The Bible teaches the importance of submitting to authority as a reflection of our submission to God. Authority structures are part of God’s design for order in society, the family, the church, and government. Submitting to authority doesn’t mean blind obedience, but it demonstrates humility and respect for the roles God has established. These 30 Bible verses explore the call to submit to various forms of authority, whether civil, spiritual, or familial, and reflect on how submission to human authorities relates to our obedience to God. Each verse is followed by a reflection to help us understand the biblical perspective on submission.
Bible Verses About Submitting To Authority
1. 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.”
Paul makes it clear that all authority is ultimately from God, and thus, submitting to earthly authorities is an act of obedience to Him. This verse encourages believers to respect governmental leaders, recognizing that God is in control. It reminds us that submission to authority is part of living a godly life in accordance with God’s plan.
2. 1 Peter 2:13-14
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.”
Peter emphasizes that submission to authority is for the Lord’s sake. This verse reminds us that when we submit to government leaders and laws, we are demonstrating our obedience to God. It encourages believers to honor the laws of the land and trust that God uses authority to maintain justice and order.
3. 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.”
This verse refers to submission to spiritual leaders within the church. It reminds believers that pastors and church leaders are responsible for their spiritual care, and submitting to their authority makes their work easier. It encourages a spirit of cooperation and trust in leadership, knowing that their guidance is for the benefit of the congregation.
4. Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Paul calls for mutual submission among believers. This verse teaches that submission is not just about authority structures but also about humility and love for one another. It encourages us to practice selflessness and to honor others, reflecting Christ’s example of humility and service.
5. Colossians 3:18
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.”
Paul instructs wives to submit to their husbands, aligning with the biblical structure of family. This verse reminds us that submission in marriage is about respecting God’s design for leadership within the home. It encourages wives to support their husbands’ leadership while also trusting in the Lord’s guidance for the family.
6. Ephesians 6:1
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
Paul commands children to obey their parents as an act of submission. This verse reminds us that parental authority is God-given and should be respected. It encourages children to honor and obey their parents, understanding that this pleases God and reflects His order for the family.
7. Titus 3:1
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.”
Paul instructs Titus to remind believers of their responsibility to obey rulers and authorities. This verse emphasizes the importance of being law-abiding citizens and supporting the good that authorities do. It encourages believers to live in a way that reflects integrity and respect for societal order.
8. 1 Corinthians 16:16
“…to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it.”
Paul speaks of submitting to those who are dedicated to the work of the Lord. This verse reminds believers to respect and cooperate with fellow Christians, especially those who labor in ministry. It encourages humility and partnership in the work of the gospel, recognizing that submission fosters unity.
9. James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
James calls for submission to God as the first step in resisting the devil’s schemes. This verse teaches that true spiritual strength comes from humbling ourselves before God. It encourages us to submit our will to God’s authority, knowing that He gives us the power to overcome temptation.
10. 1 Peter 5:5
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”
Peter instructs younger believers to submit to their elders, highlighting the importance of humility. This verse reminds us that submission is a posture of humility, not just a requirement of authority. It encourages us to honor those who are older or in leadership, recognizing that humility is key to receiving God’s grace.
11. 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.”
This verse encourages believers to trust in God’s wisdom and submit to His guidance in every aspect of life. Submission to God is foundational to living a life of faith. It reminds us that when we submit to His authority, we can trust Him to direct our paths and lead us in the right way.
12. Romans 13:5
“Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.”
Paul emphasizes that submission to authorities is not just about avoiding punishment but about having a clear conscience before God. This verse reminds believers that submission to earthly authorities is part of their moral and spiritual duty. It encourages us to respect authority as a matter of principle, not just self-preservation.
13. Matthew 22:21
“So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Jesus teaches the principle of honoring both earthly and heavenly authority. This verse reminds us that we have responsibilities to both human governments and to God. It encourages believers to fulfill their obligations to civil authorities while maintaining ultimate allegiance to God.
14. Acts 5:29
“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’”
When earthly authorities conflict with God’s commands, Peter declares that obedience to God takes precedence. This verse reminds us that while submission to authority is important, our ultimate loyalty is to God. It encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, even when it means disobeying unjust human laws.
15. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Paul calls believers to pray for those in authority. This verse reminds us that submitting to authority includes praying for leaders, even when we may disagree with them. It encourages us to pray for wisdom and guidance for those in power, contributing to peace and godliness in society.
16. 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.”
Paul outlines the biblical order of authority in relationships. This verse reminds us that submission is part of God’s design for family and spiritual life. It encourages believers to respect the roles and responsibilities God has given within the family and the church.
17. 1 Samuel 15:22
“But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’”
Samuel emphasizes that obedience is more important than outward religious rituals. This verse reminds us that submission to God’s authority is better than merely going through the motions of worship. It encourages believers to prioritize obedience to God’s commands in every area of life.
18. Ecclesiastes 8:2
“Obey the king’s command, I say, because you took an oath before God.”
This verse highlights the importance of honoring commitments to authority figures. It reminds believers that obedience to rulers is part of their commitment to God, as they respect the authority He has allowed to govern. It encourages believers to honor their word and uphold their responsibilities to authority.
19. Philippians 2:8
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
Jesus’ submission to the Father’s will, even to the point of death, serves as the ultimate example of humility and obedience. This verse reminds us that Christ’s submission to God’s plan was an act of love and sacrifice. It encourages us to follow His example by submitting our lives to God’s will.
20. Deuteronomy 17:12
“Anyone who shows contempt for the judge or for the priest who stands ministering there to the Lord your God is to be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel.”
This Old Testament law underscores the seriousness of submitting to the authority of judges and priests. It reminds us that respect for spiritual and civil authority was part of maintaining justice and order in Israel. It encourages believers to uphold a respectful attitude toward those in leadership.
21. Luke 20:25
“He said to them, ‘Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’”
Jesus affirms the principle of honoring both civil and divine authority. This verse reminds us that we are to fulfill our obligations to earthly rulers while keeping our primary devotion to God. It encourages us to navigate our responsibilities in society with integrity and faithfulness to God.
22. 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.”
Peter instructs slaves to submit to their masters, even when they are unjust. This verse teaches that submission is a way to honor God, even in difficult circumstances. It encourages believers to endure hardship with a heart of submission, trusting that God sees and rewards faithfulness.
23. Matthew 23:11-12
“The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Jesus teaches that true greatness comes through humility and servanthood. This verse reminds us that submitting to others is a way of demonstrating humility. It encourages us to seek greatness not through power or position but through serving others in love.
24. Romans 13:6-7
“This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
Paul explains the role of government authorities as God’s servants and the responsibility of citizens to fulfill their obligations. This verse reminds believers to respect the financial and social obligations set by authorities. It encourages us to honor those in power by supporting the systems that maintain order.
25. 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.”
Peter encourages wives to submit to their husbands as a testimony of faith, especially in situations where the husband is not a believer. This verse reminds us that submission can be a powerful witness of Christ’s love and humility. It encourages Christian wives to demonstrate godly character in their relationships.
26. Proverbs 21:1
“In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.”
This verse highlights God’s sovereignty over rulers and authorities. It reminds us that even those in power are ultimately subject to God’s will. It encourages believers to trust that God is in control of the hearts of leaders and that He can direct their decisions for His purposes.
27. Ephesians 5:24
“Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.”
Paul draws a parallel between the relationship of Christ and the church and the relationship of husband and wife. This verse encourages wives to submit to their husbands in the same way that the church submits to Christ’s leadership, trusting that this reflects God’s design for marriage.
28. 2 Peter 2:10
“This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings.”
Peter warns against those who despise authority and act with arrogance. This verse reminds us that rejecting authority is a sign of rebellion and pride. It encourages believers to respect both earthly and spiritual authority, recognizing that God has established these structures for our benefit.
29. Jeremiah 29:7
“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Even in exile, God instructs the Israelites to seek the peace of the city and to pray for its prosperity. This verse encourages believers to work for the good of their communities and nations, even in difficult situations, by submitting to authority and contributing to the welfare of the society around them.
30. 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.”
Paul reminds believers that their freedom in Christ is not a license to reject authority or act selfishly. This verse encourages us to use our freedom to serve others in love, which includes submitting to authority when appropriate. It reminds us that true freedom is found in humility and service to others.