Watchtower, May 15th 2006
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The Value of 'a Weaker Vessel'
'You husbands, continue dwelling (with you wives) according to knowledge' wrote the apostle Peter 'assigning them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one.' Does this Scriptural reference to a woman as a 'weaker vesses' belittle women in any way? Let us see what the inspired writer originally intended to convey.
The Greek noun rendered 'honor' means 'price, value....respect.' Thus a Christian husband is to treat his wife with tenderness showing her due consideration as a delicate, precious vessel. This is not demaning at all. As an example, consider the Tiffany lotus lamp. This exquisaitely fine lamp can indeed be considered delicate. Does the lamp's fragile nature diminish its value? Far from it! In 1997 the orignal Tiffany lotus lamp sold at an auction for 2.8 million dollars! Its delicate makeup served to enhance its value, not diminish it.
Likewise, assigning a woman honor as to a weaker vessel does not devalue or demean her. Dwelling with his wife 'according to knowledge' means that a husband takes into account her strengths and limitations, likes and dislikes, outlook and feelings. A caring husband recognizes and respects personality differences between him and his wife. He shows due consideration for her 'in order for his prayers not to be hindered.' A husband who fails to respect his wife's feminine virtues endangers his own relationship with God. Clearly, God's word does not belittle women. Rather, it dignifies and honors them.'
I found this offensive...exceptionally offensive. Women, apart from physical muscle strength are NOT in anyway weaker than men. And to compare us to a fragile glass lamp!!!