Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
Likewise, х Homoios (G3664)] - 'in like manner.' as 'servants' (cf. the reason of the woman's subjection, 1 Corinthians 11:8-10; 1 Timothy 2:11-14).
Your own - enforcing the obligation: it is not strangers ye are required to be subject to. [Every time that obedience is enjoined upon wives to husband, idios (G2398), 'one's own peculiarly,' is used, while men's wives are designated only by heauton (G1438), 'of themselves.'] Feeling the need of leaning on one stronger, the wife (especially if joined to an unbeliever) might be tempted, though only spiritually, to enter into that relation with another in which she ought to stand to her own spouse (1 Corinthians 14:34-35). An attachment to the teacher might spring up, which, without being adultery, would still weaken in its spiritual basis the married relation (Steiger).
That (even), if - even if you have a husband that obeys not the word (i:e., an unbeliever).
Without the word - independently of hearing the word preached, the usual way of faith. But Bengel, 'without word' - i:e., without direct gospel discourse of the wives, 'they may ('Aleph (') A B C, SHALL, which marks the almost objective certainty of the result) be won' indirectly. 'Unspoken acting is more powerful than unperformed speaking' ((Ecumenius). 'A soul converted is gained to itself, to the pastor, wife, or husband, who sought it, and to Christ; added to His treasury who thought not His own precious blood too dear to lay out for this gain' (Leighton). 'The discreet wife would choose first of all to persuade her husband to share with her in the things which lead to blessedness; but if this be impossible, let her alone diligently press after virtue, in all things obeying him so as to do nothing against his will, except such things as are essential to salvation' (Clemens Alexandrinus).