The Greek word aponémō, represented by G632, means to apportion, i.e. bestow:--give. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, making its single usage highly significant. The term conveys the deliberate act of assigning or bestowing something of value upon another.
The sole appearance of G632 is in the context of marital relationships in 1 Peter 3:7. The verse instructs husbands to dwell with their wives "according to knowledge," giving G632 honor to them. This act of bestowing honor is connected to recognizing the wife as a "weaker vessel" and, crucially, as being "heirs together of the grace of life." The instruction carries a serious weight, as failing to give this honor can result in one's prayers being hindered 1 Peter 3:7.
Several related words from its context illuminate the meaning of G632:
- G5092 timḗ (honour): This is what is being apportioned by the act of aponémō. It is defined as "a value... esteem... or the dignity itself," highlighting that what is given is of great worth 1 Peter 3:7.
- G1108 gnōsis (knowledge): This word, meaning "knowledge," sets the condition for the action. The bestowing of honor is not to be done thoughtlessly, but "according to knowledge" 1 Peter 3:7.
- G4789 synklēronómos (heirs together): Defined as "a co-heir," this term provides the foundational reason for giving honor. It establishes spiritual equality in receiving the "grace of life" 1 Peter 3:7.
- G1581 ekkóptō (hindered): This word, meaning "to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate," shows the severe consequence of failing to apportion honor, as it can cause prayers to be "cut off" or hindered 1 Peter 3:7.
The theological weight of G632 is focused on the practical application of spiritual principles in relationships.
- Bestowing Dignity: The primary function of the word is to command the active bestowing of honor G5092. This frames honor not as something passively felt but as something actively and deliberately given.
- Knowledge-Based Relationships: The command is qualified by the phrase "according to knowledge" G1108, linking righteous conduct to a proper understanding of God's design for relationships.
- Shared Inheritance: The act of giving honor is a direct response to the truth that both husband and wife are "heirs together" G4789 of salvation, referred to as "the grace of life" G5485.
- Relational and Spiritual Connection: The word's context establishes an unbreakable link between how a husband treats his wife and the state of his relationship with God, specifically how his prayers G4335 are received 1 Peter 3:7.
In summary, G632 provides a specific and potent instruction despite its single use. It moves beyond a general sense of "giving" to a more deliberate "apportioning" of honor. Its placement in 1 Peter 3:7 makes it a cornerstone for understanding the biblical model of marriage, where bestowing honor is a knowledge-based, spiritual act that reflects a shared inheritance in Christ and directly impacts one's communion with God.
TRV