1 Peter 3:7 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge,— Ye men that are married, behave prudently, in such a manner as becomes those, who have been instructed in that great system of wisdom and duty,—the gospel of Christ. Some render the next clause, Allotting an honourable subsistence to the wise. It is to be remembered, that many of the Christians were persons of low rank in life; which might make such a precept of maintaining their wives decently, and not subjecting them to harder labour than they could bear, (which they might be tempted to do from their indigent circumstances,) exceeding proper. The sense of the word τιμη, as signifying subsistence, or maintenance, is confirmed by 1 Timothy 5:17. That your prayers be not hindered, is generally understood to mean, "That your praying together be not prevented or interrupted." Now quarrels and contentions, or any thing which breaks in upon the tranquillity, peace, and harmony which ought to subsist in families, and especially between a man and his wife, would be very likely to interrupt their daily prayers, or greatly discompose and unfit them for their social and Christian worship of God. Dr. Heylin renders this verse, Likewise, ye husbands, cohabit with your wives according to discretion; paying them the respect that is due to the weaker sex, and considering them as heirs with you of the grace of life; that there may be no impediment to your prayers.