes a much larger passage, that goes all the way back to 1 Peter 2:11. For Peter calls all Christians to live in a God-honouring manner amongst non-believers so that they may see their good deeds and glorify God (1 Peter 2:11-12). He then calls them to do so by submitting to authority (1 Peter 2:13-17), such as servants being subject to their masters (1 Peter 2:18-25). Now, in this passage, he very likely instructs wives to honour their non-believing husbands (1 Peter 3:1-6), while he exhorts husbands to honour their wives as weaker vessels (1 Peter 3:7).
What “Weaker Vessels” Doesn’t Mean
If God is the one who created both men and women (Genesis 1:27), and the Bible contains the very words of God (2 Timothy 3:16), why would he refer to women as weaker vessels? This should assure us that Peter is not commenting negatively or ignorantly about women’s abilities. From his tone and the larger message, we can infer that he isn’t implying that women are less of God’s creation or image than men. Nor does he mean that women have less significance in God’s eyes. We should also not assume that women are inferior spiritually, mentally, character-wise or in any way that would be contrary to the heart of Jesus and what he thinks of women.
Equal but Different by Design
From Genesis 1, it is clear that God does not demean women in contrast to men. He created them equally in his own image (Genesis 1:27). Men and women, therefore, are equal in value and dignity in God’s eyes. A few examples in the Bible let us in on God’s heart for women. For instance, during the time of Christ, rabbis would usually just choose men as disciples. But Jesus had both men and women among his disciples (Matthew 12:48-49). These men would sit at their rabbi’s feet to learn from them. Yet Jesus affirms women when he allows Mary to sit at his feet and tells Martha that Mary has chosen the good portion (Luke 10:38-42). Paul in Galatians also highlights that every man and woman has the same identity in Christ (Galatians 3:28).
Tackling only the equality of men and women leaves us with half the truth.
However, tackling just the equality of men and women is leaving us with half the truth. Although we were both created by God, in his image, we have different abilities, physical strengths, and roles. Our differences are God’s beautiful design. They aren’t a disadvantage in the body of Christ. In fact, Elizabeth Elliot says, “Our inequalities are…essential to the image of God.” Difference doesn’t indicate a discrepancy in worth or value. Rather, it is God’s design for his church, marriage, and society at large.
Women, Embrace Being the Weaker Vessels
The word “vessel” is used throughout the New Testament to refer to our physical bodies. Thus 1 Peter 3:7 points out that women have less physical strength than men. This does not mean that women are not strong physically—note: he doesn’t call women weak, he says that they are weaker. As I’ve already said, this difference is not a disadvantage in the body of Christ. It is part of God’s beautiful design.
In light of this truth, men are to take special care of their female counterparts in circumstances where physical strength is involved. And this should not be done begrudgingly. For it is a command from the one who searches hearts. Therefore, men need to understand their position in God’s design and partake joyfully in their role. Consequently, we read, this will mean that their prayers are unhindered. A definite win.
Let us look to Christ and rejoice in the glory of feminine strength defined and found in him.
Ladies, we have access to everything we need in Christ. We must never forget who we are in Christ as women, so that we do not fall prey to the lies of this age. We are equal yet different from men. There is, therefore, absolutely no reason why we should compare ourselves with men. Our roles are defined, and it is up to us to seek and live out our God-given purpose. While at this, let us look to Christ and rejoice in the glory of feminine strength defined and found in him.
