Biblical Answer

Mutual submission is a concept that is often misunderstood in the context of marriage. Some people object to the idea of submission in marriage, comparing it to submission in slavery, and both being wrong. However, this objection is based on a misconception of what submission means in the context of marriage. Submission in marriage is not about one person being superior to the other, but about both partners submitting to each other in love and humility.

The Bible teaches that submission in marriage is a response to God's authority and a demonstration of love for Him. In Ephesians 5:21, Paul writes, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." This is not a command to be subject to everyone, but rather a call to be subject to one another in love and humility. The idea of mutual submission is not about everyone being subject to everyone, but about each person submitting to their partner in a loving and caring way. This is seen in the way that children are called to honor both parents in the Ten Commandments.

In the context of marriage, submission means voluntarily yielding in love. It is not about one person being forced to submit, but about both partners choosing to submit to each other. This is a response to an exhortation to be submissive, not a command to be submissive. The phrase "mutual submission" is often used in a different sense than what is taught in Ephesians 5:21. In other verses, the Bible teaches believers to submit to one another, using words other than hypotasso. However, in Ephesians 5:21, the emphasis is on the voluntary yielding of one partner to another in love and humility. This is a demonstration of the love and humility that is expected of believers, and is a key aspect of a healthy and fulfilling marriage.