35 Important Bible Verses About Being Submissive To Your Husband (With Commentary)

Being submissive to your husband can sometimes be misunderstood. Many people think it means being weak or giving up your voice, but that’s not the case at all. The Bible teaches us about love, respect, and partnership in marriage. It shows how important it is to support each other and work together. The verses on submission highlight mutual respect and the value of a strong relationship built on trust and understanding.

Today, we will look at some key Bible verses that explain what it means to be submissive in a marriage. These scriptures are meant to encourage both husbands and wives, reminding us of the beauty of teamwork in a loving partnership. Let’s take a moment to reflect on how these teachings can help strengthen our marriages.

Bible Verses About Being Submissive To Your Husband

Embracing Love and Respect

In our relationships, love and respect stand at the forefront. When we talk about being submissive to our husbands, we often think about love, which is much deeper than merely following orders; it’s about mutual respect and partnership. The Bible encourages us to love each other genuinely. This kind of love creates an atmosphere where submission becomes a choice based on trust rather than obligation. When both partners value love and respect, they build a strong foundation for their relationship, leading to a harmonious and joyful life together.

Colossians 3:18

“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” – Colossians 3:18

This scripture emphasizes that being submissive is part of honoring God. It reminds us that submission should reflect our relationship with Him. We honor God when we choose to support our husbands.

Ephesians 5:22

“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:22

In this verse, we see how submission is tied to our relationship with Christ. This passage encourages us to have a heart of submission that flows from our commitment to God.

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

Here we see the power of our actions in achieving a positive influence on our husbands. Our respectful submission can serve as a witness, revealing the beauty of a loving relationship.

Proverbs 31:12

“She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” – Proverbs 31:12

This verse speaks to the essence of submission, which is about lifting our husbands up. Being submissive means wanting the best for them and supporting them in their endeavors.

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

This verse is at the heart of a loving relationship. Submission should flow from love and care for one another, reminding us that we uplift our husbands in kindness and patience.

The Role of Support and Partnership

Being submissive in a marriage also involves the concept of partnership. Both partners in a marriage have responsibilities that contribute to the overall harmony of the relationship. Support is essential; it is not just about following but also about being there for one another. A wife’s submission does not signify weakness. Instead, it shows a willingness to work together and contribute to a solid foundation. This partnership stands on mutual goals and aspirations, where both individuals support each other in a meaningful way.

Ephesians 5:33

“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” – Ephesians 5:33

This verse points out the importance of love and respect in the marriage partnership. Husbands are called to love, and wives are called to respect. Both are necessary for achieving harmony.

Genesis 2:18

“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'” – Genesis 2:18

This verse shows that God intended for women to assist and support their husbands. It highlights the importance of being a partner in the marriage and working hand in hand.

Philippians 2:3

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

This scripture teaches us humility, demonstrating how we should prioritize our spouse’s needs above our own. A humble heart fosters a respectful and submissive relationship.

Romans 12:10

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10

In our marriages, honoring our partners is vital. This scripture encourages us to elevate our husbands as we support them, reflecting the beauty of partnership.

Ecclesiastes 4:9

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9

Working together in marriage enhances our lives. We are reminded that being submissive strengthens our partnership, allowing us to achieve more as a team.

The Power of Prayer

As we navigate submission in our marriage, prayer plays a vital role. It centers our thoughts and hearts toward God and invites Him into our relationship. Understanding that we can pray for our husbands helps us foster love and respect. Prayer offers us strength and guidance, so we can better support our husbands and respond to them with grace. It creates a deeper bond when we seek God’s wisdom together, reminding us that we are never alone in our journey.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This verse highlights the importance of prayer and gratitude in our lives. Continual prayer leads to a positive outlook and helps us remember to support our husbands.

James 5:16

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16

This scripture reminds us that prayer is powerful. By praying for one another, we encourage forgiveness, healing, and growth within our marriages.

Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6-7

By bringing our worries to God in prayer, we gain peace and clarity. This practice strengthens our relationships, guiding us in how to submit thoughtfully and respectfully.

Matthew 18:20

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20

When we pray together with our spouses, we invite God’s presence into our relationship. This prayer strengthens the bond and reinforces our commitment to honoring each other.

1 John 5:14

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” – 1 John 5:14

When we align our prayers with God’s will, we can trust that our requests for guidance and strength are heard. This fosters a submissive heart rooted in faith through prayer.

