Today we will talk about bible verses about submission in marriage. Many Christians do not know what this means. Submission in marriage is often misunderstood, but it is truly a beautiful act woven into the fabric of a healthy, loving partnership. It’s not about control or inferiority; instead, it is about mutual respect, love, and support. Throughout the Bible, we are given wisdom on how to nurture our relationships with understanding and kindness. Let’s meditate on these scriptures together and explore how they encourage us to embrace the concept of submission in a way that honors God and our partner.
Bible Verses About Submission in Marriage
Understanding Biblical Submission
Understanding biblical submission is crucial for a successful marriage. Submission does not imply that one partner has more power over the other; rather, it defines how we relate to one another as equals. In the Bible, we find that submission is not a sign of weakness but an expression of trust and love. When we submit to one another in Christ, we cultivate a deep sense of unity in our marriage. It encourages us to put our spouse’s needs before our own while simultaneously fostering respect and admiration. By grounding our relationships in Scripture, we reveal the heart of God for our marriages and learn to cherish each other more deeply. Through these verses, we will discover how submission enhances our affection for one another and affirms God’s plan for our lives together.
Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” – Ephesians 5:21
Colossians 3:18
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” – Colossians 3:18
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.” – 1 Peter 3:1
Hebrews 13:17
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.” – Hebrews 13:17
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
The Role of Love in Submission
In our exploration of submission in marriage, we cannot overlook the role of love. Every act of submission should be drenched in love, reflecting the bond we share with our spouse. Love is more than a feeling; it’s an active choice we make daily. When we read about submission in marriage in the Bible, it is always paired with love—signifying that we should not just submit but do so lovingly and willingly. This type of love encourages us to be patient, kind, and understanding. As we embrace love in our submission, we create an environment of peace and support, making the marriage flourish. These verses demonstrate the harmony that love and submission bring to our lives.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“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.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
Mutual Submission
Submission in marriage isn’t a one-sided affair; it is characterized by mutual submission. The beauty of this idea lies in its call for both partners to sometimes put the other’s preferences and desires before their own. Mutual submission cultivates a spirit of teamwork and partnership, where decisions are made together, and both voices are heard. This balance creates a strong foundation for mutual respect and understanding in the relationship. The biblical framework encourages us to honor one another, making space for each partner to lead in their strengths while supporting one another wholeheartedly. Let’s dive into these verses that illuminate the concept of mutual submission.
Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” – Ephesians 5:21
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Submission During Trials
Every marriage will face trials, and during these challenging times, submission can play a transformative role. It’s easy to submit and respect our partner when life is smooth-sailing. However, when the waves of frustration and stress hit, it can be much more challenging. In those moments, we have an incredible opportunity to lean into submission as an act of faith. By holding onto submission amid trials, we demonstrate trust in God and in our partner. It allows us to work through conflicts without losing sight of our love for one another. These verses remind us to maintain our bond and commitment even when the storm clouds gather.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Jame 1:2-3
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
God’s Design for Marriage
God’s design for marriage includes submission as a fundamental element. The Scriptures reveal that God intended marriage to be a sacred union, where both partners commit to love, honor, and submit to each other. This divine design helps us to understand the purpose behind our roles within a marriage. When we embrace God’s plan, we can experience the fullness of what He envisioned for our relationships. Submitting to one another not only showcases our commitment to each other but also honors God’s intentions for us. These verses reflect the beauty and sanctity of marriage as designed by God.
Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24
Ephesians 5:31
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” – Ephesians 5:31
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” – Proverbs 18:22
Malachi 2:14
“You ask, ‘Why?’ It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.” – Malachi 2:14
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“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.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Submission and Trust
Trust is an essential component of submission in marriage. When we talk about submitting to one another, we must recognize that trust must underpin every act of submission. Without trust, it becomes difficult to place our confidence in our partner. Submission is about willingly relinquishing some control and trusting that our partner has our best interests at heart. As we build trust in our relationships, we create a safe space to engage with one another honestly and openly. These verses emphasize the significance of trust and how it can deepen our commitment to each other.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.” – Psalm 37:5
Proverbs 11:3
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” – Proverbs 11:3
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Psalm 125:1
“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.” – Psalm 125:1
Encouragement and Support in Submission
Submission in marriage isn’t just a one-way street; it’s about encouragement and mutual support. Being there for one another when times are tough is what real love looks like. Supporting each other’s dreams and aspirations is an essential aspect of submission. It’s vital to lift each other up and celebrate one another’s achievements, big or small. When one partner shines, the whole marriage radiates joy. This encouragement fortifies our relationship and shows how submission can be a source of strength rather than weakness. Let’s reflect on these verses to see how God calls us to support one another in our marriage.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Submission in Leadership
In marriage, submission plays a distinct role in leadership. We often think of leadership in terms of authority; however, in a loving marriage, leadership is accompanied by humility, service, and respect. Both partners have their strengths and can lead in different areas while being called to support one another in love. Submission allows us to trust our partner’s leadership while holding them accountable and encouraging them to lead in a way that fosters unity and compassion. These scriptures point out how effective leadership combined with submission can create a thriving marriage.
Ephesians 5:23
“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.” – Ephesians 5:23
1 Timothy 3:2
“Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.” – 1 Timothy 3:2
Proverbs 16:32
“Better a patient person than a warrior, those with self-control than those who take a city.” – Proverbs 16:32
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
Matthew 20:26-28
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.” – Matthew 20:26-28
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our journey through these verses on submission in marriage, let’s remember the depth and beauty this concept holds. It is not a declaration of inferiority but, rather, an invitation to love, trust, and uplift one another. Embracing submission fosters strong marriages filled with mutual respect and understanding. Each verse we explored speaks volumes about how we can intricately weave submission into our day-to-day lives, ultimately leading to stronger, more fulfilling relationships. Together, we are encouraged to embrace one another’s strengths and weaknesses, creating a partnership that mirrors God’s love and intention for us. Let’s continue to seek guidance from Scripture as we navigate our paths together with humility, grace, and, above all, love.
As we practice submitting to one another in our marriages, we can lean on the wisdom of these scriptures and the support of our faith community. Marriage is a gift from God, and in surrendering our hearts to each other and to Him, we pave the way for a profound journey of love and commitment. May we always remember the joy that comes from serving and submitting to our spouses, reflecting the example Christ set for us.
Let’s carry these lessons in our hearts and continually strive to embody the essence of submission in a way that enhances our marriages and glorifies God.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4