In today’s world, the idea of a "submissive wife" can sound outdated or misunderstood. But in the Bible, submission is not about weakness. It's about love, respect, and working together in unity under God's design for marriage. Let's look at what Scripture says about the role of a wife, and how submission can be a blessing, not a burden.
God's Design for Marriage
Genesis 2:18 (KJV)
“And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”
Genesis 1:27 (KJV)
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
The woman was created to be a helper—not a servant, but a partner. Her role complements her husband’s. This design brings balance to the marriage.
What Does Submission Mean in the Bible?
Biblical submission is voluntary. It is not about control or silence. It is an attitude of humility and trust in God’s order.
Ephesians 5:22-24 (KJV)
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.”
Ephesians 5:25 (KJV)
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”
1 Corinthians 11:3 (KJV)
“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.”
When a husband loves his wife as Christ loved the church—selflessly and with deep care—it becomes easier for the wife to respect and trust his leadership.
Submission Is About Respect, Not Inferiority
Galatians 3:28 (KJV)
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
1 Peter 3:7 (KJV)
“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”
Women are equal in worth and value. Submission is not about worth; it’s about structure in the home. It's about harmony and God's order.
Submission in Action: Real Life Examples
Proverbs 31:10-12 (KJV)
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”
Proverbs 14:1 (KJV)
“Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.”
Titus 2:4-5 (KJV)
“That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
How Submission Glorifies God
Colossians 3:18 (KJV)
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.”
Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
When done in love and faith, submission brings peace and shows the world the beauty of God’s order.
List: What Submission Looks Like in a Godly Marriage
- Voluntarily respecting your husband’s leadership
- Speaking truth with grace and kindness
- Trusting God’s order more than your own opinion
- Praying for your husband and family daily
- Serving your family with joy
- Encouraging your husband in his spiritual walk
- Handling disagreements with humility
- Supporting decisions once they’re made—even if you disagree
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (KJV)
“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”
Philippians 2:3 (KJV)
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
What Submission Is NOT
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| Submission means silence | Godly wives speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) |
| Submission means abuse is okay | Abuse is never supported in Scripture (Psalm 11:5; Malachi 2:16) |
| Submission means weakness | Submission takes strength and trust in God (Joshua 1:9) |
| Submission is for women only | All believers submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21) |
Final Thoughts
1 Peter 3:1-2 (KJV)
“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.”
Psalm 128:1-3 (KJV)
“Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways… Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house, thy children like olive plants round about thy table.”
When a wife lives out this call, she brings honor to God and builds a firm foundation for her family.
