The leading verb in the passage beginning at 1 Peter 2:11 is “be subject…to every human institution” (1 Peter 2:13), a command valid for every one of Peter’s readers (across the ages). In 1 Peter 2:18–25 and 1 Peter 3:1–6 Peter provided two applications of such submission, in relation to unjust masters and then to unbelieving husbands. The need to “be subject” spills over into the present instruction to “husbands” (note the word “likewise”), yet Peter does not repeat that same command but uses instead the command to “live with.” The reason for this variation is that Peter takes seriously God’s creation ordinance wherein he gave to the man the role of leadership (Genesis 2:15) and to the woman the task to be his helper (Genesis 2:18). Those different roles require different verbs.
7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.