Ephesians 5:22
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Ephesians 5:22
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "to your own husbands" is crucial here, highlighting that this instruction is about the unique, personal covenant between a wife and her husband, not a general command to all women. This submission is rooted in the specific relationship God has designed, underscoring that it's intended to function within that distinct bond, "as to the Lord."
Paul is transitioning from his warning against sexual immorality to outlining how believers should live within the structure of society, focusing on specific relationships. He begins with the marital relationship, explaining that wives are to submit to their husbands, not as a matter of human custom, but as an expression of obedience to Christ, reflecting the ultimate relationship between Christ and the Church. This instruction sets the stage for his subsequent commands to husbands regarding their love for their wives, establishing a pattern of mutual respect and God-ordained roles within marriage.
This verse might sound old-fashioned, but it's deeply rooted in God's plan for families. What does it really mean for a wife to 'submit'?
The Bible presents a specific order within marriage, not as a burden, but as a structure that reflects God's own order.
God's Ordained Headship
The text emphasizes that the husband is the 'head' of the wife, a concept drawing parallels to Christ as the head of the Church. This isn't about superiority, but about distinct roles designed for harmony and effective functioning within the family unit. Think of it like a body: different parts have different functions, but all are essential and work together under the direction of the head.
The 'Why' Behind Submission
Submission here isn't blind obedience or a sign of weakness. It's a willing yielding of one's own way, acknowledging the husband's role as leader and provider, much like the Church yields to Christ. This is a 'sacred duty' established by God for the flourishing of the family.
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Does 'submitting as to the Lord' mean obeying no matter what? This verse has critical boundaries.
While the Bible calls for submission, it's always within the framework of God's higher authority. A wife's obedience to her husband does not extend to actions that violate her conscience or God's commands.
The Ultimate Authority
The phrase 'as unto the Lord' is key here. It means submission is offered because of Christ's authority and command, not as an independent duty. If a husband's request conflicts with what God requires, or even what a wife's conscience, informed by God's Word, dictates, her ultimate allegiance is to God.
The Case of Conscience
This principle protects the integrity of the wife's faith. She is not obligated to participate in dishonesty, wrongdoing, or anything that compromises her relationship with God. In such situations, the command to 'obey God rather than men' takes precedence.
Understand the original words
Kyriō · Greek Noun
The divine Sovereign and Master who possesses supreme authority over all creation and specifically over the Church. It denotes Jesus' lordship as the resurrected Redeemer.
This passage echoes the instruction for wives to submit, framing it within their behavior and conduct, highlighting a broader spiritual context for such submission.
Colossians 3:18This verse directly parallels Ephesians 5:22, stating 'Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord,' reinforcing the divine sanction for this relationship dynamic.
1 Corinthians 11:3This verse establishes the principle of Christ as the head of man, and man as the head of woman, providing theological grounding for the idea of headship and submission within marriage.
Genesis 2:18-24This foundational creation account describes the formation of woman from man and their intended unity, implicitly setting the stage for the roles and relationships discussed later in Scripture.
Titus 2:5This verse encourages wives to be 'sensible, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands,' presenting submission as part of a larger picture of godly living for women.
vincentEphesians 5:22: "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord."
Your own (ἰδίοις)The peculiar personal relationship is emphasized as the ground of the duty.
barnesEphesians 5:22: "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord."
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands - On this passage, compare notes on 1 Corinthians 11:3-9 . The duty of the submission of the wife to her husband is everywhere enjoined in the Scriptures; see 1 Peter 3:1 ; Colossians 3:18 ; Titus 2:5 . While Christianity designed to elevate the character of the wife, and to make her a fit companion of an intelligent and pious husband, it did not intend to destroy…
The phrase "to your own husbands" is crucial here, highlighting that this instruction is about the unique, personal covenant between a wife and her husband, not a general command to all women. This submission is rooted in the specific relationship God has designed, underscoring that it's intended to function within that distinct bond, "as to the Lord."
Paul is transitioning from his warning against sexual immorality to outlining how believers should live within the structure of society, focusing on specific relationships. He begins with the marital relationship, explaining that wives are to submit to their husbands, not as a matter of human custom, but as an expression of obedience to Christ, reflecting the ultimate relationship between Christ and the Church. This instruction sets the stage for his subsequent commands to husbands regarding their love for their wives, establishing a pattern of mutual respect and God-ordained roles within marriage.
Paul is transitioning from his warning against sexual immorality to outlining how believers should live within the structure of society, focusing on specific relationships. He begins with the marital relationship, explaining that wives are to submit to their husbands, not as a matter of human custom, but as an expression of obedience to Christ, reflecting the ultimate relationship between Christ and the Church. This instruction sets the stage for his subsequent commands to husbands regarding their love for their wives, establishing a pattern of mutual respect and God-ordained roles within marriage.
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." — The phrase "to your own husbands" is crucial here, highlighting that this instruction is about the unique, personal covenant between a wife and her husband, not a general command to all women. Th…
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