The Joy of Submission

Choosing to be submissive in our relationships brings a unique joy. This joy comes from knowing that our marriage is rooted in biblical principles, demonstrating love and respect. We find that submission creates harmony at home, prompting us to uplift one another. Through submission, we experience the joy of giving and receiving love, enhancing our connection with each other. Embracing this joy can transform our perspective on submission and lead us to enrich our marital lives.

Proverbs 17:22

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22

This verse points to the importance of maintaining a joyful spirit. When we choose to be supportive, it reflects our joyful hearts, creating a positive atmosphere in our marriages.

Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23

The joy that comes from being submissive reveals the fruits of the Spirit in action. This brings about kindness and gentleness, essential in a loving marriage.

Psalm 37:4

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4

When we submit ourselves to God’s path in our marriages, we discover joy and fulfillment as we embrace His desires for us and our husbands.

Nehemiah 8:10

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10

Finding strength in joy enables us to flourish in submission. The joy in our hearts becomes a source of motivation in nurturing our relationships.

Psalm 100:2

“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” – Psalm 100:2

Worship can infuse our lives with joy, guiding us in our submissive hearts. Approaching our husbands with joy can enhance the love we share.

The Role of Faith in Submission

Faith plays a key role in understanding our submission within marriage. With faith, we recognize that God has a purpose for our relationships. Operating from a place of faith helps us submit in a way that mirrors the trust we have in God. This trust fosters patience and understanding. When we rely on God through faith, we can see the beauty that submission offers, knowing our husbands’ leadership is also a part of God’s divine plan for our lives.

Hebrews 11:1

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1

Having faith allows us to trust in God’s purposes for our marriages. This confidence provides comfort during challenging times, enabling us to submit lovingly.

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

Trusting in God’s guidance is central to submission. By submitting both to God and our husbands, we can move forward with confidence and clarity.

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

This scripture encourages us to prioritize our faith, assuring us that God will provide what we need as we navigate submission with a discipleship mindset.

Romans 10:17

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” – Romans 10:17

As we seek God’s word, our faith grows, enabling us to submit joyfully and graciously in our marriages, trusting in the divine path laid out for us.

1 Timothy 4:10

“This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.” – 1 Timothy 4:10

Having hope in God provides us with the strength to submit amid struggles. Knowing we trust in Him gives us peace while we support our husbands.

Guiding Each Other in Faith

As we reflect on submission, guiding each other in faith is crucial. As wives, we are encouraged to help our husbands grow spiritually, just as they are called to lead us. Supporting each other requires open communication, mutual respect, and a shared faith in Christ. When we commit to guiding each other, our relationships flourish. Together we can deepen our faith, encouraging one another to pursue righteousness, thus fulfilling our roles in a biblically grounded marriage.

Proverbs 27:17

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

This verse speaks to the importance of our interactions. By guiding each other, we sharpen our spiritual lives and strengthen our marriage bonds in faith.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Encouragement plays a vital role in our marriages. By uplifting each other, we adhere to the principles of submission, fostering a loving and compassionate home.

Galatians 6:2

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

Sharing burdens binds us closer together, fulfilling our responsibilities as partners. Supporting our husbands becomes part of our commitment to mutual submission.

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

Forgiveness builds the strength of our relationships. Submission involves grace and love as we navigate challenges together, focusing on our shared faith.

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—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25

This verse encourages us to come together, regularly focusing on faith and building each other’s spirits. In partnership, we inspire each other towards positive actions.

Final Thoughts

We have explored the importance of being submissive to our husbands as outlined in biblical scripture. It’s a journey filled with love, respect, and partnership, creating a strong foundation for our relationships. As we adopt this submissive role with faith, prayer, and understanding, we find joy and fulfillment in our marriages. Each verse points to the responsibility we hold in creating a nurturing, supportive environment that enables our husbands and us to grow together in God’s purpose. With love being our guide, we can express our submission in ways that build each other up and reflect God’s love.

Every marriage can benefit from the principles discussed, reaffirming our commitment to one another. As we lean on God’s teachings, we are continually growing in our relationships, fostering a loving partnership. If you wish to delve deeper into the dynamics of marriage, explore our topics on husband and wife duties and women’s roles. Let’s continue to uplift one another in faith.