Biblical Answer

Submission in Marriage: A Biblical Perspective

The concept of submission in marriage is a topic of much debate and misunderstanding. However, in the context of Ephesians 5, submission is not about domination or oppression, but rather about a voluntary and loving response to God's authority and the authority of one's husband. The passage begins with the command to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Eph. 5:21 NIV), which implies mutual submission and respect for each other. This is reinforced by the comparison of the husband to Christ and the wife to the church, with the husband loving his wife as Christ loves the church (Eph. 5:25-30).

The Nature of Submission

The Bible teaches that wives are to submit to their husbands, as is fitting in the Lord (Eph. 5:22 NIV). This submission is not a forced or passive obedience, but rather a voluntary and loving response to God's authority and the authority of one's husband. The word used for submission in Ephesians 5:22 is a more absolute command than the word used in Ephesians 5:18, where wives are told to submit to their husbands. This suggests a deeper level of commitment and responsibility on the part of the wife. The passage also emphasizes the importance of mutual submission, with husbands loving their wives as Christ loves the church (Eph. 5:25-30).

The Practice of Submission

In practice, submission in marriage means that wives are to demonstrate a winsome obedience to God in marriage, which will win their husbands to obey God in all areas of life (1 Peter 3:1-6). Husbands are to live considerately with their wives, respecting their thoughts and feelings, and communicating openly and honestly with them. The goal of submission is not to create a power imbalance, but rather to create a harmonious and loving relationship, with both partners seeking to please God and honor each other. By submitting to one another, couples can create a beautiful and loving home, where both partners are valued and respected.