Understanding the biblical meaning of submission is essential for anyone seeking to live a faith-driven life aligned with Scripture. But what exactly does it mean to be submissive in the Bible? Is submission about weakness or strength? Does the Bible advocate for blind obedience, or is there a deeper, richer understanding of this concept?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unravel the biblical definition of submission, explore key scripture passages, discuss cultural and theological perspectives, and provide practical insights on how submission is relevant for believers today.
1. Defining Submission: What Does Submissive Mean in the Bible?
At its core, submission in the Bible means to yield, to place oneself under the authority or will of another, or to willingly cooperate. It involves an intentional attitude of humility, respect, and obedience — but importantly, always within the framework of God’s design and justice.
Unlike modern interpretations often skewed by cultural biases, biblical submission is neither about weakness nor coercion. Instead, it is a voluntary and trusting relinquishing of control to God’s authority and rightful human authorities, motivated by faith and love.
Key Points:
Submission = Voluntary yielding, not forced compliance
Rooted in humility and respect
Always subject to God’s ultimate authority
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2. The Original Biblical Terms for Submission: Hebrew and Greek Insights
Understanding biblical submission begins with its original language terms:
Hebrew word: “כָּנַע” (kana‘) — meaning to be humble, submissive, or brought low. Often refers to submission to God or another person.
Greek word: “ὑποτάσσω” (hypotassō) — literally means “to arrange under,” “to subordinate,” or “to subject oneself.” Commonly used in the New Testament to describe submission within relationships and authority structures.
These terms emphasize order and relationship, not oppression. The idea is about fitting oneself appropriately within God-ordained structures.
3. Submission in the Old Testament: Patterns and Examples
In the Old Testament, submission is first and foremost submission to God as the sovereign Creator.
Examples:
Abraham submits to God’s call to leave his homeland (Genesis 12:1-4).
Moses submits to God’s commission to lead Israel (Exodus 3-4).
The people of Israel are called to submit to God’s covenant laws (Deuteronomy 6:5).
Submission also governs social order — children to parents, servants to masters — but always under God’s justice.
4. New Testament Teachings on Submission
The New Testament provides clearer, more practical instructions on submission, especially in relationships.
Ephesians 5:21 instructs believers to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” This mutual submission is foundational.
Ephesians 5:22-24 teaches wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, while husbands are commanded to love their wives sacrificially (Ephesians 5:25).
Colossians 3:18-22 echoes this, extending submission to family and workplace relationships.
Romans 13:1-7 calls for submission to governing authorities, acknowledging their God-given role.
The key is that submission is a two-way street rooted in love and respect, not domination.
5. Submission to God vs. Submission to Humans: A Balanced View
The Bible distinguishes between submitting to God’s authority and submitting to human authority.
Submission to God is absolute and non-negotiable (James 4:7).
Submission to human authorities is conditional and within limits (Acts 5:29). If human commands contradict God’s will, believers must obey God rather than humans.
This principle safeguards against abusive or unjust demands.
6. Biblical Submission in Marriage: What Scripture Says
Marriage is the most discussed context for submission in the Bible.
What Scripture Teaches:
Wives are called to submit to husbands as the church submits to Christ (Ephesians 5:22-24).
Husbands are commanded to love their wives sacrificially, nurturing and cherishing them (Ephesians 5:25-33).
Mutual submission is emphasized (Ephesians 5:21).
Submission is about respect and partnership, not control or oppression.
Common Misconceptions:
Submission does not mean blind obedience or silence.
It does not justify abuse or domination.
Biblical submission is empowering, fostering harmony through respect and love.
7. Jesus Christ: The Ultimate Example of Submission
Jesus is the perfect model of submission.
Submitted to the Father’s will even unto death (Luke 22:42).
Though He was Lord, He humbled Himself to serve others (Philippians 2:5-8).
Submission for Jesus meant obedience and sacrificial love — never weakness.
This model guides believers to submit out of love and trust, not fear.
8. Common Misconceptions About Submission
Submission ≠ Inferiority: The Bible teaches equality in value and dignity before God (Galatians 3:28).
Submission ≠ Weakness: It requires strength and humility to submit willingly.
Submission ≠ Silence: Christians are called to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
Submission ≠ Abuse: The Bible condemns abuse and injustice in any form.
9. Submission and Servanthood: Serving Others with Humility
Submission is closely tied to servanthood.
Jesus taught that greatness in God’s kingdom is marked by serving others (Mark 10:43-45).
Believers submit by putting others’ needs before their own (Philippians 2:3-4).
Submission expresses humility and love, reflecting Christ’s heart.
10. Submission in the Early Church and Christian Community
Early Christians practiced submission as a community, submitting to one another and to church leaders (Hebrews 13:17).
It fostered unity, peace, and spiritual growth.
Submission was motivated by faith and love, not compulsion.
11. The Role of Submission in Spiritual Growth
Submission is not just an external act but an internal posture.
It requires trust in God’s plan and humility to surrender self-will.
Submission deepens faith, fosters patience, and produces spiritual maturity (James 4:7).
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12. Healthy Submission vs. Abuse: Recognizing Boundaries
While submission is biblical, abuse is not.
Submission does not mean tolerating violence, manipulation, or injustice.
Scripture commands believers to protect the vulnerable and pursue justice (Psalm 82:3-4).
Healthy submission exists within safe, loving relationships where respect is mutual.
13. Modern Application of Biblical Submission
Today, believers apply submission by:
Respecting spiritual and civil authorities responsibly.
Practicing mutual submission in marriage and community.
Serving others humbly in church and society.
Rejecting any cultural misuse of submission that harms dignity or freedom.
What Does Submissive Mean In The Bible FAQs
Q1: What does it mean to be submissive to God?
A: It means willingly yielding to God’s authority, trusting His wisdom, and following His commands.
Q2: Does the Bible say women must submit to men?
A: The Bible calls wives to submit to husbands in a loving, respectful partnership, but also commands husbands to love sacrificially. Submission is mutual and rooted in love.
Q3: Is submission required from children to parents?
A: Yes, children are encouraged to obey and respect parents (Ephesians 6:1-3), reflecting God’s order for family relationships.
Q4: Can submission be mutual in Christian relationships?
A: Absolutely. Ephesians 5:21 encourages believers to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Q5: How can submission be loving and respectful?
A: When submission is voluntary and motivated by love, it fosters respect and unity rather than control.
Q6: Is submission the same as obedience?
A: Submission includes obedience but is broader, involving attitude, respect, and humility.
Q7: How do I know if submission is healthy or abusive?
A: Healthy submission builds up and respects dignity; abusive submission involves coercion, fear, or harm.
Q8: Does submission mean silence or no opinion?
A: No, believers are encouraged to speak truth in love and share their perspectives respectfully.
Q9: How did Jesus model submission?
A: Jesus submitted to the Father’s will, serving humbly and sacrificially, even unto death.
Q10: Is submission optional for Christians?
A: Submission is a biblical principle essential for spiritual growth and harmony, but it must be balanced with wisdom and justice.
Conclusion
Biblical submission is a beautiful, powerful principle rooted in humility, love, and trust. It is a voluntary yielding to God’s authority and to one another in a way that honors dignity and promotes harmony. Far from being a sign of weakness or oppression, true submission requires strength and reflects the heart of Christ Himself — the ultimate servant leader.
