In the Bible, Ephesians 5:22-24 states **
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.”
** This verse speaks to the importance of wives submitting to their husbands as a way of honoring God’s design for marriage.
Another relevant verse can be found in Colossians 3:18-19 which states **
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
** This verse emphasizes the mutual respect and love that should exist between a husband and wife, with wives submitting to their husbands in a spirit of love and respect, and husbands reciprocating with love and kindness. The Bible Verse About Wife Submit To Husband highlights the importance of mutual submission within a marriage, with each partner fulfilling their respective roles with love and respect.
Understanding the Meaning of Submission in Marriage
Submission in marriage is a topic that can sometimes be misunderstood or viewed negatively. However, as Christians, it is essential to understand what submission truly means and how it relates to marriage. Let’s explore this concept through the lens of various Bible verses that shed light on the meaning of submission in marriage.
1. Ephesians 5:22-24
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.”
2. Colossians 3:18-19
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
3. 1 Peter 3:1
“Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.”
4. 1 Corinthians 11:3
“But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”
5. Titus 2:4-5
“…and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”
6. Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
7. Proverbs 31:10-12
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.”
8. 1 Timothy 2:11-12
“Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.”
9. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”
10. Romans 13:1
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
11. Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
12. 1 Corinthians 7:4
“For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.”
13. Hebrews 13:17
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
14. James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
15. 1 Peter 5:5-7
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty Hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
Submission in marriage is ultimately about mutual respect, love, and humility. It does not mean that one person is superior to the other, but rather that both partners should honor and support each other in their roles within the marriage. By understanding the biblical principles of submission and applying them in a loving and respectful way, a marriage can thrive and reflect the relationship between Christ and the church.
Practical Ways to Apply the Biblical Principle of Submission in Marriage
1. Ephesians 5:22-24
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
2. 1 Peter 3:1-2
Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.
3. Colossians 3:18
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
4. Proverbs 31:10-12
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
5. Ephesians 5:25-28
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
6. 1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
7. Ephesians 5:33
However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
8. Genesis 2:24
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
9. 1 Corinthians 11:3
But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
10. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
11. Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
12. Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
13. 1 John 4:7-8
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
14. Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
15. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep Warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
By applying these biblical principles in marriage, couples can build a strong foundation of mutual love, respect, and submission to one another, ultimately strengthening their relationship and honoring God in the process.
In conclusion, the concept of a wife submitting to her husband as outlined in the Bible is a topic that can elicit a wide range of reactions and interpretations. While some may view it as outdated or oppressive, others see it as a call to mutual respect, love, and partnership within a marriage. Ultimately, how one understands and applies this verse is deeply personal and influenced by individual beliefs and values. As with all passages in the Bible, it is important to approach these teachings with an open mind and a heart full of love.