Today we will talk about bible verses about submission. Many Christians do not know what this means. Submission is about putting ourselves in a place of trust and obedience, both to God and to others. It doesn’t mean giving up our value or worth; rather, it’s a way to show respect and love. As we dive into these verses, let’s open our hearts and minds, allowing God’s word to guide and inspire us. Submission is a constant journey of faith, and in understanding it, we grow closer to one another and to God.
Bible Verses About Submission
Submission to God
When we talk about submission, we often think about submitting to God first and foremost. It’s about recognizing His supreme authority in our lives. As we walk this path, we find that allowing God to lead us gives us peace and direction. By submitting to His will, we trust that He knows what’s best for us. God invites us into a relationship where we don’t have to control everything but can surrender our burdens and worries. In this space of submission, we can thrive, knowing that we’re following a plan that is far greater than our own.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6
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
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
Psalms 37:5
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this.” – Psalms 37:5
Submission in Marriage
Submission in marriage is often misunderstood. In a loving marriage, submission is about partnership and mutual respect. It’s believing in each other’s strengths and supporting one another. By being submissive, we show that we honor our spouse and work together to make decisions. This doesn’t mean one person has control over the other; instead, it fosters an environment of teamwork and love. When we approach our marriages with a spirit of submission, we create a safe space for both partners to thrive and grow in love.
Ephesians 5:22
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:22
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25
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
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.” – 1 Corinthians 11:3
Submission to Authority
Submitting to authority can be a challenging concept, especially in today’s world. However, the Bible reminds us of the importance of respecting those in positions of leadership. This submission isn’t about blind obedience but recognizing the responsibility leaders have and their role in our communities and lives. By honoring authority, we contribute to harmony and peace, demonstrating the love of Christ in how we engage with others. Each time we submit to authority, we reflect our trust in God’s plan and timing.
Romans 13:1
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” – Romans 13:1
Titus 3:1
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.” – Titus 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. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” – Hebrews 13:17
1 Peter 2:13
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority.” – 1 Peter 2:13
Matthew 22:21
“Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” – Matthew 22:21
Submission to One Another
Submission isn’t only about authority; it’s also about how we treat one another. We are called to submit to one another in love and humility. This spirit of submission helps nurture community and fellowship, allowing us to build one another up and support each other in our journeys. When we view submission in this light, it becomes an act of love, demonstrating that we care for the feelings and needs of others. By submitting to each other, we can create a family-like atmosphere where everyone feels valued and heard.
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
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Submission in the Workplace
Submission in the workplace takes on a unique role as we balance professionalism with our faith. It involves respecting and honoring our superiors while also valuing our coworkers. In submitting to authority at work, we foster a positive environment that encourages collaboration and partnership. This kind of submission reflects our commitment to working hard and doing our best, as if we are serving God directly. When we approach our jobs with a spirit of submission, we can be lights in our workplaces, bringing joy and positivity to those around us.
Colossians 3:22
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.” – Colossians 3:22
1 Timothy 6:1
“All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.” – 1 Timothy 6:1
Ephesians 6:5
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.” – Ephesians 6:5
Titus 2:9
“Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them.” – Titus 2:9
1 Peter 2:18
“Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.” – 1 Peter 2:18
Submission in the Body of Christ
Being a part of the body of Christ means submitting to one another in love and support. Each of us has a role to play in this beautiful network of believers. By submitting to the teachings of Christ and to each other, we are empowered to grow in faith together. Our unique gifts and talents combine as we support, encourage, and challenge one another in love. This submission fosters unity and harmony, allowing us to function effectively as a healthy body of believers.
1 Corinthians 12:27
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27
Ephesians 4:16
“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” – Ephesians 4:16
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
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 12:5
“So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” – Romans 12:5
Submission in Suffering
When life brings challenges and trials, our natural tendency may be to fight or to complain. However, the Bible invites us to submit even in our suffering. Submitting our pain to God allows us to see beyond our circumstances and trust in His greater plan. In these moments, through submission, we find grace and strength to persevere. We learn to rest in God’s love and understand that He walks with us every step of the way, providing comfort and hope. This submission in suffering deepens our faith and reliance on God.
James 1:2-4
“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 1:2-4
1 Peter 5:10
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10
Romans 5:3-4
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
Psalms 34:18
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalms 34:18
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
Submission Leads to Blessings
One of the beautiful aspects of submission is the blessings that can flow from it. When we submit to God and to one another, we position ourselves to receive His favor and grace. God’s word teaches us that submission brings joy, harmony, and peace. As we let go of our need to control and allow God to work in our lives, we open ourselves to His abundant blessings and love. This powerful act encourages us to trust in His timing and provisions as we walk in faith.
Proverbs 11:3
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” – Proverbs 11:3
Matthew 5:5
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” – Matthew 5:5
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38
Psalms 1:1-3
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.” – Psalms 1:1-3
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our journey through bible verses about submission, let’s reflect on the grace that comes with understanding this principle. Submission is not about losing power or autonomy; instead, it’s about embracing trust and love in our relationships with God and others. Whether it’s in our marriage, workplaces, or communities, every instance of humility leads us toward a deeper connection to one another and to God.
This journey helps us understand that submission is an act of faith. When we submit, we invite God to navigate our lives, paving the way for blessings and growth. I encourage us to embrace submission as a pathway to love, unity, and spiritual fulfillment. Let’s remember that, in our everyday actions, we can reflect the love of Christ through our willingness to submit.
May we walk daily in grace, joyfully submitting with open hearts and minds to God and to one another, allowing His will to be done in our lives.
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